Anticonvulsant, Anxiolytic, and Sedative Activities of Verbena officinalis

Therapeutics to Treat Psychiatric and Neurological Disorders: A Promising Perspective from Algerian Traditional Medicine

Ancient people sought out drugs in nature to prevent, cure, and treat their diseases, including mental illnesses. Plants were their primary source for meeting their healthcare needs. In Algeria, folk medicine remains a fundamental part of the local intangible knowledge. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive ethnomedicinal investigation and documentation of medicinal plants and the different plant formulations traditionally used in Algeria for the treatment of pain, psychiatric, and neurological disorders. It also intends to improve the current knowledge of Algerian folk medicine. Several scientific databases were used to accomplish this work. Based on this investigation, we identified 82 plant species belonging to 69 genera and spanning 38 distinct botanical families used as remedies to treat various psychological and neurological conditions. Their traditional uses and methods of preparation, along with their phytochemical composition, main bioactive constituents, and toxicity were noted. Therefore, this review provides a new resource of information on Algerian medicinal plants used in the treatment and management of neurological and psychological diseases, which can be useful not only for the documentation and conservation of traditional knowledge, but also for conducting future phytochemical and pharmacological studies.

Verbenalin attenuates hepatic damage and mitochondrial dysfunction in alcohol-associated steatohepatitis by regulating MDMX/PPARα-mediated ferroptosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Verbenalin is a major compound in Verbena officinalis L. Verbena officinalis L was first recorded in the 'Supplementary Records of Famous Physicians.' Verbenalin (VE) is its active constituent and has been found to have many biological effects, including anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, removing jaundice, and treating malaria. It could treat lump accumulation, dysmenorrhea, throat obstruction, edema, jaundice, and malaria. Palmitic acid (PA), oleic acid (OA), ethanol, and acetaminophen liver injuries have been proven to benefit from verbenalin.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To study the effects of verbenalin on the prevention of alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) through the regulation of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction by regulating MDMX (Murine double minute X)/PPARα (Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha)-mediated ferroptosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

C57BL/6 mice treated with alcohol followed by the Gao-Binge protocol were administered verbenalin by gavage simultaneously. The mitochondrial mass and morphology were visualized using TEM. AML-12 cells were stimulated with ethanol to mimic ASH in vitro. Western blotting, co-immunoprecipitation, and kit determination were simultaneously performed. The target protein of verbenalin was identified by molecular docking, and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) further confirmed its interactions.

RESULTS

Verbenalin alleviates oxidative stress and ferroptosis in alcohol-associated steatohepatitis. To elucidate the molecular mechanism by which verbenalin inhibits abnormal mitochondrial dysfunction, molecular docking was performed, and MDMX was identified as the target protein of verbenalin. CETSA assays revealed a specific interaction between MDMX and verbenalin. Co-immunoprecipitation demonstrated that PPARα played a critical role in promoting the ability of MDMX to affect ferroptosis. Verbenalin regulates MDMX/PPARα-mediated ferroptosis in AML-12 cells.

CONCLUSION

Verbenalin regulates ferroptosis and highlights the therapeutic potential of verbenalin and ferroptosis inhibition in reducing alcoholic steatohepatitis.

Bioactive Constituents of Verbena officinalis Alleviate Inflammation and Enhance Killing Efficiency of Natural Killer Cells

Natural killer (NK) cells play key roles in eliminating pathogen-infected cells. Verbena officinalis (V. officinalis) has been used as a medical plant in traditional and modern medicine for its anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory activities, but its effects on immune responses remain largely elusive. This study aimed to investigate the potential of V. officinalis extract (VO extract) to regulate inflammation and NK cell functions. We examined the effects of VO extract on lung injury in a mouse model of influenza virus infection. We also investigated the impact of five bioactive components of VO extract on NK killing functions using primary human NK cells. Our results showed that oral administration of VO extract reduced lung injury, promoted the maturation and activation of NK cells in the lung, and decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β) in the serum. Among five bioactive components of VO extract, Verbenalin significantly enhanced NK killing efficiency in vitro, as determined by real-time killing assays based on plate-reader or high-content live-cell imaging in 3D using primary human NK cells. Further investigation showed that treatment of Verbenalin accelerated the killing process by reducing the contact time of NK cells with their target cells without affecting NK cell proliferation, expression of cytotoxic proteins, or lytic granule degranulation. Together, our findings suggest that VO extract has a satisfactory anti-inflammatory effect against viral infection in vivo, and regulates the activation, maturation, and killing functions of NK cells. Verbenalin from V. officinalis enhances NK killing efficiency, suggesting its potential as a promising therapeutic to fight viral infection.

Exercise Training and Verbena officinalis L. Affect Pre-Clinical and Histological Parameters

Verbena officinalis L. or vervain is an herbal medicine and dietary supplement used worldwide. It is used for antidepressant and anticonvulsant purposes, as well as to treat inflammatory disorders, skin burns, abrasions, and gastric diseases, among others. Here, we investigated the biochemical, antioxidant, and histopathological effects of vervain against chronic physical stress. Male Wistar rats were submitted to chronic physical training and oral administration of 200 mg/kg of extract for 7 weeks. Control animals were not treated with either stress or vervain. Body weight was monitored during the study. Liver, kidney, spleen, testis, epididymis, heart, skeletal muscle, and brain samples were collected. Blood cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), bilirubin, and creatinine kinase (CREA), among others, were studied. Glutathione peroxidase (GPox) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) antioxidant activity was analyzed in the blood, liver, and kidney. Testosterone measurements were also performed on whole testis extracts. We found significant weight ratios differences in the epididymis, brain, and heart. Animals submitted to training showed hemorrhagic livers. Kidney histology was affected by both stress and vervain. Cell disruption and vacuolization were observed in the testes and epididymis of animals submitted to stress. Hematological and biochemical markers as CREA, LDH, TP, CKI, URCA, γGT, and glucose revealed statistically significantly differences. Additionally, the activity of glutathione peroxide (GPox) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the blood was also impacted. Both stress and vervain have significant in vivo effects. Infusions of vervain include phenylpropanoids, iridoids, verbenalin, hastatoside, and flavonoids, amongst others, which interact synergistically to produce the preclinical effects reported here.

Potential biomedical applications of Araucaria araucana as an antispasmodic, bronchodilator, vasodilator, and antiemetic: Involvement of calcium channels

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Since pre-Columbian era, the resin of Araucaria araucana tree has been used traditionally for the treatment of ulcers and wounds. Araucaria species have also been used to treat inflammation, respiratory problems, viral infections, ulcers, and rheumatoid, cardiovascular, and neurological disorders.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE

Due to its popular use, the authors aimed to scrutinize the potential of this plant as an antispasmodic and an antiemetic agent. Furthermore broncho- and vasodilatory effects of this plant was explored to rationalize its folkloric uses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Araucaria araucana crude extract (Aa.Cr) was evaluated in isolated preparations of rabbit jejunum, trachea, aorta, and atria to investigate the antispasmodic, bronchodilator, and vasodilator effects. The potential mechanistic approaches were compared with the standard drug 'verapamil'. The antiemetic activity was determined and compared with the standard drug 'domperidone' via chick emesis model.

RESULTS

Aa.Cr dose-dependently relaxed both spontaneous and K⁺-induced contractions in the isolated jejunum preparations of rabbits. In concentration-response curves of calcium (Ca⁺⁺), Aa.Cr also triggered the rightward shift like verapamil. Applying carbachol and phenylephrine (1 μM) and K+ (80 mM) to the isolated tracheal and aortic tissue preparation, respectively, resulted in broncho- and vasodilatory activities, respectively which may be due to the inhibition of Ca++ channels. Aa.Cr inhibited atrial force and spontaneous contractions in the rabbit's right atria. Aa.Cr exhibited significant antiemetic activity (P < 0.001 vs. saline) in dose-dependent (50-150 mg/kg) manner like domperidone. In silico molecular docking was performed to investigate the biological targets of purified components of Aa.Cr which revealed that cadinol dominantly targets β2 receptors to cause bronchodilation, however, eudesmin binds non-specifically to all the selected targets, while secoisolariciresinol mediated high hydrogen bonding with muscarinic receptors (M1 and M3) and Ca⁺⁺ channels, thus shows the suggested mechanistic pathways of targeted activities.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicates that Aa.Cr may exhibit antispasmodic activity, bronchodilation, and vasodilation by inhibiting voltage-dependent Ca⁺⁺ channels and release of subcellular calcium. This explains its folkloric use in hypertension, bronchospasms, gastrointestinal spasms, and emesis.

Metabolic Profiling by GC-MS, In Vitro Biological Potential, and In Silico Molecular Docking Studies of Verbena officinalis

Verbena officinalis L. is a traditionally important medicinal herb that has a rich source of bioactive phytoconstituents with biological benefits. The objective of this study was to assess the metabolic profile and in vitro biological potential of V. officinalis. The bioactive phytoconstituents were evaluated by preliminary phytochemical studies, estimation of polyphenolic contents, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of all fractions (crude methanolic, n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol) of V. officinalis. The biological investigation was performed by different assays including antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and FRAP), enzyme inhibition assays (urease and α-glucosidase), and hemolytic activity. The ethyl acetate extract had the maximum concentration of total phenolic and total flavonoid contents (394.30 ± 1.09 mg GAE·g^-1 DE and 137.35 ± 0.94 mg QE·g^-1 DE, respectively). Significant antioxidant potential was observed in all fractions by all four antioxidant methods. Maximum urease inhibitory activity in terms of IC₅₀ value was shown by ethyl acetate fraction (10 ± 1.60 µg mL^-1) in comparison to standard hydroxy urea (9.8 ± 1.20 µg·mL^-1). The n-hexane extract showed good α-glucosidase inhibitory efficacy (420 ± 20 µg·mL^-1) as compared to other extract/fractions. Minimum hemolytic activity was found in crude methanolic fraction (6.5 ± 0.94%) in comparison to positive standard Triton X-100 (93.5 ± 0.48%). The GC-MS analysis of all extract/fractions of V. officinalis including crude methanolic, n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol fractions, resulted in the identification of 24, 56, 25, and 9 bioactive compounds, respectively, with 80% quality index. Furthermore, the bioactive compounds identified by GC-MS were analyzed using in silico molecular docking studies to determine the binding affinity between ligands and enzymes (urease and α-glucosidase). In conclusion, V. officinalis possesses multiple therapeutical potentials, and further research is needed to explore its use in the treatment of chronic diseases.

In Vitro Antimelanoma Properties of Verbena officinalis Fractions

Verbena officinalis is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat many ailments. Extracts of this plant are therapeutic agents for the potential treatment of different diseases, including colorectal and liver cancers, but have not been explored for their anti-melanoma potential so far. The goal of the current work was to prepare a methanolic extract and fractionate it using hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol, and acetone to get semi-purified products. These semi-purified fractions were studied for their potency against melanoma cell lines. The three potent fractions (HA, VO79, and EA3) demonstrated 50% inhibition concentration (IC₅₀) values as low as 2.85 µg/mL against the LOX IMVI cell line. All three fractions showed similar potency in inhibiting the growth of the B16 cells, a murine melanoma cell line. Based on high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) data, for the first time, we report on lupulone A from this plant. LC-MS data also indicated the presence of hedergonic acid, serjanic acid, and other compounds in V. officinalis extracts.

Phenylpropanoid Glycoside and Phenolic Acid Profiles and Biological Activities of Biomass Extracts from Different Types of Verbena officinalis Microshoot Cultures and Soil-Grown Plant

Different types of microshoot cultures (agar, stationary liquid, agitated, and bioreactors) of Verbena officinalis were optimized for biomass growth and the production of phenylpropanoid glycosides and phenolic acids. Using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry, the presence of verbascoside, isoverbascoside, leucoseptoside A/isomers, and cistanoside D/isomer was confirmed in the methanolic extracts obtained from all types of in vitro cultures. The compound’s content was determined by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography. The main metabolites in biomass extracts were verbascoside and isoverbascoside (maximum 4881.61 and 451.80 mg/100 g dry weight (DW)). In the soil-grown plant extract, verbascoside was also dominated (1728.97 mg/100 g DW). The content of phenolic acids in the analyzed extracts was below 24 mg/100 g DW. The highest radical scavenging activity was found in the biomass extract from agitated cultures, the most effective reducing power in agar culture extract, and the highest chelating activity in extract from bioreactor cultures. The extracts showed significantly stronger bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity against Gram-positive bacteria (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.3–2.2 mg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 0.6–9 mg/mL) than against Gram-negative bacteria (MIC 0.6–9 mg/mL, MBC of 0.6–18 mg/mL). The biomass extract from liquid stationary culture showed the strongest antibacterial activity, while the extract from soil-grown herb had the lowest.

Medicinal plants used in traditional Mayan medicine for the treatment of central nervous system disorders: An overview

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

For thousands of years, different cultural groups have used and transformed natural resources for medicinal purposes focused on psychological or neurological conditions. Some of these are recognized as central nervous system (CNS) disorders and diseases, whereas other ethnopsychiatric interpretations are explained in culture-specific terms. In traditional Mayan medicine, several herbs have been part of treatments and rituals focused on cultural and ethnomedical concepts.

AIM OF REVIEW

This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the medicinal plants used in Mesoamerica by traditional healers and Mayan groups to CNS disorders and associate the traditional use with demonstrated pharmacological evidence to establish a solid foundation for directing future research.

METHODS

A systematic search for primary sources of plant use reports for traditional CNS-related remedies of Mesoamerica were obtained from library catalogs, thesis and scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar; and Science Direct), and entered in a database with data analyzed in terms of the usage frequency, use by ethnic groups, plant endemism, and pharmacological investigation.

RESULTS

A total of 155 plants used for ethnopsychiatric conditions in Mesoamerica by Mayan groups were found, encompassing 127 native species. Of these, only 49 native species have reported in vitro or in vivo pharmacological analyses. The most commonly reported ethnopsychiatric conditions are related to anxiety, depression, memory loss, epilepsy, and insomnia. The extent of the scientific evidence available to understand the pharmacological application for their use against CNS disorders varied between different plant species, with the most prominent evidence shown by Annona cherimola, Justicia pectoralis, J. spicigera, Mimosa pudica, Persea americana, Petiveria alliacea, Piper amalago, Psidium guajava, Tagetes erecta and T. lucida.

CONCLUSION

Available pharmacological data suggest that different plant species used in traditional Mayan medicine may target the CNS, mainly related to GABA, serotonin, acetylcholine, or neuroprotective pathways. However, more research is required, given the limited data regarding mechanism of action at the preclinical in vivo level, identification of active compounds, scarce number of clinical studies, and the dearth of peer-reviewed studies.

Investigation of 1, 3, 4 Oxadiazole Derivative in PTZ-Induced Neurodegeneration: A Simulation and Molecular Approach

Objective

The study investigated the effect 5-[(naphthalen-2-yloxy) methyl]-1,3,4-oxadiaszole2-thiol (B3) in animal model of acute epileptic shock.

Methods

The pharmacokinetics profile of B3 was checked through SwissADME software. The binding affinities of B3, diazepam, and flumazenil (FLZ) were obtained through Auto Dock and PyRx. Post docking analysis and interpretation of hydrogen bonds were performed through Discovery Studio Visualizer 2016. Molecular dynamics simulations of three complexes were carried out through Desmond software package. B3 was then proceeded in PTZ-induced acute seizures models. Flumazenil was used in animal studies for elucidation of possible mechanism of B3. After behavioral studies, the animals were sacrificed, and the brain samples were isolated and stored in 4% formalin for molecular investigations including H and E staining, IHC staining and Elisa etc.

Results

The results demonstrate that B3 at 20 and 40 mg/kg prolonged the onset time of generalized seizures. B3 considerably increased the expression of protective glutathione S-transferase and glutathione reductase and reduced lipid peroxidation and inducible nitric oxide synthase (P < 0.001) in the cortex. B3 significantly suppressed (P < 0.01) the over expression of the inflammatory mediator tumor necrosis factor–α, whose up-regulation is reported in acute epileptic shocks.

Conclusion

Hence, it is concluded from the aforementioned results that B3 provides neuroprotective effects PTZ-induced acute epileptic model. FLZ pretreatment resulted in inhibition of the anticonvulsant effect of B3. B3 possesses anticonvulsant effect which may be mediated through GABA_A mediated antiepileptic pathway.

An aqueous extract of Canarium schweinfurthii attenuates seizures and potentiates sleep in mice: Evidence for involvement of GABA Pathway

About 30% of epileptic patients continue to have seizures. The present study investigates the anticonvulsant and sedative effects of an aqueous extract of C. schweinfurthii in mice. Anticonvulsant effects of C. schweinfurthii aqueous extract (0.01-300 mg/kg, p.o.) were tested against 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, 15 mg/kg, i.p.) -, pilocarpine (PILO, 380 mg/kg, i.p.) - and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ, 75 mg/kg, i.p.) -induced seizures, while sedative effects were tested on diazepam (35 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced sleep. Afterward, the most effective dose of the extract (11.9 mg/kg) was antagonized with N-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxamide or flumazenil. In another set of experiments, mice were sacrificed for the estimation of GABA content and GABA-T activity in the cerebral cortex. The dose of the extract that protected 50% of mice (ED₅₀) against 4-AP, PILO, and PTZ was respectively 4.43 mg/kg (versus 12.01 for phenobarbital), 9.59 mg/kg (vs 8.67 for diazepam), and 2.12 mg/kg (vs 0.20 for clonazepam). Further, the ED₅₀ of the extract that increased the duration of sleep was 0.24 mg/kg (vs 0.84 for phenobarbital). N-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxamide or flumazenil antagonized (p < 0.001) the anticonvulsant effect of C. schweinfurthii in PTZ-induced seizures and diazepam-induced sleep when compared to the negative control group. The extract at all doses increased (p < 0.001) the GABA content and decreased (p < 0.001) GABA-T activity. These findings suggest that C. schweinfurthii possesses anticonvulsant and sedative effects. These effects seem to be mediated via the modulation of the GABA neurotransmission. These data explain the use of this plant to treat epilepsy in Cameroon traditional medicine.

Characterization of the chloroplast genome of Verbena officinalis Linn. (Verbenaceae) and its phylogenetic analysis

Verbena officinalis has a long history as a source plant in traditional Chinese medicine. This study adopted next-generation sequencing technology in order to determine complete chloroplast genome of V. officinalis. The results of this investigation showed the chloroplast genome of V. officinalis was 153,286 bp in length, including a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions (each 25,825 bp), separated by a large single-copy region (LSC) of 84,316 bp and a small single-copy region (SSC) of 17,320 bp, and the overall GC contents of the chloroplast genome was 39.04%. Additionally, we annotated 83 genes, including 48 protein-coding genes, 31 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. By creating the phylogenetic tree, relationship between V. officinalis and relevant species was discussed, and the result proved that V. officinalis was closely related to Avicennia marina. The findings of the study will serve as a stepping stone for follow-up researches regarding its chloroplast genome.

Production of Verbascoside, Isoverbascoside and Phenolic Acids in Callus, Suspension, and Bioreactor Cultures of Verbena officinalis and Biological Properties of Biomass Extracts

Callus, suspension and bioreactor cultures of Verbena officinalis were established, and optimized for biomass growth and production of phenylpropanoid glycosides, phenolic acids, flavonoids and iridoids. All types of cultures were maintained on/in the Murashige and Skoog (MS) media with 1 mg/L BAP and 1 mg/L NAA. The inoculum sizes were optimized in callus and suspension cultures. Moreover, the growth of the culture in two different types of bioreactors-a balloon bioreactor (BB) and a stirred-tank bioreactor (STB) was tested. In methanolic extracts from biomass of all types of in vitro cultures the presence of the same metabolites-verbascoside, isoverbascoside, and six phenolic acids: protocatechuic, chlorogenic, vanillic, caffeic, ferulic and rosmarinic acids was confirmed and quantified by the HPLC-DAD method. In the extracts from lyophilized culture media, no metabolites were found. The main metabolites in biomass extracts were verbascoside and isoverbascoside. Their maximum amounts in g/100 g DW (dry weight) in the tested types of cultures were as follow: 7.25 and 0.61 (callus), 7.06 and 0.48 (suspension), 7.69 and 0.31 (BB), 9.18 and 0.34 (STB). The amounts of phenolic acids were many times lower, max. total content reached of 26.90, 50.72, 19.88, and 36.78 mg/100 g DW, respectively. The highest content of verbascoside and also a high content of isoverbascoside obtained in STB (stirred-tank bioreactor) were 5.3 and 7.8 times higher than in extracts from overground parts of the parent plant. In the extracts from parent plant two iridoids-verbenalin and hastatoside, were also abundant. All investigated biomass extracts and the extracts from parent plant showed the antiproliferative, antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The strongest activities were documented for the cultures maintained in STB. We propose extracts from in vitro cultured biomass of vervain, especially from STB, as a rich source of bioactive metabolites with antiproliferative, antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

Peucedanum ostruthium Inhibits E-Selectin and VCAM-1 Expression in Endothelial Cells through Interference with NF-κB Signaling

Twenty natural remedies traditionally used against different inflammatory diseases were probed for their potential to suppress the expression of the inflammatory markers E-selectin and VCAM-1 in a model system of IL-1 stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). One third of the tested extracts showed in vitro inhibitory effects comparable to the positive control oxozeaenol, an inhibitor of TAK1. Among them, the extract derived from the roots and rhizomes of Peucedanum ostruthium (i.e., Radix Imperatoriae), also known as masterwort, showed a pronounced and dose-dependent inhibitory effect. Reporter gene analysis demonstrated that inhibition takes place on the transcriptional level and involves the transcription factor NF-κB. A more detailed analysis revealed that the P. ostruthium extract (PO) affected the phosphorylation, degradation, and resynthesis of IκBα, the activation of IKKs, and the nuclear translocation of the NF-κB subunit RelA. Strikingly, early effects on this pathway were less affected as compared to later ones, suggesting that PO may act on mechanism(s) that are downstream of nuclear translocation. As the majority of cognate NF-κB inhibitors affect upstream events such as IKK2, these findings could indicate the existence of targetable signaling events at later stages of NF-κB activation.

Psychopharmacological effects of riparin III from Aniba riparia (Nees) Mez. (Lauraceae) supported by metabolic approach and multivariate data analysis

Background

Currently there is a high prevalence of humor disorders such as anxiety and depression throughout the world, especially concerning advanced age patients. Aniba riparia (Nees) Mez. (Lauraceae), popular known as “louro”, can be found from the Amazon through Guianas until the Andes. Previous studies have already reported the isolation of alkamide-type alkaloids such as riparin III (O-methyl-N-2,6-dyhydroxy-benzoyl tyramine) which has demonstrated anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects in high doses by intraperitoneal administration.

Methods

Experimental protocol was conducted in order to analyze the anxiolytic-like effect of riparin III at lower doses by intravenous administration to Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) (n = 5). The experimental approach was designed to last 15 days, divided in 3 distinct periods of five days: control, anxiogenic and treatment periods. The anxiolytic-like effect was evaluated by experimental behavior tests such as open field and elevated plus-maze test, combined with urine metabolic footprint analysis. The urine was collected daily and analyzed by ¹H NMR. Generated data were statistically treated by Principal Component Analysis in order to detect patterns among the distinct periods evaluated as well as biomarkers responsible for its distinction.

Results

It was observed on treatment group that cortisol, biomarker related to physiological stress was reduced, indicating anxiolytic-like effect of riparin III, probably through activation of 5-HT_2A receptors, which was corroborated by behavioral tests.

Conclusion

¹H NMR urine metabolic footprint combined with multivariate data analysis have demonstrated to be an important diagnostic tool to prove the anxiolytic-like effect of riparin III in a more efficient and pragmatic way.

Nanostructured lipid carriers-mediated brain delivery of carbamazepine for improved in vivo anticonvulsant and anxiolytic activity

The limited brain delivery of carbamezapine (CBZ) presents a major hurdle in the successful epilepsy treatment. The potential of carbamezapine-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (CBZ-NLCs) for improved brain delivery is investigated in the current study. CBZ-NLCs were prepared by using binary mixture of trilaurin and oleic acid as a lipid core stabilized with Poloxamer 188, Tween 80 and Span 80. CBZ-NLCs were evaluated for physicochemical properties, in vitro release, in vivo brain kinetics, anticonvulsant and anxiolytic activities. The optimized CBZ-NLCs demonstrated nanometric particle size (97.7 nm), surface charge of -22 mV and high drug incorporation (85%). CBZ-NLCs displayed biphasic release pattern with initial fast followed by sustained drug release. CBZ-NLCs significantly enhanced the AUC of CBZ (520.4 µg·h/mL) in brain compared with CBZ dispersion (244.9 µg·h/mL). In vivo anticonvulsant activity of CBZ-NLCs in PTZ-induced seizure model showed a significant increase in the onset time (143.0 sec) and reduction in duration (17.2 sec) of tonic-clonic seizures compared with CBZ dispersion (75.4 and 37.2 sec). The anxiolytic activity in light-dark box and elevated-plus maze models also demonstrated superiority of CBZ-NLCs to CBZ dispersion. From the results, CBZ-NLCs presents a promising strategy to improve brain delivery and therapeutic outcomes of CBZ in epilepsy.

Evaluating the Antidepressant Effect of Verbena officinalis L. (Vervain) Aqueous Extract in Adult Rats

Introduction:

The present study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effect of Verbena (V.) officinalis L. aqueous extract in adult female rats.

Methods:

The present study evaluated the antidepressant effect of V. officinalis L. aqueous (V AE) extract in female rats using the Forced-Swimming Test (FST), Light-Dark Box (LDB) test, and Open Field Test (OFT). The level of glycemia and histological analysis were also studied. The VAE [200 mg/kg Parenterally (PO)] was administered orally for 7 successive days in the separate groups of rats.

Results:

The oral administration of V. officinalis L. aqueous extract significantly decreased (P< 0.01) the immobility time in the FST, increased the time spent in the light area (LDB), and the number of entry into the central squares (OFT). Thus, the extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg significantly decreased the glycemia level (P<0.05) and suggested no harmful effect on brain histology.

Conclusion:

Verbena officinalis L. aqueous extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg could have an anti-depressant effect in adult rats.

The influence of light quality on the production of bioactive metabolites - verbascoside, isoverbascoside and phenolic acids and the content of photosynthetic pigments in biomass of Verbena officinalis L. cultured in vitro

In vitro callus cultures of Verbena officinalis L. were maintained on solid Murashige and Skoog medium, enriched with 1 mg dm^-3 BA and 1 mg dm^-3 IBA under LED lights (red, blue, red/blue 70%/30%), in darkness and under control fluorescent lamps. The measurements of 2 phenylpropanoid glycosides (verbascoside and isoverbascoside) and 23 phenolic acids were performed in methanolic extracts from the biomass collected after 2-, 3- and 4-week growth cycles using the HPLC-DAD method. The presence of verbascoside, isoverbascoside and additionaly 7 phenolic acids (protocatechuic, chlorogenic, vanillic, caffeic, ferulic, o-coumaric and m-coumaric acids) was confirmed in all extracts. Blue and red/blue lights stimulated the accumulation of verbascoside (max. of 6716 and 6023 mg 100 g^-1 DW after a 4-week growth cycle) and isoverbascoside (max. 333 and 379 mg 100 g^-1 DW also after 4 weeks). The maximum amounts of verbascoside and isoverbascoside were respectively 1.8- and 7.0-fold higher than under the control conditions. Phenolic acids were accumulated in different amounts, and the maximum total amounts ranged from 36 to 65 mg 100 g^-1 DW. LED lights also stimulated their accumulation in comparison with darkness and control. The main phenolic acids included: m-coumaric acid (max. 39 mg 100 g^-1 DW), ferulic acid (max. 12 mg 100 g^-1 DW), and protocatechuic acid (max. 13 mg 100 g^-1 DW). Additionally, the quantities of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids) were estimated in acetonic extracts using spectrophotometry. Red/blue light stimulated the biosynthesis of pigments (max. total content 287 μg g^-1 FW after 4-week growth cycles). This is the first study describing the effect of LED lights on the production of phenylpropanoid glycosides and phenolic acids in V. officinalis callus cultures. Very high amounts of verbascoside and isoverbascoside are interesting from a practical point of view.

An Updated List of Neuromedicinal Plants of Pakistan, Their Uses, and Phytochemistry

BACKGROUND

Almost every region of Pakistan is stacked with a large number of medicinal plants. Due to high cost and unavailability of allopathic medicines for the neurological diseases, especially in rural areas, traditional healers prescribe phytotherapy for various neurological diseases like epilepsy, depression, anxiety, insomnia, Alzheimer, and migraine. Such treatments are considered to be most effective by the native people.

METHODS

The data was collected from articles published on medicinal plants of various districts of Pakistan, using article search engines like Medline, Pubmed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Also, information regarding various neurological uses and mode of applications of medicinal plants was obtained from traditional healers, folk medicine users, and local elderly people having knowledge of medicinal plants.

RESULTS

A total of 54 families were found to be used in various neurological diseases, of which the highest use was of Solanaceae (22.22%), Asteraceae (12.96%), Lamiaceae, Papaveraceae, and Poaceae, 9% each, and Caprifoliaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Rhamnaceae, and Rosaceae, 5.5% each. According to districts, 15% of plants that were effective in neurological affections were found in Bahawalpur, 11% in Swat, 8% in Muzaffarabad, 7% in Malakand, and 6% in Bahawalnagar, Dir, Gilgat, and Sarghoda each, with 5% in Dera ghazi khan and Jhelum each. According to the plant's habit, out of total of 103 plants, 61.15% were found to be herbs, 22.33% trees, 11.65% shrubs, and 4.85% climbers. According to the part used of plant, whole plant, leaves, fruits, roots, seeds, and flowers were found to be used 32.03%, 24.27%, 20.38%, 16.50%, 13.59%, and 11.65%, respectively. According to disease's types, 45.63% were found to be effective in insomnia, 31.06% in epilepsy 12.62% in depression, 6.80% in anxiety, 7.77% in hysteria, and 5.88% in migraine.

CONCLUSION

Taking into consideration this useful knowledge on medicinal properties of the plants for curing neurologic diseases, it is believed that research in areas of ethnomedicine and ethnopharmacology can bring auspicious results that have potential of adding value to the very rich natural resources of Pakistan. This study will help all the researchers from diverse backgrounds working on plants based medicine for neurological diseases.