Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of octacosanol from the leaves of Sabicea grisea var. grisea in mice

Mini-encyclopedia of mitochondria-relevant nutraceuticals protecting health in primary and secondary care-clinically relevant 3PM innovation

Despite their subordination in humans, to a great extent, mitochondria maintain their independent status but tightly cooperate with the "host" on protecting the joint life quality and minimizing health risks. Under oxidative stress conditions, healthy mitochondria promptly increase mitophagy level to remove damaged "fellows" rejuvenating the mitochondrial population and sending fragments of mtDNA as SOS signals to all systems in the human body. As long as metabolic pathways are under systemic control and well-concerted together, adaptive mechanisms become triggered increasing systemic protection, activating antioxidant defense and repair machinery. Contextually, all attributes of mitochondrial patho-/physiology are instrumental for predictive medical approach and cost-effective treatments tailored to individualized patient profiles in primary (to protect vulnerable individuals again the health-to-disease transition) and secondary (to protect affected individuals again disease progression) care. Nutraceuticals are naturally occurring bioactive compounds demonstrating health-promoting, illness-preventing, and other health-related benefits. Keeping in mind health-promoting properties of nutraceuticals along with their great therapeutic potential and safety profile, there is a permanently growing demand on the application of mitochondria-relevant nutraceuticals. Application of nutraceuticals is beneficial only if meeting needs at individual level. Therefore, health risk assessment and creation of individualized patient profiles are of pivotal importance followed by adapted nutraceutical sets meeting individual needs. Based on the scientific evidence available for mitochondria-relevant nutraceuticals, this article presents examples of frequent medical conditions, which require protective measures targeted on mitochondria as a holistic approach following advanced concepts of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM/3PM) in primary and secondary care.

Unveiling the anti-inflammatory potential of Acalypha indica L. and analyzing its research trend: digging deep to learn deep

The plant Acalypha indica L. is a well-known traditional plant belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae. Traditional practices of the plant claim to treat asthma, pneumonia, wound healing, rheumatoid arthritis, bronchitis, and skin disorders. The major phytochemicals reported are cyanogenic glucosides, tannins, coumarins, flavonoid glycosides, fatty acids, and volatile oils. To summarize the anti-inflammatory potential of Acalypha indica extract and its phytochemicals through preclinical studies. The search terms include anti-inflammatory, Acalypha indica, and Acalypha indica extract independently or in combination with pro-inflammatory markers using various databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. The results of preclinical studies confirm that Acalypha indica exhibits strong anti-inflammatory activity. Most of the experimental studies that have been conducted on plant extract are protein denaturation, human red blood cell membrane stabilization assay, and carrageenan-induced inflammation models. However, the molecular mechanism in these studies is still unclear to demonstrate its anti-inflammatory effects. Acalypha indica possesses anti-inflammatory effects that may be due to the presence of phenolic compounds especially flavonoids present in the Acalypha indica. Thus, further research is needed, to understand mechanistic insights of the plant phytochemicals to represent anti-inflammatory properties.

Parkia from Cerrado: phytochemical bioprospection, toxicity and in vitro bioactivities of bark and flower extracts

Parkia platycephala is the only species of the genus Parkia that is endemic to the brazilian Cerrado and the tree symbol of the state of Tocantins, but there are still few studies regarding its bioprospecting. In this study, we aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition, toxicity and bioactivities of the bark and flower of Parkia platycephala. Hot sequential extractions (Soxhlet) were performed using methanol and hydroethanolic solution (70%), after degreasing the sample (hexane). The presence of flavonoids, tannins, steroids and alkaloids was detected in the preliminary screening. Trilinolein, (Z)-9-octadecenamide, 3-O-methyl-d-glucose were detected by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). In the Liquid Chromatography with Diode Array Detector (LC-PDA) analysis, it was detected exclusively ferulic acid (bark) and ellagic acid (flower). The ethanolic extract of the bark (IC50=10.69 ± 0.35 µgmL-1) has an antioxidant potential (DPPH• radical) higher than that of the rutin standard (IC50=15.85 ± 0.08 µgmL-1). All extracts showed excellent anticholinesterase potential (Ellman), with emphasis on the ethanol extract of the flower (IC50 =5.34 ± 0.12 µgmL-1). Regarding toxicity (Artemia salina), the methanolic extract of the bark and the ethanolic extract of the flower presented high and moderate levels, respectively. Such results limit the concentrations of biological activities in this study, however, the antioxidant and anticholinesterase indices fall short of toxicity. The results demonstrated promising antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities of both the bark and the flower of Parkia platycephala.

Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation to elucidate the mechanism of anti-aging action of Tinospora cordifolia

Scientific research has demonstrated that Tinospora cordifolia acts as an anti-aging agent in several experimental models, generating global interest in its underlying molecular mechanisms of this activity. The aim of the study was to identify the possible phytochemical compounds of T. cordifolia that might combat age-related illness through integrating network pharmacology, molecular docking techniques, and molecular dynamics (MD) study to explore their potential mechanisms of action. To carry out this study, several databases were used, including PubChem, KNApSAcK family database, PubMed, SwissADME, Molsoft, SwissTargetPrediction, GeneCards, and OMIM database. For network development and GO enrichment analysis KEGG, ShinyGo 0.77, and the STRING database were used. For better analysis, the networks were also constructed using Cytoscape 3.9.1. The Cytoscape network analyzer tool was used for data analysis, and molecular docking was done via Vina-GPU-2.0. The best compounds and AKT1 were finally subjected to MD simulation for 100 ns. The CytoHubba plugin of Cytoscape identified ten key targets, commonly called hub genes, including AKT1, GAPDH, and TP53, and so on. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed the relevant biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions involved in treating aging-related disorders. KEGG pathway analysis involved neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, lipid and atherosclerosis, and cAMP signaling. The docking of 100 T. cordifolia compounds with AKT1 demonstrated good binding affinity, particularly for Amritoside, Sitagliptin, Berberine, and Piperine. Finally, the relative stability of four-hit phytochemicals was validated by MD simulation, which may be the most crucial compound for anti-aging activity. In conclusion, this study used network pharmacology, molecular docking, and MD simulation to identify the compounds in T. cordifolia and proposed a potential mechanism for anti-aging activity. These results suggest future directions for the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases.

Preparation, characterization, and safety assessment of statistical optimized probiotic supplemented herbal wine from Tinospora cordifolia

Evidently proven medicinal benefits of Tinospora cordifolia and the growing demand of functional foods have created scientific interest in the functional beverage. Therefore, an attempt was made to prepare probiotic Lactiplantibacillus pentosus GSSK2 supplemented herbal wine having the benefits of both phytochemical and probiotic. Experimentally, fermentation of Tinospora cordifolia stem was found to be the most effective with ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium phosphate, magnesium sulfate, isoleucine, and thiamine that yielded maximum ethanol (6.8 to 10%), total phenol (419 to 791.5 µg/ml), and antioxidants capacity (98.2 to 160.4 µmol/ml) after optimizing physical parameters, i.e., 20° Brix total soluble solid, pH 4.5, temperature 30 °C, and 10% (v/v) inoculum. Further, prepared herbal wine was supplemented separately with seven different probiotic strains and among these Lactiplantibacillus pentosus GSSK2 had the highest 88.6% survival rate compared with other probiotics and was safe showing 100% survivability of HEK-293 and THP-1 cells. Both herbal- and probiotic-supplemented herbal wine showed the antimicrobial potential against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as probiotic-supplemented herbal wine had 19-21 mm inhibition zone compared with 18-19 mm with herbal wine. LC-MS analysis of the probiotic-supplemented herbal wine revealed the presence of various phytochemicals such as alkaloids, diterpenoid lactone, glycoside, steroids having anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory potential. This is the first ever such study to demonstrate the antibacterial, antioxidant potential and safety of probiotic supplemented herbal wine in vitro.

Cyclodextrin inclusion complex of a multi-component natural product by hot-melt extrusion

This study aimed to investigate whether hot-melt extrusion (HME) processing can promote molecular encapsulation of a multi-component natural product composed of volatile and pungent hydrophobic substances (ginger oleoresin (OR)) with cyclodextrins. 6-Gingerol and 6-shogaol, the biomarkers of ginger OR, were quantified by HPLC. Phase-solubility studies were performed using β-cyclodextrin (βCD) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) for ginger OR complexation. Solid complexes were then prepared by thermal (HME)- and solvent (slurry (SL))-based methods. Morphology, thermal behavior, solubility, in vitro dissolution, and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity were evaluated. HPβCD gave rise to AL-type complexes with ginger OR, whereas βCD led to materials with limited solubility. Ginger OR was complexed with HPβCD by HME without significant change in gingerol and shogaol content. Additionally, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) suggested higher volatile retention in HME complexes than in SL ones. Shogaol and gingerol solubility and dissolution significantly increased from SL and HME complexes compared with ginger OR. In turn, 1:2 OR/HPβCD HME complex showed higher 6-shogaol solubility than SL, associated with a gradual release. The carrageenan-induced pleurisy test showed that the anti-inflammatory activity of ginger OR was maintained after complexation with HPβCD. The complexes significantly decrease the levels of IL-1β and inhibit cell migration. HME complex showed performance equivalent to the positive control and superior to the SL material. Taken together, these results indicate that HME can be useful for promoting the molecular encapsulation of complex natural products that contain volatile and thermolabile substances. HME complexes showed better in vivo and in vitro performance than complexes prepared using the solvent-based method.

Immunomodulatory efficacy of Cousinia thomsonii C.B. Clarke in ameliorating inflammatory cascade expressions

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cousinia thomsonii is traditionally known for treating various diseases including joint pain, swelling, body ache, asthma, dermatitis, cough and arthritis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study employs lipopolysaccharide induced inflammatory wistar-rat model to evaluate efficacy of Cousinia thomsonii active-extracts on the expression of crucial inflammatory markers viz. iNOS, PPAR-γ, Rel-A, COX-2 and serum analysis of CRP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Methanol and aqueous extracts were administered orally at 25, 50, 100 mg/kg doses for 21 days. Serum was collected on 22nd day and rats were sacrificed to extract paw tissues. Dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg) served as positive control. Immunoblotting and qPCR was used for expression analysis of iNOS, PPAR-γ, Rel-A, COX-2 respectively. ELISA was employed for evaluating CRP levels. Discovery-studio and Auto-Dock-Vina were used to check docking interactions of various identified compounds.

RESULTS

Both extracts caused dose-dependent decline in iNOS, Rel-A, COX-2 and CRP levels, while there was a dose-dependent increase in PPAR-γ expression. Methanol extract dominated immunomodulatory potential as compared with the aqueous extract. The results of the GCMS revealed the presence of ten compounds. Some of these compounds include 1-Octacosanol, Ethyl Linoleate, 1-Heptacosanol, 1-Hexadecanol, 1-Dodecanol and Behenic alcohol having strong anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-acne and anti-viral activities. Molecular Docking scores were calculated between each target protein and selected compounds. The best affinity/interactions were observed between 1-Octacosanol towards iNOS, PPAR-γ, Rel-A, COX-2 and CRP with binding energy of -10.4, -11.1, -8.6, -9.9 and -7.9 (kcal/mol) respectively. These compounds may act as strong inhibitors for iNOS, Rel-A, COX-2 and CRP or as agonists for PPAR-γ; thereby inducing anti-inflammatory/immuno-modulatory activities.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that Cousinia thomsonii contains therapeutically active compounds and thus could serve as potential therapeutic regimen against diverse inflammatory diseases.

LQM10, a guanylhydrazone derivative, reduces nociceptive and inflammatory responses in mice

In the present study, we examined the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of a guanylhydrazone derivative, (E)-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylidene)-2-guanylhydrazone hydrochloride (LQM10), in mice. The antinociceptive effect was determined by assessing behavioural responses in different pain models, while anti-inflammatory activity was examined in carrageenan-induced pleurisy. Intraperitoneal LQM10 administration reduced the acetic acid-induced nociceptive behaviour, a phenomenon that was unaltered by pretreatment with yohimbine, atropine, naloxone or glibenclamide. In the formalin assay, LQM10 reduced nociceptive behaviour only in the second phase, indicating an inhibitory effect on inflammatory pain. LQM10 did not alter the pain latency in the hot plate assay and did not impact the locomotor activity of mice in the rotarod assay. In the carrageenan-induced pleurisy assay, LQM10 treatment inhibited critical events involved in inflammatory responses, namely, leucocyte recruitment, plasma leakage and increased inflammatory mediators (tumour necrosis factor Like Properties of Chalchones and Flavonoid Derivatives [TNF]-α and interleukin [IL]-1β) in the pleural exudate. Overall, these results indicate that LQM10 exhibits antinociceptive effects associated with peripheral mechanisms and anti-inflammatory activity mediated via a reduction in leucocyte migration and proinflammatory mediators, rendering this compound a promising candidate for treating pain and inflammatory process.

Policosanol suppresses tumor progression in a gastric cancer xenograft model

Gastric cancer (GC) is the most common cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer death, with the fifth highest incidence. The development of effective chemotherapeutic agents is needed to decrease GC mortality. Policosanol (PC) extracted from Cuban sugar cane wax is a healthy functional food ingredient that helps improve blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Its various physiological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities, have been reported recently. Nevertheless, the therapeutic efficacy of PC in gastric xenograft models is unclear. We aimed to investigate the anticancer effect of PC on human GC SNU-16 cells and a xenograft mouse model. PC significantly inhibited GC cell viability and delayed tumor growth without toxicity in the SNU-16-derived xenograft model. Therefore, we investigated protein expression levels in tumor tissues; the expression levels of Ki-67, a proliferation marker, and cdc2 were decreased. In addition, we performed proteomic analysis and found thirteen differentially expressed proteins. Our results suggested that PC inhibited GC progression via cdc2 suppression and extracellular matrix protein regulation. Notably, our findings might contribute to the development of novel and effective therapeutic strategies for GC.

Effect of dietary octacosanol concentration extracted from triticale sprout on laying performance, egg quality, and blood parameters of laying hens

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of octacosanol (OCT) extracted from triticale sprout on laying performance, egg quality, and blood parameters of laying hens. A total of 192, Hyline brown laying hens aged 43 weeks were divided into 4 dietary groups of 48 birds each and they were randomly subjected to one of the experimental diets containing OCT at the levels of none, 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg of diet. All birds were fed with isoenergetic and isonitrogenous mash diets for 6 weeks. The result showed that hens supplemented with 20 and 30 mg/kg OCT in diet significantly increased (p < 0.05) egg production than those fed with the basal diet. OCT concentration in the egg yolk of hens fed with 20 and 30 mg/kg OCT was significantly higher than in those fed the control diet. Hens fed 20 and 30 mg/kg OCT exhibited greater high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and interleukin (IL) concentrations and reduced serum concentrations of cholesterol and triglyceride compared to those fed with 0 and 10 mg/kg OCT. This study indicates that supplementing the diet of laying hens with 20 and 30 mg/kg of OCT can improve the performance, egg quality, and health status of laying hens.

Plant Extracts in Obesity: A Role of Gut Microbiota

Obesity has become one of the most serious chronic diseases threatening human health. Its occurrence and development are closely associated with gut microbiota since the disorders of gut microbiota can promote endotoxin production and induce inflammatory response. Recently, numerous plant extracts have been proven to mitigate lipid dysmetabolism and obesity syndrome by regulating the abundance and composition of gut microbiota. In this review, we summarize the potential roles of different plant extracts including mulberry leaf extract, policosanol, cortex moutan, green tea, honokiol, and capsaicin in regulating obesity via gut microbiota. Based on the current findings, plant extracts may be promising agents for the prevention and treatment of obesity and its related metabolic diseases, and the mechanisms might be associated with gut microbiota.

Phytochemical Composition, Antibacterial, and Antibiofilm Activity of Malva sylvestris Against Human Pathogenic Bacteria

Background: Considering the increased rate of microbial resistance to antibiotics and chemical side effects of antibiotics, there is a need for an alternative antimicrobial agent with fewer complications. Medicinal plants are rich resources of phytochemical compounds with antibacterial activity that could fight off this problem. Objectives: The aim of this research was to investigate the chemical composition, antimicrobial, and antibiofilm properties of Malva sylvestris on some pathogenic bacteria. Methods: Antibacterial effect of the extract was assessed by the well diffusion and broth microdilution methods against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli. The anti-biofilm property of the extract was also examined using the crystal violet assay. Finally, the chemical constituents and total phenols of the extract were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), respectively. Results: The methanolic extract of M. sylvestris showed antimicrobial activity against all tested Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains by the agar well diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extract ranged from 21.9 ± 0.1 to 51.9 ± 0.5 mg/mL against the tested microorganisms. In addition, the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) spanned from 43.7 ± 0.1 to 85.8 ± 0.3 mg/mL. The biofilm inhibitory concentration (BIC50) of the extract was found to be 40 - 87 mg/mL against the tested bacteria. Analysis of the extract by GC-MS indicated that the most abundant compounds were 1-heptacosanol (38.41%), 17-Pentatriacontene (19.78%), and 6,9,12,15-docosatetraenoic acid, methyl ester (8.08%). High-performance liquid chromatography confirmed the presence of apigenin (6.84 ppm) and salicylic acid (1.5 ppm) as phenolic compounds in M. sylvestris methanolic extract. Conclusions: The results of this study represent the high potency of M. sylvestris extract as a source of biologically-active compounds for the development of future phytotherapeutic products with antibacterial and antibiofilm activity.

Anti-inflammatory activity and chemical composition of aqueous extract and essential oil from leaves of Ocimum selloi Benth

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The population uses the aqueous extract as tea from leaves of Ocimum selloi Benth. (alfavaca) for pain and inflammation issues. This study is motivated by a lack of data about inflammation properties of O. selloi.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study investigated the chemical composition and anti-inflammatory activity, in mice models, of the aqueous extract (OSAE) and essential oil (OSEO) obtained from leaves of O. selloi.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antioxidant activity and total phenolic content were evaluated for samples, although chemical composition was obtained by U-HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS for OSAE and GC-MS for OSEO. OSAE and OSEO were tested orally at doses of 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg at the carrageenan-induced pleurisy and paw edema, also mechanical hyperalgesia, in mice.

RESULTS

Four glycosylated flavonoids and one organic acid were identified in OSAE, and nine substances in OSEO, the two majoritarian are E-anethole and methyl chavicol. Oral treatments with OSAE and OSEO significantly inhibited the carrageenan-induced pleurisy in female Swiss mice, besides OSAE and OSEO significantly prevented paw edema (after 1, 2, and 4 h), mechanical hyperalgesia (after 3 and 4 h), and cold hyperalgesia 3 h after carrageenan model in male Swiss mice. The dose of 300 mg/kg of OSEO reduced cold hyperalgesia 4 h after carrageenan.

CONCLUSION

The results evidenced the anti-inflammatory, anti-edematogenic, anti-hyperalgesic, and anti-nociceptive potentials of both materials obtained from leaves of O. selloi, mainly OSAE, supporting the popular use of this species.

Dietary Supplementation of Octacosanol Improves Exercise-Induced Fatigue and Its Molecular Mechanism

Several publications report that octacosanol (OCT) has different biological functions. This study was designed to evaluate the antifatigue effect and molecular mechanism of octacosanol (200 mg/(kg day)) in forced exercise-induced fatigue models of trained male C57BL/6 mice. Results showed that octacosanol ameliorated the mice's autonomic activities, forelimb grip strength, and swimming endurance, and the levels of liver glycogen (LG), muscle glycogen (MG), blood lactic acid (BLA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were also regulated. Gene analysis results showed that treatment with OCT upregulated 29 genes, while 38 genes were downregulated in gastrocnemius tissue. Gene ontology (GO) analyses indicated that these genes enriched functions in relation to myofibril, contractile fiber, and calcium-dependent adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) activity. Octacosanol supplementation significantly adjusted the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression levels related to fatigue performance. Octacosanol has an observably mitigating effect in exercise-induced fatigue models, and its molecular mechanism may be related to the regulation of tripartite motif-containing 63 (Trim63), periaxin (Prx), calcium voltage-gated channel subunit α1 H (Cacna1h), and myosin-binding protein C (Mybpc3) expression.

New ibuprofen derivatives with thiazolidine-4-one scaffold with improved pharmaco-toxicological profile

BACKGROUND

Aryl-propionic acid derivatives with ibuprofen as representative drug are very important for therapy, being recommended especially for anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. On other hand 1,3-thiazolidine-4-one scaffold is an important heterocycle, which is associated with different biological effects such as anti-inflammatory and analgesic, antioxidant, antiviral, antiproliferative, antimicrobial etc. The present study aimed to evaluated the toxicity degree and the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of new 1,3-thiazolidine-4-one derivatives of ibuprofen.

METHODS

For evaluation the toxicity degree, cell viability assay using MTT method and acute toxicity assay on rats were applied. The carrageenan-induced paw-edema in rat was used for evaluation of the anti-inflammatory effect while for analgesic effect the tail-flick test, as thermal nociception in rats and the writhing assay, as visceral pain in mice, were used.

RESULTS

The toxicological screening, in terms of cytotoxicity and toxicity degree on mice, revealed that the ibuprofen derivatives (4a-n) are non-cytotoxic at 2 μg/ml. In addition, ibuprofen derivatives reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats, for most of them the maximum effect was recorded at 4 h after administration which means they have medium action latency, similar to that of ibuprofen. Moreover, for compound 4d the effect was higher than that of ibuprofen, even after 24 h of administration. The analgesic effect evaluation highlighted that 4 h showed increased pain inhibition in reference to ibuprofen in thermal (tail-flick assay) and visceral (writhing assay) nociception models.

CONCLUSIONS

The study revealed for ibuprofen derivatives, noted as 4 m, 4 k, 4e, 4d, a good anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect and also a safer profile compared with ibuprofen. These findings could suggest the promising potential use of them in the treatment of inflammatory pain conditions.

HPLC-DAD-UV analysis, anti-inflammatory and anti-neuropathic effects of methanolic extract of Sideritis bilgeriana (lamiaceae) by NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 involvement

Medicinal plants remain an invaluable source for therapeutics of diseases that affect humanity. Sideritis bilgeriana (Lamiaceae) is medicinal plant used in Turkey folk medicine to reduce inflammation and pain, but few studies scientific corroborates its medicinal use so creating a gap between popular use and scientific evidence. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the pharmacological effects of the methanolic extract of S. bilgeriana (MESB) in rodents nociception models and also performed its phytochemical analysis. Firstly, a screening was carried out that enabled the identification of the presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. In view of this, a chromatographic method by HPLC-DAD-UV was developed that made it possible to identify chlorogenic acid and its quantification in MESB. MESB-treated mice (MESB 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) reduced mechanical hyperalgesia and myeloperoxidase activity (p < 0.01), and also showed a reduced pain behavior in capsaicin test. In the carrageenan-induced pleurisy test, MESB (100 mg/kg p.o.) significantly reduced the leukocyte (polymorphonuclear) count in the pleural cavity and equally decreased the TNF-α and IL-1β levels (p < 0.001). In the PSNL model, mechanical hyperalgesia was reduced on the first evaluation day and during the 7 days of evaluation compared to the vehicle group (p < 0.001). Thermal hyperalgesia was also reduced 1 h after treatment compared to the vehicle group (p < 0.001) and reversed the loss of force initially displayed by the animals, thus inferring an analgesic effect in the muscle strength test. Analysis of the marrow of these animals showed a decrease in the level of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 (p < 0.001) and factor NF-κB, in relation to the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the MESB treatment produced no noticeable side effects, no disturb in motor performance and no signs of gastric or hepatic injury. Together, the results suggests that MESB could be useful to management of inflammation and neuropathic pain mainly by the management of pro-inflammatory mediators (NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6), so reinforcing its use in popular medicine and corroborating the need for further chemical and pharmacological studies for the species.

<i>Tinospora cordifolia</i> (Giloy): Phytochemistry, Ethnopharmacology, Clinical Application and Conservation Strategies

Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy) is a medicinal plant used in folk and Ayurvedic medicines throughout India since ancient times. All the parts of the plant are immensely useful due to the presence of different compounds of pharmaceutical importance belonging to various groups as alkaloids, diterpenoid lactones, glycosides, steroids, sesquiterpenoid, and phenolics. These compounds possess pharmacological properties, which make it anti-diabetic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, hepato-protective, and immuno-modulatory. However, due to the increasing population, there is an inadequate supply of drugs. Therefore, this review focuses on phytochemistry, ethnopharmacology, clinical application and its conservation strategies so that the plant can be conserved for future generations and utilized as alternative medicine as well as to design various pharmacologically important drugs.

Antiarthritic and Antihyperalgesic Properties of Ethanolic Extract from Gomphrena celosioides Mart. (Amaranthaceae) Aerial Parts

Gomphrena celosioides Mart. (Amaranthaceae) is used in folk medicine as a natural analgesic, and in Brazil, the species of genus Gomphrena is used for rheumatism. However, scientific evidence which supports its popular use as an analgesic is scarce. This study assessed the antiarthritic and antihyperalgesic activities of the ethanolic extract obtained from G. celosioides aerial parts on Swiss or C57BL/6 mice. The antiarthritic and antihyperalgesic potential of Gomphrena celosioides was evaluated using paw edema, mechanical hyperalgesia, cold allodynia, carrageenan-induced pleurisy, articular inflammation zymosan-induced, Freund's complete adjuvant-induced inflammation zymosan-induced peritonitis, and carrageenan-induced adhesion and rolling experiment models. All doses of G. celosioides (300, 700, and 1000 mg/kg) significantly reduced edema formation in all the intervals evaluated, whereas the mechanical hyperalgesia was reduced 3 hours after the carrageenan injection. The cold hyperalgesia was significantly decreased 3 (700 mg/kg) and 4 hours (700 and 1000 mg/kg) after the carrageenan injection. Ethanolic extract of G. celosioides at 1000 mg/kg reduced the total leukocyte number, without interfering in the protein extravasation in carrageenan-induced pleurisy model. Ethanolic extract of G. celosioides (300 mg/kg) was also able to reduce significantly the leukocyte migration in zymosan-induced articular edema, while a reduction of the adhesion and migration and leukocyte rolling was induced by the ethanolic extract of G. celosioides (300 mg/kg) in zymosan-induced peritonitis. In Freund's complete adjuvant-induced inflammation model, an edema formation and mechanical hyperalgesia reduction were induced by the ethanolic extract of G. celosioides on day 22, whereas the cold allodynia was reduced on day 6 of treatment with the extract. These results show that ethanolic extract of G. celosioides has antihyperalgesic and antiarthritic potential in different acute and persistent models, explaining, at least in part, the ethnopharmacological relevance of this plant as a natural analgesic agent.

Dereplication and quantification of the ethanol extract of Miconia albicans (Melastomaceae) by HPLC-DAD-ESI-/MS/MS, and assessment of its anti-hyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory profiles in a mice arthritis-like model: Evidence for involvement of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Miconia albicans (Sw) Triana (Melastomataceae), a medicinal plant widely used by practitioners of folk medicine in the northeast of Brazil, has been used to treat chronic inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other joint conditions. Oddly, there is little research on the species.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aimed to evaluate the anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory profile of the ethanolic leaf extract of M. albicans (EEMA), as well as to perform dereplication and quantification by HPLC-DAD-ESI-/MS/MS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The compounds present in the extracts were identified by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS. The possible anti-inflammatory effect of EEMA (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o) was evaluated using the pleurisy model induced by carrageenan and its action on IL-1β and TNF-α levels was also evaluated. The RA model was induced through the intra-articular injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA).

RESULTS

HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analysis identified 23 compounds, with glycoside flavonoids mainly derived from quercetin, and rutin being the main compounds. EEMA significantly reduced (p < 0.001) leukocyte migration in the pleurisy model and reduced TNF-α and IL-1β levels in pleural lavage (p < 0.001). In the CFA animal model, EEMA significantly reduced the nociceptive and hyperalgesic behaviors demonstrated by the rearing test (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05) and decreased mechanical hyperalgesia (p < 0.001). EEMA produced a significant improvement in mobility in the open-field test (only at the higher dose, p < 0.05). EEMA significantly (p < 0.01) increased hindpaw grip strength. The diameter of CFA-induced ipsilateral knee edema was significantly reduced (p < 0.001) by EEMA, which was related to reduced levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the joint knee (p < 0.01). No indication of hepatic injury after chronic treatment was found.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these results contribute to the chemical and pharmacological knowledge of M. albicans and demonstrated that this medicinal plant appears to be able to mitigate deleterious symptoms of RA, which supports its use in folk medicine.

Antiedematogenic and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Monoterpene Isopulegol and Its β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD) Inclusion Complex in Animal Inflammation Models

Isopulegol (ISO) is an alcoholic monoterpene widely found in different plant species, such as Melissa officinalis, and has already been reported to have a number of pharmacological properties. Like other terpenes, ISO is a highly volatile compound that is slightly soluble in water, so its inclusion into cyclodextrins (CDs) is an interesting approach to increase its solubility and bioavailability. Thus, our aim was to evaluate the antiedematogenic and anti-inflammatory activity of isopulegol and a β-cyclodextrin-isopulegol inclusion complex (ISO/β-CD) in rodent models. For the anti-inflammatory activity evaluation, antiedematogenic plethysmometry and acute (peritonitis and pleurisy), as well as chronic (cotton pellet-induced granuloma) anti-inflammatory models, were used. The docking procedure is used to evaluate, analyze, and predict their binding mode of interaction with H1 and Cox-2 receptors. The animals (n = 6) were divided into groups: ISO and ISO/β-CD, negative control (saline), and positive control (indomethacin and promethazine). ISO and ISO/β-CD were able to reduce acute inflammatory activity by decreasing albumin extravasation, leukocyte migration, and MPO concentration, and reducing exudate levels of IL-1β and TNF-α. ISO and ISO/β-CD significantly inhibited edematogenic activity in carrageenan- and dextran-induced paw edema. Moreover, both significantly reduced chronic inflammatory processes, given the lower weight and protein concentration of granulomas in the foreign body granulomatous inflammation model. The results suggest that the inclusion of ISO in β-cyclodextrins improves its pharmacological properties, with the histamine and prostaglandin pathways as probable mechanisms of inhibition, and also reinforces the anti-inflammatory profile of this terpene.

Involvement of the PKA pathway and inhibition of voltage gated Ca2+ channels in antihyperalgesic activity of Lippia grata/β-cyclodextrin

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a difficult condition to treat because of the modest efficacy of available drugs. New treatments are required. In the study we aimed to investigate the effects of the essential oil from Lippia grata alone or complexed in β-cyclodextrin (LG or LG-βCD) on persistent inflammatory and neuropathic pain in a mouse model. We also investigated Ca²⁺ currents in rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Male Swiss mice were treated with LG or LG/β-CD (24 mg/kg, i.g.) and their effect was evaluated using an acute inflammatory pleurisy model and nociception triggered by intraplantar injection of an agonist of the TRPs channels. We also tested their effect in chronic pain models: injection of Freund's Complete Adjuvant and partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL). In the pleurisy model, LG reduced the number of leukocytes and the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β. It also inhibited cinnamaldehyde and menthol-induced nociceptive behavior. The pain threshold in mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia was increased and paw edema was decreased in models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. PSNL increased inflammatory protein contents and LG and LG-βCD restored the protein contents of TNF-α, NF-κB, and PKA, but not IL-1β and IL-10. LG inhibited voltage gated Ca²⁺ channels from DRG neurons. Our results suggested that LG or LG-βCD produce anti-hyperalgesic effect in chronic pain models through reductions in TNF-α levels and PKA, and inhibited voltage-gated calcium channels and may be innovative therapeutic agents for the management of NP.

Cyathea gigantea (Cyatheaceae) as an antimicrobial agent against multidrug resistant organisms

BACKGROUND

Rapid emergence of multidrug resistant (MDR) organisms in hospital and community settings often result into treatment failure, thus leading the clinicians with fewer treatment options. Cyathea gigantea, an ethnomedicinally important fern used in cuts and wound infections. So, if this medicinal plant is used in treating the MDR infections then it might bring certain relief in future treatment options.

METHODS

Antibacterial activity of C. gigantea against MDR bacteria was assed using well diffusion and broth microdilution methods to determine the diameters of growth inhibition zones, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Synergistic activity was also determined with the conventional antibiotics by disc diffusion method followed by FIC index of each of the tested antibiotic was calculated. The active extract was then subjected to fractionation by column chromatography and antibacterial activity was done with each of the collected fractions.

RESULTS

Crude extract of C. gigantea was found to be active against all the tested organisms. The MIC was 200 μg/ml against Gram-positive i.e., Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and 400 μg/ml against Gram-negative i.e., Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, while the MBC was 400 μg/ml in case of Gram-positive and 800 μg/ml for Gram-negative. The synergistic activity revealed that the plant extract increased the antibacterial property of the studied antibiotics and the FIC index showed that significant synergistic activity was shown by ciprofloxacin followed by tetracycline, ampicillin and oxacillin. Antibacterial activity with the fractionated extract showed that the FR II, FR III and FR IV were active against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, whereas FR I, FR V and FR VI did not show antibacterial property against any of the tested bacteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Extracts of C. gigantea was found active against both selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms and thus offers the scientific basis for the traditional use of the fern. The present study also provides the basis for future study to validate the possible use against multidrug resistant organisms.

Design, synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of CVIB, a codrug of carvacrol and ibuprofen as a novel anti-inflammatory agent

The search for new drugs with anti-inflammatory properties remains a challenge for modern medicine. Among the various strategies for drug discovery, deriving new chemical entities from known bioactive natural and/or synthetic compounds remains a promising approach. Here, we designed and synthesized CVIB, a codrug developed by association of carvacrol (a phenolic monoterpene) with ibuprofen (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). In silico pharmacokinetic and physicochemical properties evaluation indicated low aqueous solubility (LogP ≥5.0). Nevertheless, the hybrid presented excellent oral bioavailability, gastrointestinal tract absorption, and low toxicity. CVIB did not present cytotoxicity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and promoted a significant reduction in IL-2, IL-10, IL-17, and IFN-γ cytokine levels in vitro. The LD₅₀ was estimated to be approximately 5000 mg/kg. CVIB was stable and detectable in human plasma after 24 h. In vivo anti-inflammatory evaluations revealed that CVIB at 10 and 50 mg/kg i.p. caused a significant decrease in total leukocyte count (p < 0.01) and provoked a significant reduction in IL-1β (p < 0.01). CVIB at 10 mg/kg i.p. efficiently decreased inflammatory parameters better than the physical mixture (carvacrol + ibuprofen 10 mg/kg i.p.). The results suggest that the codrug approach is a good option for drug design and development, creating the possibility of combining NSAIDs with natural products in order to obtain new hybrid drugs may be useful for treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Octacosanol and policosanol prevent high-fat diet-induced obesity and metabolic disorders by activating brown adipose tissue and improving liver metabolism

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is an attractive therapeutic target for treating obesity and metabolic diseases. Octacosanol is the main component of policosanol, a mixture of very long chain aliphatic alcohols obtained from plants. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of octacosanol and policosanol on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. Mice were fed on chow, or HFD, with or without octacosanol or policosanol treatment for four weeks. HFD-fed mice showed significantly higher body weight and body fat compared with chow-fed mice. However, mice fed on HFD treated with octacosanol or policosanol (HFDo/p) showed lower body weight gain, body fat gain, insulin resistance and hepatic lipid content. Lower body fat gain after octacosanol or policosanol was associated with increased BAT activity, reduced expression of genes involved in lipogenesis and cholesterol uptake in the liver, and amelioration of white adipose tissue (WAT) inflammation. Moreover, octacosanol and policosanol significantly increased the expression of Ffar4, a gene encoding polyunsaturated fatty acid receptor, which activates BAT thermogenesis. Together, these results suggest that octacosanol and policosanol ameliorate diet-induced obesity and metabolic disorders by increasing BAT activity and improving hepatic lipid metabolism. Thus, these lipids represent promising therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of obesity and obesity-related metabolic disorders.

Development of morin/hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex: Enhancement of bioavailability, antihyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory effects

Morin is a flavonoid has been reported with several pharmacological effects such as, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, etc. However, morin has low solubility in water, which decreases the bioavailability and limits its clinical application. In this way, to improve the pharmaceutical properties, morin was complexed in hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) and its oral bioavailability and anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated. Initially, a phase solubility study was performed, which showed that HP-β-CD would be the better cyclodextrin for the formation of complexes with morin. The morin/HP-β-CD inclusion complex (1:1) was prepared by freeze-drying method. The sample obtained was characterized by DSC, FTIR, PXRD, SEM and ¹H NMR techniques, evidencing the formation of morin/HP-β-CD inclusion complex. In addition, complexation efficiency (98.3%) and loading content (17.63%), determined by HPLC demonstrated that morin was efficiently complexed in HP-β-CD. In vitro dissolution study confirmed that morin/HP-β-CD inclusion complex increased the solubility and dissolution rate of morin. The oral bioavailability of the morin/HP-β-CD complex and free morin were evaluated through a pharmacokinetic study in rat plasma. The oral bioavailability of morin complexed with HP-β-CD was increased by 4.20 times compared with the free morin. Hyperalgesia induced by carrageenan and carrageenan-induced pleurisy were carried out in mice to evaluate the antihyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of free morin and inclusion complex. Morin/HP-β-CD inclusion complex showed antihyperalgesic effect in inflammatory pain model and anti-inflammatory effect decreasing leukocyte migration and TNF-α levels at a lower dose than free morin. Therefore, the morin/HP-β-CD inclusion complex improved the solubility, dissolution rate, oral bioavailability, antihyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of morin. In this way, the morin/HP-β-CD inclusion complex exhibits potential for development of new pharmaceutical product for future clinical applications.

Chemical Composition and Role of Opioidergic System in Antinociceptive Effect of Ziziphora Clinopodioides Essential Oil

Introduction:

Ziziphora Clinopodioides has been used widely for various therapeutic purposes in Iranian folk medicine. The current study aimed to determine interaction of antinociceptive effect of the Essential Oil of Ziziphora Clinopodioides (EOZC) and opioidergic system in male rats using formalin test.

Methods:

Sixty-four male Wistar rats were divided into eight groups. The groups 1 to 7 were injected with normal saline, vehicle (Tween-80, 0.5%), 10, 20, 40 mg/kg of the EOZC, morphine (5 mg/kg) and naloxone (2 mg/kg), respectively. Thirty minutes later, the formalin test was performed by intraplantar injection of formalin (50 μL, 2%). In group 8, naloxone (2 mg/kg) was injected 15 min before injection of EOZC (20 mg/kg), followed by formalin at 15 min later. The formalin test was done as time spent for licking and biting of the injected paw. Formalin induced a biphasic pain reaction. The chemical composition of EOZC was identified using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).

Results:

EOZC (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) dose dependently and morphine (5 mg/kg) reduced pain responses in the both phases of pain (P<0.05). Naloxone (2 mg/kg) alone had no effect on the severity of pain (P>0.05) but pretreatment with naloxone inhibited EOZC-induced antinociception activity (P<0.05). Based on the GC-MS results, EOZC comprised 65.22% carvacrol, 19.51% thymol, 4.86% p-cymene and 4.63% γ-terpinene.

Conclusion:

These results demonstrate that EOZC has antinociceptive effect and this effect might mediate via opioidergic pathways.

Policosanol composition, antioxidant and anti-arthritic activities of milk thistle (Silybium marianum L.) oil at different seed maturity stages

BACKGROUND

Several anti-arthritic drugs and synthetic antioxidants have wide pharmaceutical uses and are often associated with various side effects on the human health. Dietary seed oils and their minor components like policosanol may offer an effective alternative treatment for arthritic and oxidative-stress related diseases. The biological effects of seed oils were affected by different parameters such as the stage of seed maturity. Hence, this study seeks to determine the policosanol content, antioxidant and anti-arthritic activities of milk thistle (Silybium marianum L.) oil extracted at various stages of seed maturation.

METHODS

Milk thistle oil samples were extracted from seeds collected at three maturation stages (immature, intermediate, and mature). The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethyl-benzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays were used to determine the antioxidant activity of the extracted oils. The anti-arthritic activity of oil samples was evaluated with bovine serum protein denaturation and egg albumin denaturation methods. Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to determine the policosanol profile.

RESULTS

Policosanol profile, antioxidant and anti-arthritic activities of milk thistle oil were influenced by the seed maturity stages. The oil extracted from the immature seeds had the highest total policosanol content (987.68 mg/kg of oil) and displayed the maximum antiradical activity (96.42% and 90.35% for DPPH test and ABTS assay, respectively). Nine aliphatic alcohols were identified in the milk thistle oil. The dominant poliosanol in the mature seed oil was octacosanol (75.44%), while triacontanol was the major compound (40.25%) in the immature seed oil. Additionally, the maximum inhibition of bovine serum protein denaturation (92.53%) and egg albumin denaturation (86.36%) were observed in immature seed oil as compared to mature seed oil. A high correlation was found between the total policosanol content, anti-arthritic activity and antioxidant capacity of oil.

CONCLUSIONS

The milk thistle oil exhibited a potential anti-arthritic and antioxidant activities and that it might contribute to the protection of humans from a variety of diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Also, it could serve as natural antioxidant and anti-arthritic agents for application in the food industries and pharmaceutic. Policosanol level in the seed oils might contribute to their anti-arthritic and antioxidant activities.

Antinociceptive Activity of Methanolic Extract of Clinacanthus nutans Leaves: Possible Mechanisms of Action Involved

Methanolic extract of Clinacanthus nutans Lindau leaves (MECN) has been proven to possess antinociceptive activity that works via the opioid and NO-dependent/cGMP-independent pathways. In the present study, we aimed to further determine the possible mechanisms of antinociception of MECN using various nociceptive assays. The antinociceptive activity of MECN was (i) tested against capsaicin-, glutamate-, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-, bradykinin-induced nociception model; (ii) prechallenged against selective antagonist of opioid receptor subtypes (β-funaltrexamine, naltrindole, and nor-binaltorphimine); (iii) prechallenged against antagonist of nonopioid systems, namely, α₂-noradrenergic (yohimbine), β-adrenergic (pindolol), adenosinergic (caffeine), dopaminergic (haloperidol), and cholinergic (atropine) receptors; (iv) prechallenged with inhibitors of various potassium channels (glibenclamide, apamin, charybdotoxin, and tetraethylammonium chloride). The results demonstrated that the orally administered MECN (100, 250, and 500 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) reversed the nociceptive effect of all models in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the antinociceptive activity of 500 mg/kg MECN was significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited by (i) antagonists of μ-, δ-, and κ-opioid receptors; (ii) antagonists of α₂-noradrenergic, β-adrenergic, adenosinergic, dopaminergic, and cholinergic receptors; and (iii) blockers of different K⁺ channels (voltage-activated-, Ca²⁺-activated, and ATP-sensitive-K⁺ channels, resp.). In conclusion, MECN-induced antinociception involves modulation of protein kinase C-, bradykinin-, TRVP1 receptors-, and glutamatergic-signaling pathways; opioidergic, α₂-noradrenergic, β-adrenergic, adenosinergic, dopaminergic, and cholinergic receptors; and nonopioidergic receptors as well as the opening of various K⁺ channels. The antinociceptive activity could be associated with the presence of several flavonoid-based bioactive compounds and their synergistic action with nonvolatile bioactive compounds.

Evidence for the involvement of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-10 in the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of indole-3-guanylhydrazone hydrochloride, an aromatic aminoguanidine, in rodents

BACKGROUND

Indole-3-guanylhydrazone hydrochloride (LQM01) is a new derivative of aminoguanidine hydrochloride, an aromatic aminoguanidine.

METHODS

Mice were treated with LQM01 (5, 10, 25 or 50 mg/kg, i.p.), vehicle (0.9% saline i.p.) or a standard drug. The mice were subjected to carrageenan-induced pleurisy, abdominal writhing induced by acetic acid, the formalin test and the hot-plate test. The model of non-inflammatory chronic muscle pain induced by saline acid was also used. Mice from the chronic protocol were assessed for withdrawal threshold, muscle strength and motor coordination. LQM01 or vehicle treated mice were evaluated for Fos protein.

RESULTS

LQM01 inhibits TNF-α and IL-1β production, as well as leukocyte recruitment during inflammation process. The level of IL-10 in LQM01-treated mice increased in pleural fluid. In addition, LQM01 decreased the nociceptive behavior in the acetic acid induced writhing test, the formalin test (both phases) and increased latency time on the hot-plate. LQM01 treatment also decreased mechanical hyperalgesia in mice with chronic muscle pain, with no changes in muscle strength and motor coordination. LQM01 reduced the number of Fos positive cells in the superficial dorsal horn. This compound exhibited antioxidant properties in in vitro assays.

CONCLUSIONS

LQM01 has an outstanding anti-inflammatory and analgesic profile, probably mediated through a reduction in proinflammatory cytokines release, increase in IL-10 production and reduction in neuron activity in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in mice.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Beneficial effects of LQM01 suggest that it has some important clinical features and can play a role in the management of 'dysfunctional pain' and inflammatory diseases.

Unlocking the in vitro anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic potential of Polygonum maritimum

CONTEXT

Several Polygonum species (Polygonaceae) are used in traditional medicine in Asia, Europe and Africa to treat inflammation and diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic potential of methanol and dichloromethane extracts of leaves and roots of the halophyte Polygonum maritimum L.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Antioxidant activity was determined (up to 1 mg/mL) as radical-scavenging activity (RSA) of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), copper (CCA) and iron (ICA) chelating activities and iron reducing power (FRAP). NO production was measured in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages for 24 h at concentrations up to 100 μg/mL and antidiabetic potential was assessed by α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition (up to 10 mg/mL) assays. The phytochemical composition of the extracts was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

RESULTS

The methanol leaf extract had the highest activity against DPPH• (IC₅₀ = 26 μg/mL) and ABTS⁺• (IC₅₀ = 140 μg/mL), FRAP (IC₅₀ = 48 μg/mL) and CCA (IC₅₀ = 770 μg/mL). Only the dichloromethane leaf extract (LDCM) showed anti-inflammatory activity (IC₅₀ = 48 μg/mL). The methanol root (IC₅₀ = 19 μg/mL) and leaf (IC₅₀ = 29 μg/mL) extracts strongly inhibited baker's yeast α-glucosidase, but LDCM had higher rat's α-glucosidase inhibition (IC₅₀ = 2527 μg/mL) than acarbose (IC₅₀ = 4638 μg/mL). GC-MS analysis identified β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, 1-octacosanol and linolenic acid as possible molecules responsible for the observed bioactivities.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest P. maritimum as a source of high-value health promoting commodities for alleviating symptoms associated with oxidative and inflammatory diseases, including diabetes.

Octacosanol Attenuates Inflammation in Both RAW264.7 Macrophages and a Mouse Model of Colitis

Octacosanol has multiple biological functions. In this study, the anti-inflammatory effect and molecular mechanism of octacosanol were evaluated by using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis model in mice and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells. The colitis mouse model was induced by 3.0% DSS in 8-week ICR mice and octacosanol orally administered with 100 mg/kg/day. The results showed that octacosanol significantly improved the health status of mice and reduced DSS-induced pathological damage in the colonic tissues. Octacosanol obviously inhibited the mRNA and protein expression levels of pro-inflammatory factors of colonic tissues. In vitro, octacosanol administration significantly reduced the expression of mRNA or protein of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38, and it also partly prevented LPS-induced translocations of NF-κB and AP-1. Octacosanol has anti-inflammatory effect, and its molecular mechanism may be involved in downregulating the expression of inflammatory factors and blocking of MAPK/NF-κB/AP-1 signaling pathway.

Effects of dietary octacosanol supplementation on laying performance, egg quality, serum hormone levels, and expression of genes related to the reproductive axis in laying hens

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary octacosanol supplementation on laying performance, egg quality, serum hormone levels, and gene expression related to reproductive axis in laying hens to confirm the reproduction-promoting function of octacosanol. In total, 360 Hy-Line Brown (67-wk-old) laying hens were randomly assigned to one of three treatments with 0, 5, and 10 mg octacosanol (extracted from rice bran, purity >92%)/kg feed. The feeding trial lasted for 10 weeks. The results showed that the dietary addition of 5 and 10 mg/kg octacosanol improved feed efficiency by 4.9% and 3.4% (P < 0.01), increased the albumen height by 20.5% and 13.3% (P < 0.01), the Haugh unit score by 12.9% and 8.7% (P < 0.01), and the eggshell strength by 39.5% and 24.5% (P < 0.01), respectively, compared with the control diet. Dietary octacosanol addition significantly affected serum triiodothyronine, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone levels (P < 0.05), and progesterone and luteinizing hormone level (P < 0.01). Compared with the control, dietary addition of octacosanol at 5 mg/kg promoted the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) mRNA expression in different-sized follicles, and significantly increased the FSHR mRNA expression of granulosa cells from the F2 and F3 follicles (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with both 5 and 10 mg/kg octacosanol promoted the mRNA expression of luteinizing hormone receptor and prolactin receptor in different-sized follicles, and significantly up-regulated the expression levels in F1 granulosa cells (P < 0.05). The ovarian weight was significantly increased with the dietary addition of 5 mg/kg octacosanol (P < 0.05). The numbers of small yellow follicles and large white follicles were increased with the addition of dietary 5 and 10 mg/kg octacosanol (P < 0.01). This study provides evidence that octacosanol has the capacity to improve reproductive performance, indicating that it is a potentially effective feed additive in egg production.

Anti-inflammatory Evaluation and Toxicological Analysis of Campomanesia xanthocarpa Berg

Campomanesia xanthocarpa (Myrtaceae) is used in Brazilian traditional medicine against fever, diabetes, hypercholesteremic, obesity, and urinary diseases. In the present study, the compounds 2',6'-dihydroxy-3'-methyl-4'-metoxychalcone and 2',4'-dihydroxy-3',5'-dimethyl-6'-methoxychalcone were identified for the first time in leaves of the C. xanthocarpa. These compounds and the hydroethanolic extract (HECX) significantly inhibited paw edema and reduced both leukocyte migration and the leakage of protein into the pleural cavity. No toxicity was detected by HECX in an acute toxicity test.

Anti-inflammatory and toxicological evaluation of essential oil from Piper glabratum leaves

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Although some of the species of the genus Piper exhibit interesting biological properties, studies on Piper glabratum Kunth are very limited.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study investigated the anti-inflammatory activity and the toxicological profile of the essential oil from P. glabratum leaves (OEPG) in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The acute toxicity of OEPG was evaluated by oral administration to female mice as single doses of 500, 1000, 2000 or 5000mg/kg/body weight. In the subacute toxicity test, the females received 500 or 1000mg/kg/body weight of OEPG for 28 days. The anti-inflammatory potential of OEPG was evaluated using four models including pleurisy, edema, mechanical hyperalgesia and cold allodynia models in mouse paws.

RESULTS

No clinical signs of toxicity were observed in animals after acute treatment, which suggested that the LD₅₀ is greater than 5000mg/kg. The subacute exposure to OEPG produced no significant changes in the hematological or biochemical parameters. Similarly, the histology of the organs and the estrus cycle displayed no marked alterations. OEPG exhibited anti-inflammatory activity as indicated by inhibition of the leukocyte migration (100, 300, 700mg/kg) and the protein extravasation into the pleural exudates (700mg/kg). After intraplantar injection of carrageenan, it was observed that the 700mg/kg dose of OEPG reduced edema formation and decreased the sensitivity to mechanical stimulation and cold.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate the anti-inflammatory potential of the essential oil of P. glabratum leaves in the absence of toxicity in female mice.

Seed and peel essential oils obtained from Campomanesia adamantium fruit inhibit inflammatory and pain parameters in rodents

Campomanesia adamantium (Myrtaceae) is popularly known as “gabiroba” and has been used in folk medicine as antirheumatic, antidiarrheal, hypocholesterolemic and anti-inflammatory. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities and toxicology of essential oils from peel (EOP) and seed (EOS) of C. adamantium fruits in animal models. Different groups were treated with doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg and the inflammatory parameters were evaluated in carrageenan induced paw oedema and leukocyte migration in pleurisy model, while antinociceptive activity was evaluated using formalin method in rodents. The major constituent of EOP and EOS was limonene with 13.07% and 20.89%, respectively. No clinical signs of toxicity have been observed in animals. It was observed a significant decreased (P<0.01) in leukocyte migration at the dose of 300 mg/kg of EOP and EOS, with maximal inhibition of 89±3% for EOP and 80±6% for EOS. Paw oedema was inhibited at all times, and maximal inhibition was at the dose of 100 mg/kg at 2 h after carrageenan injection with 72±2% for EOP and 74±2% for EOS. EOS and EOP also reduced the first and second phases of formalin-induced nociception test. In the first formalin-phase, maximal inhibitions were at 48±5% for EOP and 66±4% for EOS (300 mg/kg). At the inflammatory phase induced by formalin, maximal inhibitions were 72±2% for EOP and 80±2% for EOS at the dose of 100 mg/kg. Seed and peel essential oils from C. adamantium fruit inhibited leukocyte migration, inflammatory and neurogenic pain and oedema suggesting their use as nutraceutical or pharmacological agent.

Evidence of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Plinia edulis leaf infusion

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Plinia edulis (Vell.) Sobral (Myrtaceae) is native and endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. Popularly known as "cambucá", it has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of stomach disorders, diabetes, bronchitis, inflammation and as tonic. Although there are numerous records concerning its popular use as analgesic and anti-inflammatory, scientific information regarding these pharmacological activities is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity of P. edulis leaf infusion (AEPe) in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The acetic acid-induced writhing response and mechanical nociceptive paw tests were used to evaluate the antinociceptive activity. Carrageenan-induced paw edema and lipopolysaccharide-induced peritonitis were used to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity. The substances in AEPe were identified by HPLC-MS analysis.

RESULTS

At the test doses 30-300mg/kg p.o., AEPe has clearly exhibited anti-inflammatory effects, reducing carrageenan-induced paw edema and inhibiting leukocyte recruitment into the peritoneal cavity. The infusion has shown significant antinociceptive activity in both models of nociception. Gallic acid, myricitrin, guaijaverin, quercitrin, quercetin, corosolic acid, maslinic acid, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid were identified in AEPe.

CONCLUSION

P. edulis infusion presented antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in all experiments realized in this study, which could be related to the presence of triterpenoids and flavonoids. These results provide scientific support for the traditional use of this species in the management of pain and inflammation.

Evidence for the involvement of TNF-α and IL-1β in the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl. (Lamiaceae) essential oil and (-)-α-bisabolol, its main compound, in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl (Lamiaceae) is a medicinal plant widely used in Turkey and Iranian folk medicine due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, but little is known about its essential oil.

AIM OF THIS STUDY

We studied the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of S. lavandulifolia essential oil (EOSl) and (-)-α-bisabolol (BIS), its main compound, in algogen-induced orofacial nociceptive behavior in mice, and assessed the possible involvement of pro-inflammatory cytokines in these profiles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The GC-FID and GC-MS analysis of EOSl demonstrated the presence of (-)-α-bisabolol (56.4%), bicyclogermacrene (5.3%), δ-cadinene (4.2%) and spathulenol (2.9%) as the main compounds. Male Swiss mice were pretreated with EOSl (25 or 50mg/kg, p.o.), BIS (25 or 50mg/kg, p.o.), morphine (3mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle (saline 0.9% with two drops of tween 80, 0.2%), before formalin- (20μl, 2%), capsaicin- (20μl, 2.5µg) or glutamate- (20μl, 25Mm) injection into the right upper lip (perinasal area) in mice. The anti-inflammatory profile of EOSl or BIS (50mg/kg) was assessed by the inflammatory response induced by carrageenan (2% in 0.2mL) in mice (pleurisy model).

RESULTS

Our results showed that p.o. treatment with EOSl and BIS displayed significant inhibitory (p<0.05 or p<0.01 or p<0.001) effects in different orofacial pain tests on mice, but BIS proved to be more effective, significantly reducing nociceptive behavior in all tests including both phases of the formalin test. The analgesic effect is not related to any abnormality since EOSl- or BIS-treated mice exhibited no performance alteration in grip strength. Moreover, EOS1 and BIS exhibited a significant anti-inflammatory effect (p<0.001) in the pleurisy model of inflammation, which seems to be related to a significant reduction (p<0.05) of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α in BIS treatment, and of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β (p<0.01) in EOS1 treatment.

CONCLUSION

Our results corroborate the use of S. lavandulifolia in traditional medicine as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory, which seems to be related to (-)-α-Bisabolol, the main compound of EOSl.

Assessment of anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant activities of Cajanus cajan L. seeds cultivated in Egypt and its phytochemical composition

CONTEXT

Cajanus cajan L. (Fabaceae), a food crop, is widely used in traditional medicine.

OBJECTIVES

The phytochemical composition of C. cajan seeds and evaluation of the anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antinociceptive, and antioxidant activities were studied.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Unsaponifiable matter and fatty acids were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The n-butanol fraction was chromatographed on polyamide column. The anti-inflammatory activity of hexane extract (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) was evaluated using the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema at 1, 2, and 3 h. The serum tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and immunoglobulin G levels were detected by ELISA. The hexane extract antinociceptive activity was determined by adopting the writhing test in mice. DPPH radical scavenging, total reduction capability, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation of butanol fraction were evaluated.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Twenty-one unsaponifiable compounds (mainly phytol, 2,6-di-(t-butyl)-4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1-one, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol), as well as 12 fatty acids (primarily 9,12-octadecadienoic and palmitic acids) were identified in hexane extract of C. cajan seeds. n-BuOH fraction contains quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, orientin, vitexin, quercetin, luteolin, apigenin, and isorhamnetin. For the first time, quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside is isolated from C. cajan plant. The hexane extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) inhibited carrageenan-induced inflammation by 85 and 95%, respectively, 3 h post-carrageenan challenge. This was accompanied by an 11 and 20%, 8 and 13%, respectively, decrease of TNF-α and IL-6, as well as significant decrease in IgG serum levels. Moreover, hexane extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) decreased the number of writhings by 61 and 83%, respectively. The butanol fraction showed DPPH radical scavenging (inhibitory concentration (IC50) value: 9.07 μg/ml).

Effects of Dietary Octacosanol on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality of Broiler Chicks

Octacosanol, which has prominent physiological activities and functions, has been recognized as a potential growth promoter in animals. A total of 392 1-d-old male Arbor Acres broiler chicks with similar body weight were randomly distributed into four dietary groups of seven replicates with 14 birds each supplemented with 0, 12, 24, or 36 mg octacosanol (extracted from rice bran, purity >92%)/kg feed. The feeding trial lasted for six weeks and was divided into the starter (day 1 to 21) and the grower (day 22 to 42) phases. The results showed that the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly improved in broilers fed a diet containing 24 mg/kg octacosanol compared with those fed the control diet in the overall phase (day 1 to 42, p = 0.042). The average daily gain and FCR both showed linear effects in response to dietary supplementation of octacosanol during the overall phase (p = 0.031 and 0.018, respectively). Broilers fed with 24 or 36 mg/kg octacosanol diet showed a higher eviscerated yield, which increased by 5.88% and 4.26% respectively, than those fed the control diet (p = 0.030). The breast muscle yield of broilers fed with 24 mg/kg octacosanol diet increased significantly by 12.15% compared with those fed the control diet (p = 0.047). Eviscerated and breast muscle yield increased linearly with the increase in dietary octacosanol supplementation (p = 0.013 and 0.021, respectively). Broilers fed with 24 or 36 mg/kg octacosanol diet had a greater (p = 0.021) pH_45min value in the breast muscle, which was maintained linearly in response to dietary octacosanol supplementation (p = 0.003). There was a significant decrease (p = 0.007) in drip loss value between the octacosanol-added and the control groups. The drip loss showed linear (p = 0.004) and quadratic (p = 0.041) responses with dietary supplementation of octacosanol. These studies indicate that octacosanol is a potentially effective and safe feed additive which may improve feed efficiency and meat quality, and increase eviscerated and breast muscle yield, in broiler chicks. Dietary supplementation of octacosanol at 24 mg/kg diet is regarded as the recommended dosage in the broilers’ diet.

PEG-derivatized octacosanol as micellar carrier for paclitaxel delivery

In this study, PEG-derivatized octacosanol copolymer was successfully developed to improve the anti-tumor activity and eliminate toxicity of the commercial formulation of paclitaxel (PTX). MPEG2K-C28, the conjugation of monomethoxy Poly(ethylene glycol) 2000 and octacosanol, was readily soluble in aqueous solution and self-assembled to form micelles with small sizes (< 20 nm) that are efficient in encapsulating PTX with a drug loading of 9.38 ± 0.18% and an encapsulation efficiency of 93.90 ± 2.12%. Meanwhile, octacosanol is very safe for humans and amazingly exhibits antitumor activity through inhibition activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and translocation of the transcription factor (nuclear factor-kappa B, NF-κB) to the nucleus, which may be able to promote synergistic effects with PTX. A sustained and slower in vitro release behavior was observed in the (PTX micelles) than that of Taxol. PTX micelles exhibited more potent cytotoxicity than Taxol in the 4T1 breast cancer cell line. More interestingly, MPEG2K-C28 selectively inhibited the growth of 4T1 cells rather than the normal cells (HEK293 and L929 cell lines), indicating the antitumor activity of octacosanol remained after conjugation with MPEG. Acute toxicity evaluations indicated that MPEG2K-C28 was a safe drug carrier. Pharmacokinetic study revealed that PTX micelles improved the T1/2 and AUC of PTX (compared with Taxol) from 1.910 ± 0.139 h and 13.999 ± 1.109 mg/l × h to 2.876 ± 0.532 h and 76.462 ± 8.619 mg/l × h in vivo, respectively. The maximal tolerated dose (MTD) for PTX micelles (ca. 120 mg PTX/kg) in mice was significantly higher than that for Taxol (ca. 20mg PTX/kg). PTX micelles exhibited slightly better antitumor activity than Taxol but safer in 4T1 breast cancer model in vivo. The cell apoptosis in the immunofluorescent studies and the cell proliferation in the immunohistochemical studies also proved the results. In conclusion, MPEG2K-C28 is a simple, safe and effective drug delivery carrier for PTX, and has some therapeutic effects in 4T1 cells in vitro. PTX micelles showed significant antitumor activity in vivo with low systemic toxicity in 4T1 breast cancer. MPEG2K-C28 micelles entrapping PTX deserve more studies in the future.

Toxicological analysis and anti-inflammatory effects of essential oil from Piper vicosanum leaves

This study assessed the anti-inflammatory effects of the essential oil from Piper vicosanum leaves (OPV) and evaluated the toxicological potential of this oil through acute toxicity, genotoxicity and mutagenicity tests. The acute toxicity of OPV was evaluated following oral administration to female rats at a single dose of 2 g/kg b.w. To evaluate the genotoxic and mutagenic potential, male mice were divided into five groups: I: negative control; II: positive control; III: 500 mg/kg of OPV; IV: 1000 mg/kg of OPV; V: 2000 mg/kg of OPV. The anti-inflammatory activity of OPV was evaluated in carrageenan-induced pleurisy and paw edema models in rats. No signs of acute toxicity were observed, indicating that the LD50 of this oil is greater than 2000 mg/kg. In the comet assay, OPV did not increase the frequency or rate of DNA damage in groups treated with any of the doses assessed compared to that in the negative control group. In the micronucleus test, the animals treated did not exhibit any cytotoxic or genotoxic changes in peripheral blood erythrocytes. OPV (100 and 300 mg/kg) significantly reduced edema formation and inhibited leukocyte migration analyzed in the carrageenan-induced edema and pleurisy models. These results show that OPV has anti-inflammatory potential without causing acute toxicity or genotoxicity.