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Wang X, Guo W, Zhang B, Xu H, Yang Q, Zhao J, Feng Y, Yang J, Zhang J. Evaluation of Rhododendri Mollis Flos and its representative component as a potential analgesic. J Nat Med 2024; 78:753-767. [PMID: 38668831 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-024-01815-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Rhododendri Mollis Flos (R. mole Flos), the dried flowers of Rhododendron mole G. Don, have the ability to relieve pain, dispel wind and dampness, and dissolve blood stasis, but they are highly poisonous. The significance of this study is to explore the analgesic application potential of R. mole Flos and its representative component. According to the selected processing methods recorded in ancient literature, the analgesic activities of wine- and vinegar-processed R. mole Flos, as well as the raw product, were evaluated in a writhing test with acetic acid and a formalin-induced pain test. Subsequently, the HPLC-TOP-MS technique was utilized to investigate the changes in active components before and after processing once the variations in activities were confirmed. Based on the results, rhodojaponin VI (RJ-Vl) was chosen for further study. After processing, especially in vinegar, R. mole Flos did not only maintain the anti-nociception but also showed reduced toxicity, and the chemical composition corresponding to these effects also changed significantly. Further investigation of its representative components revealed that RJ-VI has considerable anti-nociceptive activity, particularly in inflammatory pain (0.3 mg/kg) and peripheral neuropathic pain (0.6 mg/kg). Its toxicity was about three times lower than that of rhodojaponin III, which is another representative component of R. mole Flos. Additionally, RJ-VI mildly inhibits several subtypes of voltage-gated sodium channels (IC50 > 200 μM) that are associated with pain or cardiotoxicity. In conclusion, the chemical substances and biological effects of R. mole Flos changed significantly before and after processing, and the representative component RJ-VI has the potential to be developed into an effective analgesic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wenjing Guo
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Haixia Xu
- Suzhou Kaixiang Biotechnology Co. LTD, Suzhou, 215600, China
| | - Qingyun Yang
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jingyi Zhao
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yi Feng
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Jiquan Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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Alahmad A, Harir M, Fochesato S, Tulumello J, Walker A, Barakat M, Ndour PMS, Schmitt-Kopplin P, Cournac L, Laplaze L, Heulin T, Achouak W. Unraveling the interplay between root exudates, microbiota, and rhizosheath formation in pearl millet. MICROBIOME 2024; 12:1. [PMID: 38167150 PMCID: PMC10763007 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01727-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rhizosheath, a cohesive soil layer firmly adhering to plant roots, plays a vital role in facilitating water and mineral uptake. In pearl millet, rhizosheath formation is genetically controlled and influenced by root exudates. Here, we investigated the impact of root exudates on the microbiota composition, interactions, and assembly processes, and rhizosheath structure in pearl millet using four distinct lines with contrasting soil aggregation abilities. RESULTS Utilizing 16S rRNA gene and ITS metabarcoding for microbiota profiling, coupled with FTICR-MS metabonomic analysis of metabolite composition in distinct plant compartments and root exudates, we revealed substantial disparities in microbial diversity and interaction networks. The ß-NTI analysis highlighted bacterial rhizosphere turnover driven primarily by deterministic processes, showcasing prevalent homogeneous selection in root tissue (RT) and root-adhering soil (RAS). Conversely, fungal communities were more influenced by stochastic processes. In bulk soil assembly, a combination of deterministic and stochastic mechanisms shapes composition, with deterministic factors exerting a more pronounced role. Metabolic profiles across shoots, RT, and RAS in different pearl millet lines mirrored their soil aggregation levels, emphasizing the impact of inherent plant traits on microbiota composition and unique metabolic profiles in RT and exudates. Notably, exclusive presence of antimicrobial compounds, including DIMBOA and H-DIMBOA, emerged in root exudates and RT of low aggregation lines. CONCLUSIONS This research underscores the pivotal influence of root exudates in shaping the root-associated microbiota composition across pearl millet lines, entwined with their soil aggregation capacities. These findings underscore the interconnectedness of root exudates and microbiota, which jointly shape rhizosheath structure, deepening insights into soil-plant-microbe interactions and ecological processes shaping rhizosphere microbial communities. Deciphering plant-microbe interactions and their contribution to soil aggregation and microbiota dynamics holds promise for the advancement of sustainable agricultural strategies. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelrahman Alahmad
- CEA, CNRS, BIAM, Lab Microbial Ecology of the Rhizosphere (LEMiRE), Aix Marseille Univ, 13108, Saint-Paul-Lez-Durance, France
- UniLaSalle, SFR NORVEGE FED 4277, AGHYLE Rouen UP 2018.C101, 3 Rue du Tronquet, 76130, Mont-Saint- Aignan, France
| | - Mourad Harir
- Research Unit Analytical BioGeoChemistry, Helmholtz Munich, Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Chair Analytl Food Chem, Technical University of Munich, 85354, Freising, Weihenstephan, Germany
| | - Sylvain Fochesato
- CEA, CNRS, BIAM, Lab Microbial Ecology of the Rhizosphere (LEMiRE), Aix Marseille Univ, 13108, Saint-Paul-Lez-Durance, France
| | - Joris Tulumello
- CEA, CNRS, BIAM, Lab Microbial Ecology of the Rhizosphere (LEMiRE), Aix Marseille Univ, 13108, Saint-Paul-Lez-Durance, France
| | - Alesia Walker
- Research Unit Analytical BioGeoChemistry, Helmholtz Munich, Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Mohamed Barakat
- CEA, CNRS, BIAM, Lab Microbial Ecology of the Rhizosphere (LEMiRE), Aix Marseille Univ, 13108, Saint-Paul-Lez-Durance, France
| | - Papa Mamadou Sitor Ndour
- CIRAD, INRAE, Eco&Sols, Université de Montpellier, Institut Agro, IRD FR, Montpellier, France
- UCEIV-ULCO, 50 Rue Ferdinand Buisson, 62228, Calais, France
- LMI IESOL, Centre de Recherche, ISRA-IRD de Bel Air, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin
- Research Unit Analytical BioGeoChemistry, Helmholtz Munich, Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Chair Analytl Food Chem, Technical University of Munich, 85354, Freising, Weihenstephan, Germany
| | - Laurent Cournac
- CIRAD, INRAE, Eco&Sols, Université de Montpellier, Institut Agro, IRD FR, Montpellier, France
- LMI IESOL, Centre de Recherche, ISRA-IRD de Bel Air, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Laurent Laplaze
- UMR DIADE, Université de Montpellier, IRD, CIRAD, Montpellier, France
- LMI LAPSE, Centre de Recherche, ISRA-IRD de Bel Air, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Thierry Heulin
- CEA, CNRS, BIAM, Lab Microbial Ecology of the Rhizosphere (LEMiRE), Aix Marseille Univ, 13108, Saint-Paul-Lez-Durance, France.
| | - Wafa Achouak
- CEA, CNRS, BIAM, Lab Microbial Ecology of the Rhizosphere (LEMiRE), Aix Marseille Univ, 13108, Saint-Paul-Lez-Durance, France.
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He X, Lu L, Huang P, Yu B, Peng L, Zou L, Ren Y. Insect Cell-Based Models: Cell Line Establishment and Application in Insecticide Screening and Toxicology Research. INSECTS 2023; 14:104. [PMID: 36835673 PMCID: PMC9965340 DOI: 10.3390/insects14020104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
During the past decades, research on insect cell culture has grown tremendously. Thousands of lines have been established from different species of insect orders, originating from several tissue sources. These cell lines have often been employed in insect science research. In particular, they have played important roles in pest management, where they have been used as tools to evaluate the activity and explore the toxic mechanisms of insecticide candidate compounds. This review intends to first briefly summarize the progression of insect cell line establishment. Then, several recent studies based on insect cell lines coupled with advanced technologies are introduced. These investigations revealed that insect cell lines can be exploited as novel models with unique advantages such as increased efficiency and reduced cost compared with traditional insecticide research. Most notably, the insect cell line-based models provide a global and in-depth perspective to study the toxicology mechanisms of insecticides. However, challenges and limitations still exist, especially in the connection between in vitro activity and in vivo effectiveness. Despite all this, recent advances have suggested that insect cell line-based models promote the progress and sensible application of insecticides, which benefits pest management.
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Rhododendron molle G. Don Extract Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits Migration in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells and Potential Anticancer Components Analysis. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26102990. [PMID: 34069900 PMCID: PMC8157555 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26102990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhododendron molle G. Don is one example of traditional Chinese medicine with important medicinal value. In this study, the effects of methanol extract of R. molle leaves (RLE) on colorectal cancer HT-29 cells and its potential molecular mechanism were investigated. MTT analysis showed that RLE could significantly inhibit the cell viability and migration of HT-29 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Cell cycle analyses via flow cytometer suggested that RLE induced DNA fragmentation, indicative of apoptosis, and arrest at the S phase in HT-29 cells. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that RLE could upregulate the mRNA expression of p53 and p21 in HT-29 cells, which would result in HT-29 cells being blocked in S phase. Meanwhile, RLE could upregulate the expression of Bax, and downregulate the expression of Bcl-2, which would induce cell apoptosis. Further western blot analysis showed that the protein expression changes of Bax and P53 were basically consistent with the results of qRT-PCR. In addition, GC-MS analysis detected 17 potential anticancer components in R. molle. These results indicate that R. molle has significant anticancer activity, which provides some useful information for further study and clinical application for R. molle.
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Zong L, Zhang J, Dai L, Liu J, Yang Y, Xie J, Luo X. The Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Rhododendron molle Leaf Extract in LPS-Induced RAW264.7. Chem Biodivers 2020; 17:e2000477. [PMID: 32845053 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202000477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Rhododendron molle G.Don is a well-known traditional medicine which has been used to treat rheumatic inflammation. In this study, an inflammatory model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells was established to analyze the anti-inflammatory effect and potential mechanism of the methanol extract of R. molle leaves (RLE). The production of NO and the expression of tumor necrosis factor by LPS were detected by Griess reaction and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2 and iNOS was measured by qRT-PCR assay. Griess and qRT-PCR showed that the RLE could significantly concentration-dependently inhibit NO production and the expression of many pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory-related enzymes. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis indicated that RLE could inhibit LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages activation. The protein level of TNF-α and IL-1β were decreased over 50 % at 100 μg/ml of RLE, as detected by ELISA. These results indicated that RLE had strong anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luye Zong
- College of Life Science, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, P. R. China
| | - Jin Zhang
- College of Life Science, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, P. R. China
| | - Liangfang Dai
- College of Life Science, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, P. R. China
| | - Jian Liu
- College of Life Science, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, P. R. China
| | - Yan Yang
- College of Life Science, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, P. R. China
| | - Jiankun Xie
- College of Life Science, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, P. R. China
| | - Xiangdong Luo
- College of Life Science, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, P. R. China
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Li CH, Zhang JY, Zhang XY, Li SH, Gao JM. An overview of grayanane diterpenoids and their biological activities from the Ericaceae family in the last seven years. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 166:400-416. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.01.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Cai YQ, Hu JH, Qin J, Sun T, Li XL. Rhododendron Molle (Ericaceae): phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology. Chin J Nat Med 2018; 16:401-410. [PMID: 30047461 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(18)30073-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Rhododendron molle G. Don, belonging to the Ericaceae family, is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant with a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects. This paper aimed to review the phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of R. molle, and to discuss the tendency of future investigations on this plant. A systematic review of literature about R. molle was carried out using resources including classic books about Chinese herbal medicine, and scientific data bases including CNKI, Pubmed, SciFinder, Scopus, and Web of Science. Over 67 compounds, including diterpenes, triterpenes, flavonoids, and lignans, had been extracted and identified from R. molle. The extracts/monomers isolated from the root, flower and fruits of this plant were used as effective agents for treating pains, inflammatory diseases, hypertension, and pest, etc. In addition, diterpenes, such as rhodojaponin III, were considered as the toxic agents associated with the toxicities of this plant. These findings will be significant for the discovery of new drugs from this plant and full utilization of R. molle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Qing Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Jian-Hui Hu
- Student Brigade Ten Team, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jie Qin
- Student Eleven Camp, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Tao Sun
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Xiao-Li Li
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism, Chongqing 400016, China.
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Scott-Brown AS, Gregory T, Farrell IW, Stevenson PC. Leaf trichomes and foliar chemistry mediate defence against glasshouse thrips; Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis (Bouché) in Rhododendron simsii. FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY : FPB 2016; 43:1170-1182. [PMID: 32480536 DOI: 10.1071/fp16045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Herbivore defence mechanisms are a costly diversion of resources away from growth and reproduction. Thus time-limited and tissue specific expression in critical plant parts is more efficient as defined by optimal defence theory. Surprisingly little is known about Rhododendron herbivore defence but it may be mediated by combined chemical and physical mechanisms. Rhododendron simsii Planch. survives cyclic infestations of a leaf-feeding thrips, Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis (Bouché), which severely damage mature leaves but avoid terminal young leaves suggesting specific, localised defence expression. We examined correlations between the distribution of thrips and feeding damage with density of trichomes and the concentration of the diterpenoid, grayanotoxin I, a compound implicated in but not previously reported to mediate invertebrate defence in Rhododendron. Our data show that as leaves matured the number of thrips and area of feeding damage increased as trichome density and grayanotoxin I concentration decreased, this inverse correlation suggesting trichomes and grayanotoxin I mediate defence in younger leaf tissue. Grayanotoxin I was tested against H. haemorrhoidalis and was toxic to immature life stages and repellent to the adult thrips, reducing numbers of first instars emerging on leaves when applied at ecologically relevant concentrations. This work demonstrates that the pattern of defensive traits in foliage of a species of Rhododendron is key to its ability to tolerate cyclic infestations of a generalist herbivore, effectively conserving vital tissues required for growth and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison S Scott-Brown
- Department of Natural Capital and Plant Health, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB, UK
| | - Tom Gregory
- UCL Institute of Archaeology, 31-34 Gordon Square, London, WC1H 0PY, UK
| | - Iain W Farrell
- Department of Natural Capital and Plant Health, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB, UK
| | - Philip C Stevenson
- Department of Natural Capital and Plant Health, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB, UK
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Zhong G, Cui G, Yi X, Sun R, Zhang J. Insecticide cytotoxicology in China: Current status and challenges. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 132:3-12. [PMID: 27521907 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The insecticide cytotoxicology, as a new branch of toxicology, has rapidly developed in China. During the past twenty years, thousands of investigations have sprung up to evaluate the damages and clarify the mechanisms of insecticidal chemical substances to insect cells in vivo or in vitro. The mechanisms of necrosis, apoptosis or autophagy induced by synthetic or biogenic pesticides and virus infections have been systematically illuminated in many important models, including S2, BmN, SL-1, Sf21 and Sf9 cell lines. In addition, a variety of methods have also been applied to examine the effects of insecticides and elaborate the modes of action. As a result, many vital factors and pathways, such as cytochrome c, the Bcl-2 family and caspases, in mitochondrial signaling pathways, intracellular free calcium and lysosome signal pathways have been illuminated and drawn much attention. Benefiting from the application of insecticide cytotoxicology, natural products purifications, biological activities assessments of synthetic compounds and high throughput screening models have been accelerated in China. However, many questions remained, and there exist great challenges, especially in theory system, evaluation criterion, evaluation model, relationship between activity in vitro and effectiveness in vivo, and the toxicological mechanism. Fortunately, the generation of "omics" could bring opportunities for the development of insecticide cytotoxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohua Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gaofeng Cui
- Key Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Yi
- Key Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ranran Sun
- Key Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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Popescu R, Kopp B. The genus Rhododendron: an ethnopharmacological and toxicological review. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2013; 147:42-62. [PMID: 23454683 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Revised: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The vast genus Rhododendron includes species that have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, pain, gastro-intestinal disorders, common cold, asthma, skin disease, etc. Rhododendrons are also well known for their toxicity and some species have been traditionally used as poison. AIM OF THE REVIEW The work reviews and analyses the traditional use, biological activities with the corresponding chemical constituents, and toxicological data on Rhododendron species. The review aims at characterizing the ethnopharmacology of the genus in relation to its toxicity in order to identify the therapeutic potential of Rhododendron species and future directions for research. METHODS Data regarding Rhododendron spp. was collected using electronic databases (SciFinder, PubMed, Google Scholar) and library search for selected peer-reviewed articles. Plant taxonomy was validated by the databases The Plant List, Tropicos, eFloras, Flora Iberica and Flora Europaea (RBGE). Additional information on traditional use and botany was obtained from published books. The review encompasses literature, mainly regarding biological activity and toxicological data, from 1898 to the end of December 2012. RESULTS Rhododendrons have been used in Asian, North American and European traditional medicine mainly against inflammation, pain, skin ailments, common cold and gastro-intestinal disorders. In vivo and in vitro testing of plant extracts and isolated compounds determined diverse biological activities including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, insecticidal and cytotoxic activity. Rhododendron spp. can cause intoxications in humans following intake of rhododendron honey or medicinal preparations. The toxicity is due to grayanotoxins, diterpenes which activate voltage-gated sodium channels and lead to gastro-intestinal, cardiac and central nervous system symptoms. CONCLUSION Rhododendron species are useful traditional remedies for the treatment of inflammation, pain, skin ailments, common cold and gastro-intestinal disorders. Pharmacological data has validated most indications of rhododendrons in ethnomedicine and toxicology studies have confirmed the toxicity observed by traditional use. Ethnopharmacological data point to the therapeutic potential of the genus Rhododendron for the treatment of inflammatory conditions and pain and, thus, research should focus on identification of active compounds and related mechanistic studies. Prolonged and high dose intake of traditional formulations containing rhododendrons should be avoided until more in depth toxicity studies become available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruxandra Popescu
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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