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Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar M, Hosseinzadeh H. Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review. Phytother Res 2024; 38:3037-3059. [PMID: 38595123 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Insomnia affects millions of people worldwide, prompting considerable interest in herbal remedies for its treatment. This review aims to assess the therapeutic potential of such remedies for insomnia by analyzing current scientific evidence. The analysis identified several herbs, including Rosmarinus officinalis, Crocus sativus, Rosa damascena, Curcuma longa, Valeriana officinalis, Lactuca sativa, Portulaca oleracea, Citrus aurantium, Lippia citriodora, and Melissa officinalis, which show promise in improving overall sleep time, reducing sleep latency, and enhancing sleep quality. These plants act on the central nervous system, particularly the serotonergic and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic systems, promoting sedation and relaxation. However, further research is necessary to fully understand their mechanisms of action, optimal dosages, and treatment protocols. Combining herbal medicines with conventional treatments may offer an effective natural alternative for those seeking medication. Nevertheless, individuals should consult their healthcare provider before using herbal remedies for insomnia. While this review provides evidence supporting their use, additional high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish their clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hossein Hosseinzadeh
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Pele R, Marc G, Mogoșan C, Apan A, Ionuț I, Tiperciuc B, Moldovan C, Araniciu C, Oniga I, Pîrnău A, Vlase L, Oniga O. Synthesis, In Vivo Anticonvulsant Activity Evaluation and In Silico Studies of Some Quinazolin-4(3H)-One Derivatives. Molecules 2024; 29:1951. [PMID: 38731442 PMCID: PMC11085150 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29091951] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Two series, "a" and "b", each consisting of nine chemical compounds, with 2,3-disubstituted quinazolin-4(3H)-one scaffold, were synthesized and evaluated for their anticonvulsant activity. They were investigated as dual potential positive allosteric modulators of the GABAA receptor at the benzodiazepine binding site and inhibitors of carbonic anhydrase II. Quinazolin-4(3H)-one derivatives were evaluated in vivo (D1-3 = 50, 100, 150 mg/kg, administered intraperitoneally) using the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure model in mice, with phenobarbital and diazepam, as reference anticonvulsant agents. The in silico studies suggested the compounds act as anticonvulsants by binding on the allosteric site of GABAA receptor and not by inhibiting the carbonic anhydrase II, because the ligands-carbonic anhydrase II predicted complexes were unstable in the molecular dynamics simulations. The mechanism targeting GABAA receptor was confirmed through the in vivo flumazenil antagonism assay. The pentylenetetrazole experimental anticonvulsant model indicated that the tested compounds, 1a-9a and 1b-9b, present a potential anticonvulsant activity. The evaluation, considering the percentage of protection against PTZ, latency until the onset of the first seizure, and reduction in the number of seizures, revealed more favorable results for the "b" series, particularly for compound 8b.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raluca Pele
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 41 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (R.P.); (G.M.); (I.I.); (B.T.); (C.M.); (O.O.)
| | - Gabriel Marc
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 41 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (R.P.); (G.M.); (I.I.); (B.T.); (C.M.); (O.O.)
| | - Cristina Mogoșan
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6A Louis Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Anamaria Apan
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6A Louis Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Ioana Ionuț
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 41 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (R.P.); (G.M.); (I.I.); (B.T.); (C.M.); (O.O.)
| | - Brîndușa Tiperciuc
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 41 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (R.P.); (G.M.); (I.I.); (B.T.); (C.M.); (O.O.)
| | - Cristina Moldovan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 41 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (R.P.); (G.M.); (I.I.); (B.T.); (C.M.); (O.O.)
| | - Cătălin Araniciu
- Department of Therapeutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 12 Ion Creangă, 400010 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Ilioara Oniga
- Department of Pharmacognosy, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 12 Ion Creangă, 400010 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Adrian Pîrnău
- National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donat Street, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Laurian Vlase
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 41 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Ovidiu Oniga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 41 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (R.P.); (G.M.); (I.I.); (B.T.); (C.M.); (O.O.)
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Hosgorler F, Akkaya EC, Ilgin R, Koc B, Kizildag S, Gumus H, Uysal N. The ameliorative effect of midazolam on empathy-like behavior in old rats. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:3183-3193. [PMID: 37209151 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02526-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Although studies suggest that cognitive functions in the elderly are impaired, elderly people tend to be more successful and wiser in solving emotional problems. In empathy-like behavior models, the observer rat rescues the distressed cage mate by displaying emotional and cognitive ability. The aim of the study was to investigate the changes in empathy-like behavior in older rats in comparison to adult rats. In addition, we wanted to determine the effects of alterations in neurochemicals (such as corticosterone, oxytocin, vasopressin, and their receptor levels) and emotional situations on this behavior. In our study, we initially completed empathy-like behavior tests and emotional tests (open field, elevated plus maze) and performed neurochemical examinations in the serum and brain tissues. In the second step of research, we applied a midazolam (benzodiazepine) treatment to examine the effect of anxiety on empathy-like behavior. In the old rats, we observed that empathy-like behavior deteriorated, and anxiety signs were more pronounced. We detected a positive correlation between the latency in empathy-like behavior and corticosterone levels and v1b receptor levels. The midazolam effect on empathy-like behavior was attenuated by flumazenil (a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist). The recordings of ultrasonic vocalization showed frequencies around 50 kHz emitted by the observer and this was associated with the expectation of social contact. Our results state that compared to adult rats, old rats were more concerned and failed during empathy-like behavior. Midazolam may improve this behavior by anxiolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferda Hosgorler
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, Balçova, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Erhan Caner Akkaya
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, Balçova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Rabia Ilgin
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, Balçova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Basar Koc
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, Balçova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Servet Kizildag
- College of Vocational School of Health Services, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Hikmet Gumus
- School of Sport Sciences and Technology, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Nazan Uysal
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, Balçova, Izmir, Turkey
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Meftahi GH, Jangravi Z, Taghdir M, Sepandi M, Bahari Z. Micro-injection of propranolol within basolateral amygdala impaired fear and spatial memory and dysregulated evoked responses of CA1 neurons following foot shock stress in rats. Brain Res Bull 2021; 177:12-21. [PMID: 34534638 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) is responsible for memory retrieval after stress. It regulates hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) during stress. Although β-adrenoceptors of the BLA have a critical role in memory, few studies have addressed this question in the BLA, and the results still have been contradictory. The present study was designed to investigate the involvement of β-adrenoceptors of the BLA on hippocampus memory, anxiety, and plasticity in intact and stressed rats. Male Wistar rats were submitted to the electrical foot-shock stress for four consecutive days. Over four consecutive days, animals received bilateral micro-injections of either vehicle or propranolol (4 µg in 1 µl/side) into the BLA (5 min before foot-shock stress). Behavioral (memory, as well as anxiety-like behaviors), electrophysiological, and histological (neural arborization in the hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons) studies were performed. Results showed that inhibition of β-adrenoceptors of BLA by propranolol significantly further impaired fear and spatial memory in stressed rats. Similarly, propranolol effectively impaired both memories in the intact animals. Propranolol significantly amplified the slope and amplitude of fEPSP in the CA1 area of the hippocampus only in stressed rats. Foot-shock stress significantly increased the number of dendritic branches in the hippocampus, and propranolol suppressed this effect of stress. It is suggested that β-adrenoceptors in the BLA promote memory and reduce anxiety-like behaviors under tonic and stress conditions. Propranolol dysregulated LTP parameters and reduced dendritic branches, resulting in memory impairment. Probably β-adrenoceptors of BLA regulate evoked responses of CA1 neurons only in stress- and not the tonic condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zohreh Jangravi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Taghdir
- Health Research Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Sepandi
- Health Research Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Bahari
- Neuroscience Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Crocus sativus L. Extract and Its Constituents: Chemistry, Pharmacology and Therapeutic Potential. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26144226. [PMID: 34299500 PMCID: PMC8303395 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26144226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Roustazade R, Radahmadi M, Yazdani Y. Therapeutic effects of saffron extract on different memory types, anxiety, and hippocampal BDNF and TNF-α gene expressions in sub-chronically stressed rats. Nutr Neurosci 2021; 25:192-206. [PMID: 34165393 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2021.1943138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Objective: While stress reportedly impairs memory, saffron enhances it. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of saffron extract on different memory types, anxiety-like behavior, and expressions of BDNF and TNF-α genes in sub-chronically stressed rats.Methods: Rats were randomly assigned to control, restraint stress (6 h/day/7 days), two 7-days saffron treatments with 30 and 60 mg/kg, and two stress-saffron groups (30 and 60 mg/kg/7 post-stress days). Serum cortisol level and hippocampal BDNF and TNF-α gene expressions were measured. Open field, passive avoidance, novel object recognition, and object location tests were performed to assess anxiety-like behavior and avoidance as well as cognitive and spatial memories, respectively.Results: The low saffron dose in the sub-chronic stressed group led to a significant increase in passive avoidance latency from day 3 onward whereas this effect was observed after 7 days under the high-dose treatment that simultaneously led to a significant decline in serum cortisol level. While the low saffron dose led to a sharp drop in hippocampal TNF-α gene expression, the high dose significantly increased the hippocampal BDNF gene expression in the sub-chronic stress group. Finally, both saffron doses reduced anxiety in the stressed groups.Conclusion: Compared to the low saffron dose, the high dose had a latent but long-lasting impact. Cognitive and spatial memories remained unaffected by either stress or saffron treatment. In addition, only the high saffron dose reversed anxiety in the sub-chronically stressed group. These findings suggest that various doses of saffron act differently on different brain functions under sub-chronic stress conditions.Abbreviations: Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA), novel object recognition task (NORT), novel object location task (NOLT), open field test (OFT), passive avoidance (PA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshanak Roustazade
- Medical Students' Research Center, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Maryam Radahmadi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Yeganeh Yazdani
- Medical Students' Research Center, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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