Strychnos nux-vomica seeds: Pharmacognostical standardization, extraction, and antidiabetic activity

Efficacy of Habb-e-Asab in diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a randomized placebo control study

OBJECTIVES

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common diabetes complication. The prevalence of neuropathy is 55% for type 1 and 66% for type 2 diabetes. In Unani medicine neuropathy is known as Khidr (numbness). It is treated with drugs possessing hypoglycemic and analgesic properties, etc. Habb-e-Asab, a polyherbal Unani formulation used for the treatment of Waja-ul-Asab (neuralgia) is routinely used for its indications in neurological pain in Unani medicine. The aim of this study to investigate the efficacy of Habb-e-Asab in diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

METHODS

Thirty patients with DPN were randomly assigned to test (n=20) and control (n=10) groups in a randomized single-blind placebo control study. For 45 days, the test group was given 250 mg Habb-e-Asab twice a day and the control group 250 mg placebo twice a day. The subjective parameters Pain in feet, burning in feet, and tingling in feet was assessed by the arbitrary scale and VAS fortnightly and objective parameters MNSI, and VPT was assessed in pre-post-treatment.

RESULTS

The research drug revealed highly statistically significant with p<0.001 on VAS score and MNSI whereas VPT is significant with p<0.01 on few points. But control group exhibits no significant effect in any of the parameters. No adverse effects had been reported in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our finding indicated that the Habb-e-Asab for 45 days improved and reduced the severity of DPN in a patient with diabetes (CTRI/2018/02/011725).

Comparative metabolomics analysis reveals alkaloid repertoires in young and mature Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) Havil. Leaves

The fresh leaves of Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) Havil. have been traditionally consumed for centuries in Southeast Asia for its healing properties. Although the alkaloids of M. speciosa have been studied since the 1920s, comparative and systematic studies of metabolite composition based on different leaf maturity levels are still lacking. This study assessed the secondary metabolite composition in two different leaf stages (young and mature) of M. speciosa, using an untargeted liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-TOF-MS) metabolite profiling. The results revealed 86 putatively annotated metabolite features (RT:m/z value) comprising 63 alkaloids, 10 flavonoids, 6 terpenoids, 3 phenylpropanoids, and 1 of each carboxylic acid, glucoside, phenol, and phenolic aldehyde. The alkaloid features were further categorised into 14 subclasses, i.e., the most abundant class of secondary metabolites identified. As per previous reports, indole alkaloids are the most abundant alkaloid subclass in M. speciosa. The result of multivariate analysis (MVA) using principal component analysis (PCA) showed a clear separation of 92.8% between the young and mature leaf samples, indicating a high variance in metabolite levels between them. Akuammidine, alstonine, tryptamine, and yohimbine were tentatively identified among the many new alkaloids reported in this study, depicting the diverse biological activities of M. speciosa. Besides delving into the knowledge of metabolite distribution in different leaf stages, these findings have extended the current alkaloid repository of M. speciosa for a better understanding of its pharmaceutical potential.

Preliminary Phytochemical Analysis: In-Vitro Comparative Evaluation of Anti-arthritic and Anti-inflammatory Potential of Some Traditionally Used Medicinal Plants

Background: Colchicum autumnale, Strychnous nux-vomica and Aloe barbadensis are the medicinal plants clinically utilized for the management of rhuematic disorders. Purpose: The present work was focused to evaluate the in-vitro anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory activities of Colchicum (Colchicum autumnale), Nux-vomica (Strychnous nux-vomica), and Aloe-vera (Aloe barbadensis). Research Design: Primarily, the aqueous-ethanolic extracts of these medicinal plants were phytochemically screened followed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis. Anti-arthritic activity by protein denaturation method and anti-inflammatory activity by human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization method at the concentration of 125, 250, and 500 µg/mL along with standard were performed. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed that alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, phenols, and anthraquinones were found in all the extracts, and organic acids, amine group, aromatic or aliphatic compounds, esters and halogens, and phenolics were identified by FTIR. Protein denaturation method revealed that colchicum, nux-vomica, and aloe-vera showed maximum 98.5%, 99.6%, and 72.3% of inhibition at 500 µg/mL compared with that of standard drug, that is, Diclofenac sodium. Membrane stabilization method showed that colchicum, nux-vomica, and aloe-vera showed maximum 40.20%, 35.67%, and 40.1% protection at 500 µg/mL when compared with standard drug. Conclusion: It is concluded from the current study that extracts of colchicum, nux-vomica, and aloe-vera showed more potent effect and thus can be used as alternative options for the management of inflammatory and arthritic ailments.

Cognition and memory impairment attenuation via reduction of oxidative stress in acute and chronic mice models of epilepsy using antiepileptogenic Nux vomica

Ethnopharmacological relevance Processed Nux vomica seed extracts and homeopathic medicinal preparations (HMPs) are widely used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine for respiratory, digestive, neurological and behavioral disorders. Antioxidant property of Nux vomica is well known and recent investigation has highlighted the anticonvulsant potential of its homeopathic formulation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the anticonvulsant and antiepileptogenic potential of Nux vomica HMPs (6CH, 12CH and 30CH potency) in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced acute and chronic experimental seizure models in mice and investigate their effects on cognition, memory, motor activity and oxidative stress markers in kindled animals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Acute seizures were induced in the animals through 70 mg/kg (i.p.) administration of PTZ followed by the evaluation of latency and duration of Generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS). Subconvulsive PTZ doses (35 mg/kg, i.p.) induced kindling in 29 days, which was followed by assessment of cognition, memory and motor impairment through validated behavioral techniques. The status of oxidative stress was estimated through measurement of MDA, GSH and SOD.

RESULTS

HMPs delayed the latency and reduced the duration of GTCS in acute model signifying possible regulation of GABAergic neurotransmission. Kindling was significantly hindered by the HMPs that justified the ameliorated cognition, memory and motor activity impairment. The HMPs attenuated lipid peroxidation by reducing MDA level and strengthened the antioxidant mechanism by enhancing the GSH and SOD levels in the kindled animals.

CONCLUSIONS

Nux vomica HMPs showed anticonvulsant and antiepileptogenic potency in acute and chronic models of epilepsy. The test drugs attenuated behavioral impairment and reduced the oxidative stress against PTZ induced kindling owing to which they can be further explored for their cellular and molecular mechanism(s).

Investigation of the detoxification effect of licorice on Semen Strychni-induced acute toxicity in rats using a HPLC-Q-TOF/MS-based metabolomics approach

Semen Strychni, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been widely used to treat paraplegia, facial nerve palsy and myasthenia gravis. However, its clinical application is greatly limited due to its fatal toxicity. To investigate the acute toxicity of Semen Strychni and the detoxification effect of licorice, a high-performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF/MS) based urinary metabolomics method was developed in this study. After intraperitoneal injection to rats with Semen Strychni extract, the serum biochemical indexes were changed significantly, the liver and kidney showed severe necrosis and edema. Then the poisoned rat model was subsequently used for metabolomics research. Through principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), we finally identified 19 endogenous differential metabolites involved in amino acid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, oxidative stress and energy metabolism. In addition, 4 exogenous compounds from Semen Strychni (3 prototypes and 1 metabolite) were also identified in the present study. Results showed that the alterations of 23 compounds caused by Semen Strychni were significantly reversed after licorice treatment, which indicated that restoring the endogenous metabolic disorder and accelerating the metabolism of the main toxic components might be the possible detoxification mechanisms of licorice. This study may provide an integral understanding for the acute toxicity of Semen Strychni and the detoxification effect of licorice, thereby contributing to the clinical use of Semen Strychni and licorice.

Brucine inhibits TNF-α-induced HFLS-RA cell proliferation by activating the JNK signaling pathway

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a diffuse connective tissue disease. Brucine selectively inhibits cell immunity, immune hypersensitivity and induces apoptosis. The current study aimed to investigate effects of brucine on human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (HFLS) of RA and to clarify associated molecular mechanisms. HFLS-RA were treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α prior to treatment with brucine at carrying concentrations. Cell Counting Kit-8 assays were performed to evaluate HFLS-RA proliferation. Western blot assays were employed to examine c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) expression and phosphorylation in TNF-α-induced HFLS-RA. An association between brucine treatment and JNK phosphorylation was assessed by employing a linear regression analysis. The results suggested that low doses of brucine (0.125 and 0.25 mg/ml) significantly reversed proliferation effects induced by TNF-α, however, final cell viabilities were increased compared with the untreated control (P>0.05 and P<0.05, respectively). High brucine doses (≥0.5 mg/ml) significantly reversed TNF-α-induced proliferation and further inhibited viability compared with the untreated control (P<0.05). Regarding JNK expression, there were no significant differences among the brucine treatment, and between the Control and the TNF-α groups (P>0.05). Brucine treatment significantly decreased JNK phosphorylation compared with the TNF-α group (P<0.05). JNK specific inhibitor, SP600125, significantly inhibited brucine-induced cell viability enhancement compared with the brucine-treated groups without inhibitor (P<0.05). A linear regression analysis suggested that brucine was associated with JNK phosphorylation in TNF-α-treated HFLS-RA. In conclusion, brucine significantly inhibited TNF-α-induced HFLS-RA proliferation by activating the JNK signaling pathway. Therefore, brucine may have potential clinical applications in the treatment of RA.

Potential bactericidal activity of S. nux-vomica-ZnO nanocomposite against multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens and wound-healing properties

Multidrug resistance in bacterial strains has become the greatest challenge for healthcare professionals for treating non-healing ulcers such as diabetic foot infections (DFI). Plant-mediated synthesis of S. nux-vomica-ZnO nanocomposite appears as a potential new alternative therapeutic agent that might be capable of tackling antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens and for treating a non-healing ulcer. The aim of the study was to investigate the antibacterial potential of S. nux-vomica-ZnO nanocomposite biosynthesised from Strychnos nux-vomica against multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) from DFU, wound-healing properties, and cytotoxic effects. The antibacterial potential was assessed by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)/ minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays, time-kill kinetics, protein-leakage, and flow cytometric analysis. The wound-healing properties were assessed by scratch assay on mouse L929 fibroblastic cell line to quantify cell migration towards the injured area. Cytotoxicity was assessed using 3-[4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazol-yl]-2,5-diphenyl- 2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) cellular viability assay on the L929 cell line and human embryonic kidney epithelial (HEK-293) cell line. Strychnos nux-vomica-ZnO nanocomposite at a size range of 10-12 nm exhibited significant bactericidal potency at a concentration of 100-200 μg/ml against MDR-Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, MDR-Escherichia coli, MDR-Pseudomonas aeruginosa, MDR-Acinetobacter baumannii, and also against standard bacterial strains S. aureus ATCC 29213, E. coli ATCC 25922, P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853, E. faecalis ATCC 29212. S. nux-vomica-ZnO nanocomposite also exhibited wound-healing and reduced cytotoxic properties at the antimicrobially active concentrations. Our findings thus suggested remarkable bactericidal properties of S. nux-vomica-ZnO nanocomposite and can be further exploited towards for the development of an antibacterial agent against the threatening superbugs.

Toxicological effects of Nux Vomica in rats urine and serum by means of clinical chemistry, histopathology and 1H NMR-based metabonomics approach

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The dried ripe seeds of Nux Vomica (Strychnos nux-vomica L.), a traditional Chinese medicine, have been used to treat multifarious symptoms. However, the clinical applications of Nux Vomica are limited by its severe toxicity. In this study, Nux Vomica was subjected to nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabonomics and pathological examination to determine relevant biomarkers in target organs and to explain the underlying toxicity mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups of twelve rats. The control group was oral gavaged with distilled water, and two experiment groups were treated with Nux Vomica at a dose of 0.315 and 0.630g/kg body weight. On days 14 and 21, serum, urine, liver and kidney tissues were collected for histopathological examination, biochemical analysis and ¹H-NMR analysis.

RESULTS

The metabolites changes of rats treated with Nux Vomica are obviously differ from that of controls. In serum, low-dose group compared with control shows the significantly changes included elevated concentration of glucose, TMAO, and creatine, with decreased lipids, 3-HB, lactate, and unsaturated fatty acid. Change in taurine was only observed in the separation comparison of high-dose group and control. In urine, the variation metabolites included elevations in glucose, creatine, and TMAO as well as decreased lactate, succinate, α-ketoglutaric acid, citrate and hippurate in low-dose group compared with control. Only alanine and creatine were decreased significantly in high-dose group compared with control.

CONCLUSION

Nux Vomica induced disruptions in glycolysis, lipid and amino acid metabolism, and toxic effects were aggravated in liver and kidney tissues as dosing time was prolonged. ¹H NMR-based metabonomics combined with biochemical and histopathological methods can be applied to elucidate the toxicity mechanism of Nux Vomica decoction that caused liver and kidney injuries in rats.

Sarpagan-Ajmalan-Type Indoles: Biosynthesis, Structural Biology, and Chemo-Enzymatic Significance

The biosynthetic pathway of the monoterpenoid indole alkaloid ajmaline in the genus Rauvolfia, in particular Rauvolfia serpentina Benth. ex Kurz, is one of the few pathways that have been comprehensively uncovered. Every step in the progress of plant alkaloid biosynthesis research is due to the endeavors of several generations of scientists and the advancement of technologies. The tissue and cell suspension cultures developed in the 1970s by M.H. Zenk enabled the extraction of alkaloids and crude enzymes for use as experimental materials, thus establishing the foundation for further research on enzymatic reaction networks. In vivo NMR technology was first used in biosynthetic investigations in the 1990s following the invention of high-field cryo-NMR, which allowed the rapid and reliable detection of bioconversion processes within living plant cells. Shortly before, in 1988, a milestone was reached with the heterologous expression of the strictosidine synthase cDNA, which paved the way for the application of "reverse genetics" and "macromolecular crystallography." Both methods allowed the structural analysis of several Rauvolfia enzymes involved in ajmaline biosynthesis and expanded our knowledge of the enzyme mechanisms, substrate specificities, and structure-activity relationships. It also opened the door for rational enzyme engineering and metabolic steering. Today, the research focus of ajmaline biosynthesis is shifting from "delineation" to "utilization." The Pictet-Spenglerase strictosidine synthase, strictosidine glucosidase, together with raucaffricine glucosidase, as pioneers in this area, have become useful tools to generate "privileged structures" and "diversity oriented" syntheses, which may help to construct novel scaffolds and to set up libraries of sarpagan-ajmalan-type alkaloids in chemo-enzymatic approaches.

Toxic effects of strychnine and strychnine N-oxide on zebrafish embryos

AIM

The application of strychnine (S) is limited due to its toxicity; strychnine N-oxide (SNO) is a derivative of strychnine. The aim was to employ zebrafish embryos to investigate and compare the developmental toxicity induced by S and SNO.

METHODS

The toxicity of S and SNO was examined through the hatching rate and survival rate. Morphological changes of the zebrafish were observed with a dissecting microscope. Apoptosis was detected through acridine orange (AO) staining and flow cytometry. Apoptotic genes were measured by RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Embryo malformation was observed in the embryos exposed to S at 200 μmol·L(-1). When SNO concentration was increased to 1 mmol·L(-1), scoliolosis, and pericardial edema could be seen in some embryos. Results from fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry analysis showed that S at 200 μmol·L(-1) induced apoptosis, whereas the apoptotic rate in the SNO-treated group (200 μmol·L(-1)) was much lower than that in the S group. RT-PCR analysis showed that p53 mRNA expression and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 in the S group were significantly altered compared with the control group (*P < 0.05). Moreover, Bax mRNA expression in both S and SNO group were significantly different from that in the control group (**P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

These results lead to the conclusion that SNO has significantly lower toxicity than S in zebrafish embryos.