Trihexyphenidyl Alters Its Host's Metabolism, Neurobehavioral Patterns, and Gut Microbiome Feedback Loop-The Modulating Role of Anacyclus pyrethrum

Trihexyphenidyl (THP)-a synthetic anticholinergic medication used to manage parkinsonism and extrapyramidal symptoms-has gained significant clinical recognition. However, there is a critical gap in understanding its withdrawal effects. This study investigates the intricate interplay between gut microbiota and oxidative stress during THP withdrawal. Furthermore, it explores the therapeutic potential of Anacyclus pyrethrum (AEAP) for alleviating the associated adverse effects. This comprehensive research combines behavioral tests, biochemical analysis, gut microbiome assessment utilizing matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and oxidative stress measures. The results reveal that the chronic administration of THP leads to severe withdrawal syndrome, marked by heightened anxiety, depressive-like behaviors, increased cortisol levels, elevated oxidative stress, and gut dysbiosis. However, the administration of AEAP alongside THP shows a significant capacity to mitigate these deleterious effects. Co-treatment and post-treatment with AEAP increased bacterial density and diversity, promoting the proliferation of beneficial bacteria associated with improved gut health. Furthermore, AEAP administration reduced cortisol levels and exhibited potent antioxidant properties, effectively countering the THP-induced oxidative damage. This study highlights the withdrawal effects of THP and underscores the therapeutic potential of AEAP for managing these symptoms. The findings reveal its promising effects in alleviating behavioral and biochemical impairments, reducing oxidative stress, and restoring gut microbiota, which could significantly impact the clinical management of THP withdrawal and potentially extend to other substance withdrawal scenarios.

AlZain M, Noman O, Parvez MK, Bousta D, Bari A. Phytochemical, Morphological and Genetic Characterisation of Anacyclus pyrethrum var. depressus (Ball.) Maire and Anacyclus pyrethrum var. pyrethrum (L.) Link

The present study is based on a multidisciplinary approach carried out for the first time on Anacyclus pyrethrum var. pyrethrum and Anacyclus pyrethrum var. depressus, two varieties from the endemic and endangered medicinal species listed in the IUCN red list, Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) Link. Therefore, morphological, phytochemical, and genetic characterisations were carried out in the present work. Morphological characterisation was established based on 23 qualitative and quantitative characters describing the vegetative and floral parts. The phytochemical compounds were determined by UHPLC. Genetic characterisation of extracted DNA was subjected to PCR using two sets of universal primers, rbcL a-f/rbcL a-R and rpocL1-2/rpocL1-4, followed by sequencing analysis using the Sanger method. The results revealed a significant difference between the two varieties studied. Furthermore, phytochemical analysis of the studied extracts revealed a quantitative and qualitative variation in the chemical profile, as well as the presence of interesting compounds, including new compounds that have never been reported in A. pyrethrum. The phylogenetic analysis of the DNA sequences indicated a similarity percentage of 91%. Based on the morphological characterisation and congruence with the phytochemical characterisation and molecular data, we can confirm that A. pyrethrum var. pyrethrum and A. pyrethrum var. depressus represent two different taxa.

HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS Analysis of Phenolic Compounds and Bioactivities of the Ethanolic Extract from Flowers of Moroccan Anacyclus clavatus

In this work, polyphenols were extracted from Anacylus clavatus flowers using a hydroethanolic solvent, and the obtained extract was studied for its total phenol and flavonoid contents and evaluated for its antioxidant and antibacterial capacities. The contents of total phenols and flavonoids were measured by employing gallic acid and quercetin as references, respectively, and the phenolic composition analysis was conducted using high-performance liquid chromatography combined with a photodiode array and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS). The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was tested using a potassium ferric reducing antioxidant power (PFRAP) assay, and the antibacterial activity assay was carried out against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimirium) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphyloccocus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes) using the broth microdilution assay. The phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts equaled 9.53 ± 0.48 mg GAE/g dm and 1.31 ± 0.06 mg QE/g dm, respectively. The chromatographic analysis of the phenolic profile detected 26 phenolic compounds belonging to phenolic acids, flavones and flavonols, and with the caffeoylquinic acid derivatives being the major phenolic compounds present in 12 isomers. Only one organic compound, viz. citric acid, was found. The extracts exhibited interesting antioxidant activity. Bacteriostatic activity towards Escherichia coli and bactericidal activity against Salmonella typhimirium, Staphyloccocus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes were determined. This study revealed that Anacyclus clavatus flower extracts contain phenolic compounds with interesting bioactivities.

The impact of hydroalcoholic extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum plant on epileptic seizure induced by pentylenetetrazole in male rat

Background

The aim was to evaluate the protective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum root (APE) against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) drug which is used for inducing epileptic seizures in animal model.

Results

50 male rats were divided: control (without any intervention), positive control 1st (received PTZ 60 mg/kg, IP), first experimental group (PTZ + Extract 500 mg/kg, gavages, 30 min before PTZ), positive control 2nd (PTZ + Phaclofen, 200 µg/µl, ICV), and second experimental group (PTZ + extract 500 mg/kg, gavage, 30 min before PTZ + Phaclofen 200 µg/µl, ICV). Several parameters were assessed during 20 min and followed up for 1.5 h. Then, the data were analyzed. APE with a dose of 500 mg/kg increased the latency time of seizures in the first experimental group, compared to the positive control 1st, also, comparison of different groups in terms of Seizure Score at the 1st time (severity of first attack) had no significant difference (P-value = 0.51, P-value = 0.34). The mean of seizure attacks (event number) was significant between the first and second positive control groups (P-value = 0.01) and also between the second positive control and the first experimental group (P-value = 0.011). Significant changes were observed in the mean score of the first and second positive control groups (P-value = 0.001) and the first experimental and second positive control groups (P-value = 0.003). In addition, the second experimental group had significant changes compared to the first positive control group (P-value = 0.014), However, no significant changes were observed between the positive control and experimental groups in terms of the severity of seizures.

Conclusion

Results have shown both blocked GABAergic receptors A and B involved in epileptic seizures. In addition, APE root increased delay time of epileptic seizures, as well as reduces epileptic seizure in dose response state.

Reproductive Biology of the Two Varieties of Anacyclus pyrethrum L.—Anacyclus pyrethrum var. pyrethrum (L.) Link and Anacyclus pyrethrum var. depressus (Ball.) Maire—An Endemic Endangered Species

The reproductive system is essential for the structuring and transmission of genetic diversity. Understanding the reproductive biology of threatened endemic species is considered to be a crucial element for the implementation of effective conservation strategies. Given the lack of information and the insufficient state of knowledge on the reproductive system of Anacyclus pyrethrum L., a threatened medicinal species endemic to Morocco, we are the first to study the reproductive biology of two varieties of Anacyclus pyrethrum L.: Anacyclus pyrethrum var. pyrethrum (L.) Link and Anacyclus pyrethrum var. depressus (Ball.) Maire. The reproductive biology of the two varieties was examined in detail by studying the development of the inflorescence, phenology of flowering, breeding system, pollinators, production, and seed dispersal. The experimental results described in this work suggest that Anacyclus pyrethrum L. is a gynomonic species, with a mixed autogamy–allogamy reproductive regime with a high predominance of allogamy. It appears to be partially self-incompatible, with allogamy rates for Anacyclus pyrethrum var. depressus (Ball.) Maire and Anacyclus pyrethrum var. pyrethrum (L.) Link of 78.70% and 79.01%, respectively. It depends on pollination vectors to produce a large number of seeds. This study on the breeding system of Anacyclus pyrethrum L. provides a tool for developing management strategies and adequate conservation measures.

Antiseizure effects of Anacyclus pyrethrum in socially isolated rats with and without a positive handling strategy

OBJECTIVE

Aqueous extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum (AEAPR) is used in traditional medicine to treat epilepsy, but whether it has antiseizure properties has not been established. Because extracts of the plant have antioxidant properties, we hypothesized that it may be particularly potent in conditions associated with oxidative stress, in particular social isolation.

METHODS

We addressed these objectives in the pilocarpine experimental model of epilepsy using socially isolated rats maintaining contacts with (handled) and without (unhandled) positive handling strategy. Both groups were further divided into treated (AEAPR was added to the drinking water) and untreated groups. Continuous (24/7) electroencephalography (EEG) recordings started in the sixth week after status epilepticus (SE) with a predrug control period of 3 weeks, followed by 3 weeks of daily treatment with AEAPR or water, and finally a postdrug control period of 3 weeks. At the end of the experimental procedure, we measured lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase activities in the hippocampus to assess oxidative stress.

RESULTS

A. pyrethrum treatment significantly reduced seizure frequency by 51% and 57%, duration by 30% and 33%, and severity by 31% and 26% in isolated handled and unhandled rats, respectively. The beneficial effects on seizures were still present 3 weeks after the end of the treatment. The treatment reduced lipid peroxidation as well as SOD, GPx, and catalase activities.

SIGNIFICANCE

We conclude that A. pyrethrum has antiseizure and antioxidant properties, even in social isolation conditions.

Evaluation of the acute toxicity of the extracts of Anacyclus pyrethrum var. pyrethrum (L.) and Anacyclus pyrethrum var. depressus Maire in Swiss mice

Background and Aim:

Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) has been used in traditional North African and Indian medicine for the treatment of several diseases such as cancer, rheumatism, epilepsy, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. Despite its medical benefits, few studies have examined its toxicity. The present study evaluated the acute toxicity of hydroethanolic extracts of different parts (roots, seeds, leaves, and capitula) of two varieties of A. pyrethrum (L.), namely, A. pyrethrum var. pyrethrum (L) and A. pyrethrum var. depressus (Ball) Maire, in mice.

Materials and Methods:

Acute toxicity was evaluated after the oral administration of different extracts at doses of 300, 500, and 2000 mg/kg. Mortality, body weight, general behavior, and adverse effects were observed daily for 14 days. At the end of the experiment, mice were sacrificed, and biochemical parameters and histopathology of the liver, kidneys, and spleen were analyzed.

Results:

The extracts of different parts of both plants induced no signs of toxicity or mortality during the observation period, excluding capitulum and seed extracts, which induced slight sedation at a dose of 2000 mg/kg. The LD₅₀ of the extracts was estimated to exceed 2000 mg/kg. The administration of A. pyrethrum var. pyrethrum roots at a dose of 300 mg/kg resulted in significantly increased AST levels. However, the A. pyrethrum var. depressus root extract induced significant increases in the levels of both transaminases (alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST]). The remaining extracts of both plants at a dose of 500 mg/kg significantly increased AST levels. Moreover, all plant extracts excluding the A. pyrethrum var. pyrethrum capitulum extract at 2000 mg/kg provoked significant increases in AST levels, and A. pyrethrum var. depressus roots provoked a significant increase of ALT levels. Meanwhile, mice treated with high doses of extracts (2000 mg/kg) displayed histopathological changes in the liver, kidneys, and spleen characterized by hepatic distress, inflammatory infiltration, focal tubular necrosis, vascular congestion, and lymphoid hyperplasia.

Conclusion:

The results of the present study indicate that the hydroethanolic extracts of different parts of two varieties of A. pyrethrum (L.) were not toxic in mice at low concentrations, whereas some toxic effects were detected in mice treated at 2000 mg/kg.

Anacyclus pyrethrum (L): Chemical Composition, Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Wound Healing Properties

Background: Anacyclus pyrethrum (A. pyrethrum) is a wild species belonging to the family Asteraceae, which is used in traditional medicines. Aim of the study: This work was undertaken to study the chemical composition, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties of hydroalcoholic extracts of different parts (roots, seeds, leaves, and capitula) of A. pyrethrum. Material and Methods: The phytochemical analysis of the studied extracts was conducted by GC-MS. The analgesic activity was evaluated in mice using acetic acid and formaldehyde methods. The anti-inflammatory activity was tested using the inhibitory method of edema induced in rats. The healing activity of the hydroethanolic extracts was explored by excision and incision wound healing models in rats. Results: The phytochemical analysis of the studied plant extracts affirmed the presence of interesting compounds, including some newly detected elements, such as sarcosine, N-(trifluoroacetyl)-butyl ester, levulinic acid, malonic acid, palmitic acid, morphinan-6-One, 4,5.alpha.-epoxy-3-hydroxy-17-methyl, 2,4-undecadiene-8,10-diyne-N-tyramide, and isovaleric acid. The extracts of different parts (roots, seeds, leaves, and capitula) exhibited promising anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and wound healing effects, with percentages of inhibition up to 98%, 94%, and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: This study might contribute towards the well-being of society as it provides evidence on the potential analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties of A. pyrethrum.

Anti-inflammatory, Antinociceptive, and Antioxidant Activities of Methanol and Aqueous Extracts of Anacyclus pyrethrum Roots

Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) is a plant widely used in Moroccan traditional medicine to treat inflammatory and painful diseases. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of aqueous and methanol extracts of Anacyclus pyrethrum roots (AEAPR and MEAPR). The anti-inflammatory effect of AEAPR and MEAPR was determined in xylene–induced ear edema and Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA)-induced paw edema. The antinociceptive activity of AEAPR and MEAPR (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) administered by gavage was examined in mice by using acetic acid-induced writhing, hot plate, and formalin tests, and the mechanical allodynia were assessed in CFA-induced paw edema. In addition, the in vitro antioxidant activities of the extracts were determined by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method, ferric reducing power and β-carotene-linoleic acid assay systems. AEAPR and MEAPR produced significant reductions in CFA-induced paw edema and xylene-induced ear edema. A single oral administration of these extracts at 250 and 500 mg/kg significantly reduced mechanical hypersensitivity induced by CFA, which had begun 1 h 30 after the treatment, and was maintained till 7 h. Chronic treatment with both extracts significantly reduced mechanical hypersensitivity in persistent pain conditions induced by CFA. Acute pretreatment with AEAPR or MEAPR at high dose caused a significant decrease in the number of abdominal writhes induced by acetic acid injection (52.2 and 56.7%, respectively), a marked increase of the paw withdrawal latency in the hot plate test, and also a significant inhibition of both phases of the formalin test. This antinociceptive effect was partially reversed by naloxone pretreatment in the hot plate and formalin tests. Additionally, a significant scavenging activity in DPPH, reducing power and protection capacity of β-carotene was observed in testing antioxidant assays. The present study suggests that AEAPR and MEAPR possess potent anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antioxidant effects which could be related to the presence of alkaloids and phenols in the plant. In addition, the antinociceptive effect of APR extracts seems to partly involve the opioid system. Taken together, these results suggest that Anacylcus pyrethrum may indeed be useful in the treatment of pain and inflammatory disorders in humans.

Hepatoprotective effect of Anacyclus pyrethrum Linn. against antitubercular drug-induced hepatotoxicity in SD rats

BACKGROUND

Traditional remedies employ herbal drugs for the treatment of liver ailments and hepatoprotection. Thus, the present study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of "extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum Linn" (APE) against antitubercular drug-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

METHODS

Group I rats (normal control) received vehicle (1 % CMC), while group II rats (hepatotoxic control) isoniazid (INH) plus rifampicin (RIF) each 50 mg/kg/day po, for 28 days. Group III, IV and V rats were administered with APE 200, APE 400 and silymarin 100 mg/kg/day po, respectively, for 28 days. Concurrently, hepatotoxicity was tried to induce by coadministration of INH and RIF each 50 mg/kg/day po for 28 days in group III, IV and V rats. After 24 h of the last dosing, blood was obtained under light anesthesia and the rats were killed. Hepatoprotective effect was assessed by liver weight, relative liver weight and biochemical parameters such as serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), serum bilirubin, cholesterol, total protein and albumin levels.

RESULTS

Group IV rats showed significant (p<0.01) decrease in SGPT, SGOT, ALP, LDH, cholesterol, serum bilirubin, liver weight and relative liver weight Levels, while significant (p<0.01) increase in final body weight (b. wt.), total protein and albumin levels as compared to group II rats. Hepatoprotective effect of APE 400 mg/kg/day was comparable to that of silymarin 100 mg/kg/day and the hepatic marker levels were also restored. Hepatoprotective effect of APE was well supported by the histopathological results.

CONCLUSIONS

Hydroalcoholic APE root possesses hepatoprotective activity as it exhibited the protective effect against INH plus RIF-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Quantitative In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Intestinal and Blood-Brain Barrier Transport Kinetics of the Plant N-Alkylamide Pellitorine

Objective. To evaluate the gut mucosa and blood-brain barrier (BBB) pharmacokinetic permeability properties of the plant N-alkylamide pellitorine. Methods. Pure pellitorine and an Anacyclus pyrethrum extract were used to investigate the permeation of pellitorine through (1) a Caco-2 cell monolayer, (2) the rat gut after oral administration, and (3) the BBB in mice after intravenous and intracerebroventricular administration. A validated bioanalytical UPLC-MS(2) method was used to quantify pellitorine. Results. Pellitorine was able to cross the Caco-2 cell monolayer from the apical-to-basolateral and from the basolateral-to-apical side with apparent permeability coefficients between 0.6 · 10(-5) and 4.8 · 10(-5) cm/h and between 0.3 · 10(-5) and 5.8 · 10(-5) cm/h, respectively. In rats, a serum elimination rate constant of 0.3 h(-1) was obtained. Intravenous injection of pellitorine in mice resulted in a rapid and high permeation of pellitorine through the BBB with a unidirectional influx rate constant of 153 μL/(g·min). In particular, 97% of pellitorine reached the brain tissue, while only 3% remained in the brain capillaries. An efflux transfer constant of 0.05 min(-1) was obtained. Conclusion. Pellitorine shows a good gut permeation and rapidly permeates the BBB once in the blood, indicating a possible role in the treatment of central nervous system diseases.

Mucosal and blood-brain barrier transport kinetics of the plant N-alkylamide spilanthol using in vitro and in vivo models

Background

N-alkylamides (NAAs) are a large group of secondary metabolites occurring in more than 25 plant families which are often used in traditional medicine. A prominent active NAA is spilanthol. The general goal was to quantitatively investigate the gut mucosa and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability pharmacokinetic properties of spilanthol.

Methods

Spilanthes acmella (L.) L. extracts, as well as purified spilanthol were used to investigate (1) the permeation of spilanthol through a Caco-2 cell monolayer in vitro, (2) the absorption from the intestinal lumen after oral administration to rats, and (3) the permeation through the BBB in mice after intravenous injection. Quantification of spilanthol was performed using a validated bio-analytical UPLC-MS² method.

Results

Spilanthol was able to cross the Caco-2 cell monolayer in vitro from the apical-to-basolateral side and from the basolateral-to-apical side with apparent permeability coefficients P_app between 5.2 · 10⁻⁵ and 10.2 · 10⁻⁵ cm/h. This in vitro permeability was confirmed by the in vivo intestinal absorption in rats after oral administration, where an elimination rate constant k_e of 0.6 h⁻¹ was obtained. Furthermore, once present in the systemic circulation, spilanthol rapidly penetrated the blood-brain barrier: a highly significant influx of spilanthol into the brains was observed with a unidirectional influx rate constant K₁ of 796 μl/(g · min).

Conclusions

Spilanthol shows a high intestinal absorption from the gut into the systemic circulation, as well as a high BBB permeation rate from the blood into the brain.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1159-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.