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Ayeni EA, Gong Y, Yuan H, Hu Y, Bai X, Liao X. Medicinal Plants for Anti-neurodegenerative diseases in West Africa. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 285:114468. [PMID: 34390796 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Neurodegenerative diseases are neuronal diseases that affect the brain components by degenerating the structure and function of the central or peripheral nervous system progressively. It is a leading cause of death and affects huge amount of people worldwide. Plant-based medicines have been utilised in the therapies for many illnesses that have defied western treatments, including neurodegenerative diseases. AIM OF THIS REVIEW This review presents an overview of the major neurodegenerative diseases and reported prominent medicinal plants used in managing those diseases in West Africa. METHODS Scientific articles regarding medicinal plants and their usefulness in managing neurodegenerative diseases in West Africa were pooled from different scientific databases. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses to filter articles based on their relevance. Pharmacological activity, plant parts used, experimental models, and some isolated chemical compounds of those plants were summarised. RESULTS In the West Africa region, Fabaceae (19%) and Solanaceae (13%) have the highest representation of plant families used to treat neurological diseases, while Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae have also been utilised. Flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, coumarins present in those plants and their derivatives are reported to possess neuro-protective effects. Biochemical enzymes correlating to antioxidants, anti-inflammatory effects are the potential targets against neurodegenerative diseases. CONCLUSION Medicinal plants for anti-neurodegenerative diseases in West Africa have been documented with their neuropharmacological activities. Plant families such as Fabaceae, Solanaceae, Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, and Euphorbiaceae could be a major natural source for discovery of anti-neurodegenerative drugs, thus the metabolites from them should be given priority for neurological research. This review will provide clues for further investigations on the screening and development of anti-neurodegenerative natural products from West African medicinal plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Ayodeji Ayeni
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yuzhou Gong
- Shanghai Natural History Museum, Branch of Shanghai Science & Technology Museum, Shanghai, 200041, China; School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Hao Yuan
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yikao Hu
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaolin Bai
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xun Liao
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Whaley D, Sylvester JE, Deuster PA. A Threat to Military Combat Power: Dietary Supplements. Am J Med 2021; 134:1560-1563. [PMID: 34411520 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2021.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of dietary supplements by young warfighters is pervasive and comes with a readiness cost, especially in the deployed setting. Predatory targeting and marketing by various unscrupulous companies put this population at risk for a higher than baseline risk for adverse events. METHODS We report on 6 serious adverse events experienced by warfighters while deployed in Kuwait and Afghanistan. Presented is a discussion of current practice gaps and solutions, as well as details regarding how polypharmacy contributes to the seriousness of the threat posed by problematic supplements. RESULTS The morbidity associated with the 6 cases of dietary supplement adverse events compromised mission readiness and was costly in terms of health and health care expenditures. CONCLUSION The military dietary supplement issue needs exposure, review, and action at the highest levels of government.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Whaley
- Lt. Colonel, Chief of Pharmacy, Central Command, Camp Arifjan, Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan and Kuwait.
| | - Jillian E Sylvester
- Major US Air Force, Outpatient Physician, 455th EMDG, Craig Joint Theater Hospital, Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan
| | - Patricia A Deuster
- Consortium for Health and Military Performance, Department of Defense Center of Excellence, Department of Military and Emergency Medicine, Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Md
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Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Mental and Neurological Disorders in Ghana. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 2018:8590381. [PMID: 30671131 PMCID: PMC6317105 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8590381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological Relevance Mental and neurological disorders are a serious public health challenge globally, particularly in developing countries where cultural factors and limited access to standard healthcare have led to a reliance on traditional medicines. However, ethnopharmacological characterization of traditional medicines used to treat these diseases is lacking. In this study, an ethnobotanical description of plant species used in treating mental and neurological disorders in Ghana and an update of their experimentally validated pharmacological relevance are provided. Materials and Methods Two hundred herbalists agreed to participate but sixty-six specialized in treating mental and neurological disorders were interviewed on their traditional medical practice. Literature review was conducted to verify the experimentally validated pharmacological importance of the reported plants. Results Thirty-two plant species belonging to twenty-eight families were identified. Most plant species had either analgesic (50%), anxiolytic (18.8%), or anticonvulsant (15.6%) properties. Others had reported sedative, anti-Alzheimer's disease, motor coordination, antipsychotic, antidepressant, cognitive enhancement, and neuroprotective properties. While Ageratum conyzoides L. (Asteraceae) and Ocimum gratissimum L. (Lamiaceae) were the most commonly mentioned species with analgesic properties, Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae) was the most-reported anxiolytic product, with Cymbopogon citratus DC. (Gramineae), Mangifera indica L., Tetrapleura tetraptera Schum Taub. (Fabaceae), and Persea Americana Mill (Lauraceae) being the most studied anticonvulsants. Conclusions This study provides the first report specifically on medicinal plants used in treating mental and neurological disorders in Ghana. Most of the identified plants have been scientifically confirmed to possess neuro- and psychopharmacological properties and may serve as templates for drug development.
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Ndjonka D, Djafsia B, Liebau E. Review on medicinal plants and natural compounds as anti-Onchocerca agents. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:2697-2713. [PMID: 30008135 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6003-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Onchocerciasis is a filarial vector borne disease which affects several million people mostly in Africa. The therapeutic approach of its control was based on a succession of drugs which always showed limits. The last one: ivermectin is not the least. It was shown to be only microfilaricidal and induced resistance to the human parasite Onchocerca volvulus. The approach using medicinal plants used in traditional medicine is a possible alternative method to cure onchocerciasis. Onchocerca ochengi and Onchocerca gutturosa are the parasite models used to assess anthelmintic activity of potentially anthelmintic plants. Numerous studies assessed the in vitro and/or in vivo anthelmintic activity of medicinal plants. Online electronic databases were consulted to gather publications on in vitro and in vivo studies of anti-Onchocerca activity of plants from 1990 to 2017. Globally, 13 plant families were investigated for anti-Onchocerca activity in 13 studies. The most active species were Anacardium occidentale, Euphorbia hirta and Acacia nilotica each with an LC50 value of 2.76, 6.25 and 1.2 μg/mL, respectively. Polycarpol, voacamine, voacangine, ellagic acid, gallic acid, gentisic acid, 3-O-acetyl aleuritolic acid and (-)-epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate were the isolated plant compounds with anti-Onchocerca activity. Most of the assessed extract/compounds showed a good safety after in vivo acute toxicity assays and/or in vitro cytotoxicity test. The exception was the ethanol extract of Trichilia emetica, which killed completely and drastically mice at a dose of 3000 mg/kg. Several plant groups of compounds were shown active against Onchocerca sp. such as tannins, alkaloids, triterpenoids and essential oils. Nevertheless, none of the active compounds was subjected to clinical trial, to assessment of its diffusibility through nodular wall or its capability to induce genetic resistance of Onchocerca sp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieudonné Ndjonka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Ngaoundere, P.O. Box 454, Ngaoundere, Cameroon.
| | - Boursou Djafsia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Ngaoundere, P.O. Box 454, Ngaoundere, Cameroon.,Saint Jerome School of Health Sciences, Saint Jerome Catholic University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Eva Liebau
- University of Münster, Institute for Zoophysiology, Schlossplatz 8, 48143, Münster, Germany
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Bading Taika B, Bouckandou M, Souza A, Bourobou Bourobou HP, MacKenzie LS, Lione L. An overview of anti-diabetic plants used in Gabon: Pharmacology and toxicology. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 216:203-228. [PMID: 29305175 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 12/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The management of diabetes mellitus management in African communities, especially in Gabon, is not well established as more than 60% of population rely on traditional treatments as primary healthcare. The aim of this review was to collect and present the scientific evidence for the use of medicinal plants that are in currect by Gabonese traditional healers to manage diabetes or hyperglycaemia based here on the pharmacological and toxicological profiles of plants with anti-diabetic activity. There are presented in order to promote their therapeutic value, ensure a safer use by population and provide some bases for further study on high potential plants reviewed. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ethnobotanical studies were sourced using databases such as Online Wiley library, Pubmed, Google Scholar, PROTA, books and unpublished data including Ph.D. and Master thesis, African and Asian journals. Keywords including 'Diabetes', 'Gabon', 'Toxicity', 'Constituents', 'hyperglycaemia' were used. RESULTS A total of 69 plants currently used in Gabon with potential anti-diabetic activity have been identified in the literature, all of which have been used in in vivo or in vitro studies. Most of the plants have been studied in human or animal models for their ability to reduce blood glucose, stimulate insulin secretion or inhibit carbohydrates enzymes. Active substances have been identified in 12 out of 69 plants outlined in this review, these include Allium cepa and Tabernanthe iboga. Only eight plants have their active substances tested for anti-diabetic activity and are suitables for further investigation. Toxicological data is scarce and is dose-related to the functional parameters of major organs such as kidney and liver. CONCLUSION An in-depth understanding on the pharmacology and toxicology of Gabonese anti-diabetic plants is lacking yet there is a great scope for new treatments. With further research, the use of Gabonese anti-diabetic plants is important to ensure the safety of the diabetic patients in Gabon.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Bading Taika
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Postgraduate Medicine, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, UK; IPHAMETRA Institute, Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, CENAREST, Libreville, Gabon.
| | - M Bouckandou
- IPHAMETRA Institute, Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, CENAREST, Libreville, Gabon
| | - A Souza
- Institut National Supérieur d'Agronomie et de Biotechnologies (INSAB), Franceville, Gabon
| | - H P Bourobou Bourobou
- IPHAMETRA Institute, Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, CENAREST, Libreville, Gabon
| | - L S MacKenzie
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Postgraduate Medicine, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, UK
| | - L Lione
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Postgraduate Medicine, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, UK
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Ayokun-nun Ajao A, Alimi AA, Olatunji OA, Balogun FO, Saheed SA. A synopsis of anti-psychotic medicinal plants in Nigeria. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/0035919x.2017.1386138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Chlorpromazine Increases the Expression of Polysialic Acid (PolySia) in Human Neuroblastoma Cells and Mouse Prefrontal Cortex. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18061123. [PMID: 28538701 PMCID: PMC5485947 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18061123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) is modified by polysialic acid (polySia or PSA) in embryonic brains. In adult brains, polySia modification of NCAM is only observed in restricted areas where neural plasticity, remodeling of neural connections, or neural generation is ongoing although the amount of NCAM remains unchanged. Impairments of the polySia-expression and several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the polysialyltransferase (polyST) ST8SIA2 gene are reported to be associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Chlorpromazine (CPZ) is well-known as an agent for treating schizophrenia, and our hypothesis is that CPZ may affect the polySia expression or the gene expression of polySTs or NCAM. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the effects of CPZ on the expression of polySia-NCAM on human neuroblastoma cell line, IMR-32 cells, by immunochemical and chemical methods. Interestingly, the cell surface expression of polySia, especially those with lower chain lengths, was significantly increased on the CPZ-treated cells, while mRNAs for polySTs and NCAM, and the amounts of total polySia-NCAM remained unchanged. The addition of brefeldin A, an inhibitor of endocytosis, suppressed the CPZ-induced cell surface polySia expression. In addition, polySia-NCAM was also observed in the vesicle compartment inside the cell. All these data suggest that the level of cell surface expression of polySia in IMR-32 is highly regulated and that CPZ changes the rate of the recycling of polySia-NCAM, leading to the up-regulation of polySia-NCAM on the cell surface. We also analyzed the effect of CPZ on polySia-expression in various brain regions in adult mice and found that CPZ only influenced the total amounts of polySia-NCAM in prefrontal cortex. These results suggest a brain-region-specific effect of CPZ on the expression of total polySia in mouse brain. Collectively, anti-schizophrenia agent CPZ consistently up-regulates the expression polySia at both cellular and animal levels.
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Ekong MB, Peter MD, Peter AI, Eluwa MA, Umoh IU, Igiri AO, Ekanem TB. Cerebellar neurohistology and behavioural effects of gongronema latifolium and Rauwolfia vomitoria in mice. Metab Brain Dis 2014; 29:521-7. [PMID: 24254993 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-013-9453-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Rauwolfia vomitoria and Gongronema latifolium are medicinal herbs used for the treatment of hypertension, malaria, mental and intestinal disorders. G. latifolium is known to prevent the side effects reported for R. vomitoria. Therefore we decided to investigate what effects a combination treatment of G. latifolium and R. vomitoria would have on mice. Thirty male mice weighing 15-26 g were divided into 4 groups of 6 mice each. Groups 2, 3 and 4 were the treatment groups, and were treated with 150 mg/kg of R. vomitoria root bark extract, 200 mg/kg of G. latifolium leaf extract, and combination of both extracts, respectively. The control group received 0.5 mL of 20% Tween. The treatments were by oral gavages and lasted for 7 days. The open field maze neurobehavioural test was performed on day 8 to ascertain locomotion, exploration and anxiety, and the animals were immediately sacrificed. Results indicate lower body weights, though no difference was seen in the brain weights and behavioural test parameters in the treatment groups compared with the control group. Neurohistology of the cerebellum showed slight hypertrophy of Purkinje cells, with brain matrix loss in treatment groups 2 and 3, but group 4 showed no apparent histopathology. The cellular population was higher, while the cellular sizes and total cellular areas were lower in all the treatment groups. This study showed that R. vomitoria root bark and G. latifolium leaf extracts may individually cause cerebellar cytoarchitecture changes, which may be prevented with the combination of both remedies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moses B Ekong
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria,
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Yu J, Chen Q. Antitumor Activities of Rauwolfia vomitoria Extract and Potentiation of Gemcitabine Effects Against Pancreatic Cancer. Integr Cancer Ther 2014; 13:217-225. [DOI: 10.1177/1534735414532010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies with very limited treatment option. In the effort of enhancing the effect of the conventional chemotherapeutic drug gemcitabine against pancreatic cancer, we investigated in vitro and in vivo the anticancer effect of a β-carboline-enriched extract from the plant Rauwolfia vomitoria (Rau), either alone or in combination with gemcitabine, in preclinical pancreatic cancer models. Rau induced apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner, and completely inhibited colony formation of PANC-1 cells in soft agar. The combination of Rau and gemcitabine had synergistic effect in inhibiting cell growth with dose reduction effect for gemcitabine. In an orthotopic pancreatic cancer mouse model, PANC-1 tumor growth was significantly suppressed by Rau treatment. Metastasis was inhibited by Rau. Adding Rau to gemcitabine treatment reduced tumor burden and metastatic potential in the gemcitabine non-responsive tumor. These data suggest that Rau possesses anti–pancreatic cancer activity and could improve effect of gemcitabine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yu
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Qi Chen
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
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Stewart AM, Nguyen M, Wong K, Poudel MK, Kalueff AV. Developing zebrafish models of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2014; 50:27-36. [PMID: 24315837 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2013.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Revised: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a serious neurodevelopmental disorder with complex symptoms and unclear, multi-factorial pathogenesis. Animal (rodent) models of ASD-like behavior are extensively used to study genetics, circuitry and molecular mechanisms of ASD. The evolutionarily conserved nature of social behavior and its molecular pathways suggests that alternative experimental models can be developed to complement and enhance the existing rodent ASD paradigms. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is rapidly becoming a popular model organism in neuroscience and biological psychiatry to study brain function, model human brain disorders and explore their genetic or pharmacological modulation. Representing highly social animals, zebrafish emerge as a strong potential model organism to study normal and pathological social phenotypes, as well as several other ASD-like symptoms. Here, we discuss the developing utility of zebrafish in modeling ASD as a new emerging field in translational neuroscience and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Michael Stewart
- ZENEREI Institute and Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, A210 Langley Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Michael Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, 415 Lane Road, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Keith Wong
- University of California San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Manoj K Poudel
- ZENEREI Institute and Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- ZENEREI Institute and Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA.
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Yu J, Ma Y, Drisko J, Chen Q. Antitumor Activities of Rauwolfia vomitoria Extract and Potentiation of Carboplatin Effects Against Ovarian Cancer. CURRENT THERAPEUTIC RESEARCH 2014; 75:8-14. [PMID: 24465036 PMCID: PMC3898180 DOI: 10.1016/j.curtheres.2013.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Tumor resistance to platinum-based drugs has been an obstacle to the treatment of ovarian cancer. Extract of the plant Rauwolfia vomitoria has long been used by cancer patients. However, there have not been systematic studies of its anticancer activity. Objective In an effort to enhance the effectiveness of platinum-based drugs, we investigated the anticancer effect of a Rauwolfia vomitoria extract (Rau), both alone and in combination with carboplatin (Cp). Methods In vitro cytotoxicity and colony formation were evaluated in several ovarian cancer cell lines. In vivo effects were evaluated in an intraperitoneal ovarian cancer mouse model. The combination of Rau and Cp was assessed using Chou-Talalay’s constant ratio design and median effect analysis based on the isobologram principle to determine the combination index values. Results Rau decreased cell growth in all 3 tested ovarian cancer cell lines dose dependently and completely inhibited formation of colonies in soft agar. Apoptosis was induced in a time- and dose-dependent manner and was the predominant form of Rau-induced cell death. Synergy of Rau with Cp was detected, with combination index values <1 and dose reduction index values for Cp ranging from 1.7- to 7-fold. Tumor growth in mice was significantly suppressed by 36% or 66% with Rau treatment alone at a low (20 mg/kg) or a high dose (50 mg/kg), respectively, an effect comparable to that of Cp alone. The volume of ascitic fluid and the number of nonblood cells in ascites were also significantly decreased. Combining Rau with Cp remarkably enhanced the effect of Cp and reduced tumor burden by 87% to 90% and ascites volume by 89% to 97%. Conclusions Rau has potent antitumor activity and in combination significantly enhances the effect of Cp against ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas ; KU Integrative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Yan Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas ; KU Integrative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Jeanne Drisko
- KU Integrative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas ; KU Integrative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
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Teratogenic Effects of Crude Ethanolic Root Bark and Leaf Extracts of Rauwolfia vomitoria (Apocynaceae) on the Femur of Albino Wistar Rat Fetuses. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1155/2013/363857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Introduction. Rauwolfia vomitoria is a plant used as a sedative and in the treatment of psychotic tendency. This study was on the teratogenic effects of its root bark and leaf extracts on Wistar rat’s fetal femurs. Materials and Methods. Twenty-five female rats weighing between 180 and 200 g were divided into 5 groups, of 5 rats each. Group A was the control, while Groups B, C, D, and E were the experimental. The female rats were mated with mature male rats to allow for pregnancy. Groups B and C animals received orally 150 mg/kg each of the root bark and leaf extracts of Rauwolfia vomitoria, respectively, while Groups D and E animals received 250 mg/kg bodyweight each of the root bark and leaf extracts of Rauwolfia vomitoria, respectively, from day 7 to day 11 of gestation. On day 20 of gestation, the rats were sacrificed, the fetuses were examined, and their femurs were dissected out and preserved, decalcified, and routinely processed using the Haematoxylin and Eosin staining method. Results. Histological observations of the fetal femur bones showed numerous osteoblast and osteoclast, hypertrophy, and hyperplasia of bone cells compared with the control. Conclusion. Ethanolic root bark and leaf extracts of Rauwolfia vomitoria may lead to advanced skeletal development.
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