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Barman R, Kumar Bora P, Saikia J, Konwar P, Sarkar A, Kemprai P, Proteem Saikia S, Haldar S, Slater A, Banik D. Hypothetical biosynthetic pathways of pharmaceutically potential hallucinogenic metabolites in Myristicaceae, mechanistic convergence and co-evolutionary trends in plants and humans. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2024; 218:113928. [PMID: 38035973 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2023.113928] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
The family Myristicaceae harbour mind-altering phenylpropanoids like myristicin, elemicin, safrole, tryptamine derivatives such as N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and 5-methoxy N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) and β-carbolines such as 1-methyl-6-methoxy-dihydro-β-carboline and 2-methyl-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline. This study aimed to systematically review and propose the hypothetical biosynthetic pathways of hallucinogenic metabolites of Myristicaceae which have the potential to be used pharmaceutically. Relevant publications were retrieved from online databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed Central, Science Direct and the distribution of the hallucinogens among the family was compiled. The review revealed that the biosynthesis of serotonin in plants was catalysed by tryptamine 5-hydroxylase (T5H) and tryptophan 5-hydroxylase (TPH), whereas in invertebrates and vertebrates only by tryptophan 5-hydroxylase (TPH). Indolethylamine-N-methyltransferase catalyses the biosynthesis of DMT in plants and the brains of humans and other mammals. Caffeic acid 3-O-methyltransferase catalyses the biosynthesis of both phenylpropanoids and tryptamines in plants. All the hallucinogenic markers exhibited neuropsychiatric effects in humans as mechanistic convergence. The review noted that DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, and β-carbolines were natural protectants against both plant stress and neurodegenerative human ailments. The protein sequence data of tryptophan 5-hydroxylase and tryptamine 5-hydroxylase retrieved from NCBI showed a co-evolutionary relationship in between animals and plants on the phylogenetic framework of a Maximum Parsimony tree. The review also demonstrates that the biosynthesis of serotonin, DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, 5-hydroxy dimethyltryptamine, and β-carbolines in plants, as well as endogenous secretion of these compounds in the brain and blood of humans and rodents, reflects co-evolutionary mutualism in plants and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubi Barman
- Agrotechnology and Rural Development Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat - 785006, Assam, India; AcSIR - Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad - 201002, India
| | - Pranjit Kumar Bora
- Agrotechnology and Rural Development Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat - 785006, Assam, India; AcSIR - Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad - 201002, India
| | - Jadumoni Saikia
- Agrotechnology and Rural Development Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat - 785006, Assam, India; AcSIR - Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad - 201002, India
| | - Parthapratim Konwar
- Agrotechnology and Rural Development Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat - 785006, Assam, India; AcSIR - Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad - 201002, India
| | - Aditya Sarkar
- Agrotechnology and Rural Development Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat - 785006, Assam, India
| | - Phirose Kemprai
- Agrotechnology and Rural Development Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat - 785006, Assam, India; AcSIR - Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad - 201002, India
| | - Siddhartha Proteem Saikia
- Agrotechnology and Rural Development Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat - 785006, Assam, India; AcSIR - Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad - 201002, India
| | - Saikat Haldar
- Agrotechnology and Rural Development Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat - 785006, Assam, India; AcSIR - Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad - 201002, India
| | - Adrian Slater
- Faculty of School of Health and Allied Sciences, Biomolecular Technology Group, Hawthorn Building HB1.12, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester, LE1 9BH, UK
| | - Dipanwita Banik
- Agrotechnology and Rural Development Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat - 785006, Assam, India; AcSIR - Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad - 201002, India.
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Domingo-Fernández D, Gadiya Y, Mubeen S, Bollerman TJ, Healy MD, Chanana S, Sadovsky RG, Healey D, Colluru V. Modern drug discovery using ethnobotany: A large-scale cross-cultural analysis of traditional medicine reveals common therapeutic uses. iScience 2023; 26:107729. [PMID: 37701812 PMCID: PMC10494464 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
For millennia, numerous cultures and civilizations have relied on traditional remedies derived from plants to treat a wide range of conditions and ailments. Here, we systematically analyzed ethnobotanical patterns across taxonomically related plants, demonstrating that congeneric medicinal plants are more likely to be used for treating similar indications. Next, we reconstructed the phytochemical space covered by medicinal plants to reveal that (i) taxonomically related medicinal plants cover a similar phytochemical space, and (ii) chemical similarity correlates with similar therapeutic usage. Lastly, we present several case scenarios illustrating how mining this information can be used for drug discovery applications, including: (i) investigating taxonomic hotspots around particular indications, (ii) exploring shared patterns of congeneric plants located in different geographic areas, but which have been used to treat the same indications, and (iii) showing the concordance between ethnobotanical patterns among non-taxonomically related plants and the presence of shared bioactive phytochemicals.
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Kalicharan B, Naidoo Y, van Staden J. Ethnopharmacology and biological activities of the Aizoaceae. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 303:115988. [PMID: 36460295 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115988] [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: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The Aizoaceae is one of the largest succulent plant families. Most members of the family are ornamental and form part of specialist succulent collections. The exceptional diversity of the Aizoaceae is not only limited to its growth forms, habitat, and chemistry, but is also reflected in its many traditional uses. Selected species are well known for their use in traditional medicines, with recent scientific studies validating their biological activity. AIM OF THE STUDY Herein, this review aimed to articulate foundational and current global research endeavors related to the traditional uses and pharmacological activities of the Aizoaceae. MATERIALS AND METHODS Research articles and search terms related to the ethnopharmacology and bioactivities of the Aizoaceae between 1940 and 2022 were evaluated using electronic databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, JSTOR, and Web of Science. RESULTS Popular Aizoaceae genera including Mesembryanthemum, Trianthema, and Tetragonia are noted for their cultural value and are key components in herbal medicines for the treatment of a myriad of disorders. Isolated bioactive compounds isolated from selected species demonstrated varied antimicrobial, antioxidant, and neuroprotective functions in basic pharmacological studies. However, most studies lacked reliable correlation to in vivo activity and did not adequately validate the safety and efficacy of potential therapeutic compounds. CONCLUSIONS While the cultural and therapeutic value of popular Aizoaceae species have been highlighted in the literature, there remains glaring inconsistencies among other related species. Data deficiency may be ameliorated by further studies focused on taxonomic markers, chemical characterization and underlying molecular mechanisms of activity of a wider pool of species to enhance our knowledge of this hyperdiverse family.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Kalicharan
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, 4000, South Africa; Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa
| | - Y Naidoo
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - J van Staden
- Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa.
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Bonokwane MB, Lekhooa M, Struwig M, Aremu AO. Antidepressant Effects of South African Plants: An Appraisal of Ethnobotanical Surveys, Ethnopharmacological and Phytochemical Studies. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:895286. [PMID: 35846999 PMCID: PMC9277359 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.895286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, the search for safe and potent natural-based treatment for depression is receiving renewed interest given the numerous side-effects associated with many existing drugs. In South Africa, the use of plants to manage depression and related symptoms is fairly documented among different ethnic groups. In the current study, we reviewed existing ethnobotanical, ethnopharmacological and phytochemical studies on South African medicinal plants used to manage depression. Electronic databases were accessed for scientific literature that meets the inclusion criteria. Plants with ethnobotanical evidence were subjected to a further pharmacological review to establish the extent (if any) of their effectiveness as antidepressants. Critical assessment resulted in 20 eligible ethnobotanical records, which generated an inventory of 186 plants from 63 plant families. Due to the cultural differences observed in the definition of depression, or lack of definition in some cultures, most plants are reported to treat a wide range of atypical symptoms related to depression. Boophone disticha, Leonotis leonurus and Mentha longifolia were identified as the three most popular plants, with over eight mentions each from the ethnobotanical records. The dominant families were Asteraceae (24), Fabaceae (16), Amaryllidaceae (10), and Apocynaceae (10) which accounted for about 32% of the 186 plants. Only 27 (≈14.5%) of the plants have been screened for antidepressant activity using in vitro and in vivo models. Agapanthus campanulatus, Boophone disticha, Hypericum perforatum, Mondia whitei and Xysmalobium undulatum, represent the most studied plants. Phytochemical investigation on nine out of the 27 plants revealed 24 compounds with antidepressant-like effects. Some of these included buphanidrine and buphanamine which were isolated from the leaves of Boophone disticha, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and cannabichromene obtained from the buds of Cannabis sativa and carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid and salvigenin from Rosmarinus officinalis, A significant portion (≈85%) of 186 plants with ethnobotanical records still require pharmacological studies to assess their potential antidepressant-like effects. This review remains a valuable reference material that may guide future ethnobotanical surveys to ensure their robustness and validity as well as database to identify promising plants to screen for pharmacology efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melia Bokaeng Bonokwane
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa
| | - Makhotso Lekhooa
- Preclinical Drug Development Platform, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Makhotso Lekhooa, ; Adeyemi Oladapo Aremu,
| | - Madeleen Struwig
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa
| | - Adeyemi Oladapo Aremu
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems Centre, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Makhotso Lekhooa, ; Adeyemi Oladapo Aremu,
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Geck MS, Lecca D, Marchese G, Casu L, Leonti M. Ethnomedicine and neuropsychopharmacology in Mesoamerica. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 278:114243. [PMID: 34129899 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The burden of disease caused by mental and neurological disorders is increasing globally, to a disproportionate degree in Latin America. In contrast to the many psychoactive plants with a use history in Mesoamerican cultures, the translation to the wider population of knowledge around numerous botanicals used contemporarily by indigenous Mesoamerican societies to treat psychological and neurological disorders did not receive the same attention. MATERIAL AND METHODS We used the previously published Mesoamerican Medicinal Plant Database to extract species and associated botanical drugs used as treatments for illnesses associated with the nervous system by Mesoamerican cultures in Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. With the critical use of published pharmacological literature, the cross-culturally most salient genera are systematically reviewed. RESULTS From 2188 plant taxa contained in the database 1324 are used as treatments for illnesses associated with the nervous system. The ethnomedical data was critically confronted with the available biomedical literature for the 58 cross-culturally most salient genera. For a considerable proportion of the frequently used taxa, preclinical data are available, mostly validating ethnomedicinal uses. CONCLUSION This quantitative approach facilitates the prioritization of taxa for future pre-clinical, clinical and treatment outcome studies and gives patients, practitioners, and legislators a fundamental framework of evidence, on which to base decisions regarding phytomedicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias S Geck
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy; Biovision - Foundation for Ecological Development, Heinrichstrasse 147, 8005, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniele Lecca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Giorgio Marchese
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology UOS of Cagliari National Research Council of Italy, Pula, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Laura Casu
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Marco Leonti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy.
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Rodríguez Arce JM, Winkelman MJ. Psychedelics, Sociality, and Human Evolution. Front Psychol 2021; 12:729425. [PMID: 34659037 PMCID: PMC8514078 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.729425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Our hominin ancestors inevitably encountered and likely ingested psychedelic mushrooms throughout their evolutionary history. This assertion is supported by current understanding of: early hominins' paleodiet and paleoecology; primate phylogeny of mycophagical and self-medicative behaviors; and the biogeography of psilocybin-containing fungi. These lines of evidence indicate mushrooms (including bioactive species) have been a relevant resource since the Pliocene, when hominins intensified exploitation of forest floor foods. Psilocybin and similar psychedelics that primarily target the serotonin 2A receptor subtype stimulate an active coping strategy response that may provide an enhanced capacity for adaptive changes through a flexible and associative mode of cognition. Such psychedelics also alter emotional processing, self-regulation, and social behavior, often having enduring effects on individual and group well-being and sociality. A homeostatic and drug instrumentalization perspective suggests that incidental inclusion of psychedelics in the diet of hominins, and their eventual addition to rituals and institutions of early humans could have conferred selective advantages. Hominin evolution occurred in an ever-changing, and at times quickly changing, environmental landscape and entailed advancement into a socio-cognitive niche, i.e., the development of a socially interdependent lifeway based on reasoning, cooperative communication, and social learning. In this context, psychedelics' effects in enhancing sociality, imagination, eloquence, and suggestibility may have increased adaptability and fitness. We present interdisciplinary evidence for a model of psychedelic instrumentalization focused on four interrelated instrumentalization goals: management of psychological distress and treatment of health problems; enhanced social interaction and interpersonal relations; facilitation of collective ritual and religious activities; and enhanced group decision-making. The socio-cognitive niche was simultaneously a selection pressure and an adaptive response, and was partially constructed by hominins through their activities and their choices. Therefore, the evolutionary scenario put forward suggests that integration of psilocybin into ancient diet, communal practice, and proto-religious activity may have enhanced hominin response to the socio-cognitive niche, while also aiding in its creation. In particular, the interpersonal and prosocial effects of psilocybin may have mediated the expansion of social bonding mechanisms such as laughter, music, storytelling, and religion, imposing a systematic bias on the selective environment that favored selection for prosociality in our lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael James Winkelman
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
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Liana D, Rungsihirunrat K. Phytochemical screening, antimalarial activities, and genetic relationship of 16 indigenous Thai Asteraceae medicinal plants: A combinatorial approach using phylogeny and ethnobotanical bioprospecting in antimalarial drug discovery. J Adv Pharm Technol Res 2021; 12:254-260. [PMID: 34345604 PMCID: PMC8300331 DOI: 10.4103/japtr.japtr_238_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Emergence of artemisinin resistance leads the people to discover the new candidate for antimalarial drug. Combinatorial phylogeny and ethnobotanical approach may be useful to minimize the expenditure and time in laboratory testing. Seven hundred and thirty-three ethnomedicinal plants were listed from literature search. Obtained 340 internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences of plant list which met criteria were retrieved from GenBank NCBI and analyzed by MUSCLE and maximum likelihood phylogenetic test to generate the phylogenetic tree. Interactive phylogenetic tree was generated by Interactive Tree of Life (ITOL, https://itol.embl.de) and showed strong clustered pattern on Asteraceae. Afterward, 16 species of Asteraceae were selected to investigate the antimalarial activity, phytochemical, and genetic diversity. The presence of phytochemical was determined by standard method. DNA fluorescence-based assay was performed to determine the antimalarial activity against 3D7 Plasmodium falciparum. IC50μg/mL was used to categorize antimalarial activity. On the other hand, ITS universal primer was used to amplify and sequence the obtained extracted DNA of tested plant by cetyltrimethylammonium bromide method. Phylogenetic analyses were performed by MAFFT and RAxML with automatic bootstrapping. ITOL and Adobe Illustrator were used to generate interactive phylogenetic tree. All species tested showed the presence of phenolics and flavonoids, whereas alkaloids and terpenoids were shown vary among tested extracts. Among 16 species tested, 1 species exhibited good-moderate (Sphaeranthus indicus, IC506.59 μg/mL), 4 weak (Artemisia chinensis, Artemisia vulgaris, Tridax procumbens, and Blumea balsamifera), and 3 very weak (Eupatorium capillifolium, Wedelia trilobata, and Vernonia cinerea). Generated phylogenetic tree by ITS data was able to separate the tested species into their tribal classification. In addition, new medicinal properties of A. chinensis were discovered. Combining phylogeny approach with ethnobotanical data is useful to narrow down the selection of antimalarial plants candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desy Liana
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kanchana Rungsihirunrat
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Barman R, Bora PK, Saikia J, Kemprai P, Saikia SP, Haldar S, Banik D. Nutmegs and wild nutmegs: An update on ethnomedicines, phytochemicals, pharmacology, and toxicity of the Myristicaceae species. Phytother Res 2021; 35:4632-4659. [PMID: 33987899 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Prized medicinal spice true nutmeg is obtained from Myristica fragrans Houtt. Rest species of the family Myristicaceae are known as wild nutmegs. Nutmegs and wild nutmegs are a rich reservoir of bioactive molecules and used in traditional medicines of Europe, Asia, Africa, America against madness, convulsion, cancer, skin infection, malaria, diarrhea, rheumatism, asthma, cough, cold, as stimulant, tonics, and psychotomimetic agents. Nutmegs are cultivated around the tropics for high-value commercial spice, used in global cuisine. A thorough literature survey of peer-reviewed publications, scientific online databases, authentic webpages, and regulatory guidelines found major phytochemicals namely, terpenes, fatty acids, phenylpropanoids, alkanes, lignans, flavonoids, coumarins, and indole alkaloids. Scientific names, synonyms were verified with www.theplantlist.org. Pharmacological evaluation of extracts and isolated biomarkers showed cholinesterase inhibitory, anxiolytic, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antinociceptive, anticancer, antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, antidiabetic, antidiarrhoeal activities, and toxicity through in-vitro, in-vivo studies. Human clinical trials were very few. Most of the pharmacological studies were not conducted as per current guidelines of natural products to ensure repeatability, safety, and translational use in human therapeutics. Rigorous pharmacological evaluation and randomized double-blind clinical trials are recommended to analyze the efficacy and therapeutic potential of nutmeg and wild nutmegs in anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, autism, schizophrenia, stroke, cancer, and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubi Barman
- Agrotechnology and Rural Development Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology, Jorhat, 785006, Assam, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pranjit Kumar Bora
- Agrotechnology and Rural Development Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology, Jorhat, 785006, Assam, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Jadumoni Saikia
- Agrotechnology and Rural Development Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology, Jorhat, 785006, Assam, India
| | - Phirose Kemprai
- Agrotechnology and Rural Development Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology, Jorhat, 785006, Assam, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Siddhartha Proteem Saikia
- Agrotechnology and Rural Development Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology, Jorhat, 785006, Assam, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Saikat Haldar
- Agrotechnology and Rural Development Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology, Jorhat, 785006, Assam, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Dipanwita Banik
- Agrotechnology and Rural Development Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology, Jorhat, 785006, Assam, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Gras A, Hidalgo O, D’Ambrosio U, Parada M, Garnatje T, Vallès J. The Role of Botanical Families in Medicinal Ethnobotany: A Phylogenetic Perspective. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10010163. [PMID: 33467763 PMCID: PMC7830233 DOI: 10.3390/plants10010163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Studies suggesting that medicinal plants are not chosen at random are becoming more common. The goal of this work is to shed light on the role of botanical families in ethnobotany, depicting in a molecular phylogenetic frame the relationships between families and medicinal uses of vascular plants in several Catalan-speaking territories. The simple quantitative analyses for ailments categories and the construction of families and disorders matrix were carried out in this study. A Bayesian approach was used to estimate the over- and underused families in the medicinal flora. Phylogenetically informed analyses were carried out to identify lineages in which there is an overrepresentation of families in a given category of use, i.e., hot nodes. The ethnobotanicity index, at a specific level, was calculated and also adapted to the family level. Two diversity indices to measure the richness of reported taxa within each family were calculated. A total of 47,630 use reports were analysed. These uses are grouped in 120 botanical families. The ethnobotanicity index for this area is 14.44% and the ethnobotanicity index at the family level is 68.21%. The most-reported families are Lamiaceae and Asteraceae and the most reported troubles are disorders of the digestive and nutritional system. Based on the meta-analytic results, indicating hot nodes of useful plants at the phylogenetic level, specific ethnopharmacological research may be suggested, including a phytochemical approach of particularly interesting taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Airy Gras
- Institut Botànic de Barcelona (IBB, CSIC-Ajuntament de Barcelona), Passeig del Migdia s.n., Parc de Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; (O.H.); (T.G.)
- Correspondence: (A.G.); (J.V.)
| | - Oriane Hidalgo
- Institut Botànic de Barcelona (IBB, CSIC-Ajuntament de Barcelona), Passeig del Migdia s.n., Parc de Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; (O.H.); (T.G.)
| | - Ugo D’Ambrosio
- Mediterranean Ethnobiology Programme Director, Global Diversity Foundation, 37 St. Margarets Street, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2TU, UK;
| | - Montse Parada
- Laboratori de Botànica (UB)—Unitat associada al CSIC, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat—IRBio, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain;
| | - Teresa Garnatje
- Institut Botànic de Barcelona (IBB, CSIC-Ajuntament de Barcelona), Passeig del Migdia s.n., Parc de Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; (O.H.); (T.G.)
| | - Joan Vallès
- Laboratori de Botànica (UB)—Unitat associada al CSIC, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat—IRBio, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain;
- Secció de Ciències Biològiques, Institut d’Estudis Catalans, Carrer del Carme 47, 08001 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.G.); (J.V.)
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Cornara L, Ambu G, Trombetta D, Denaro M, Alloisio S, Frigerio J, Labra M, Ghimire G, Valussi M, Smeriglio A. Comparative and Functional Screening of Three Species Traditionally used as Antidepressants: Valeriana officinalis L., Valeriana jatamansi Jones ex Roxb. and Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don) DC. PLANTS 2020; 9:plants9080994. [PMID: 32764268 PMCID: PMC7464919 DOI: 10.3390/plants9080994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The essential oils (EOs) of three Caprifoliaceae species, the Eurasiatic Valeriana officinalis (Vo), the Himalayan Valeriana jatamansi (Vj) and Nardostachys jatamansi (Nj), are traditionally used to treat neurological disorders. Roots/rhizomes micromorphology, DNA barcoding and EOs phytochemical characterization were carried out, while biological effects on the nervous system were assessed by acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity and microelectrode arrays (MEA). Nj showed the highest inhibitory activity on AChE (IC50 67.15 μg/mL) followed by Vo (IC50 127.30 μg/mL) and Vj (IC50 246.84 μg/mL). MEA analyses on rat cortical neurons, carried out by recording mean firing rate (MFR) and mean bursting rate (MBR), revealed stronger inhibition by Nj (IC50 18.8 and 11.1 μg/mL) and Vo (16.5 and 22.5 μg/mL), compared with Vj (68.5 and 89.3 μg/mL). These results could be related to different EO compositions, since sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes significantly contribute to the observed effects, but the presence of oxygenated compounds such as aldehydes and ketones is a discriminating factor in determining the order of potency. Our multidisciplinary approach represents an important tool to avoid the adulteration of herbal drugs and permits the evaluation of the effectiveness of EOs that could be used for a wide range of therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cornara
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (L.C.); (G.A.)
| | - Gabriele Ambu
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (L.C.); (G.A.)
| | - Domenico Trombetta
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Via Giovanni Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy; (D.T.); (M.D.)
| | - Marcella Denaro
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Via Giovanni Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy; (D.T.); (M.D.)
| | - Susanna Alloisio
- ETT Spa, via Sestri 37, 16154 Genova, Italy;
- Institute of Biophysics-CNR, 16149 Genova, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Labra
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy;
| | - Govinda Ghimire
- Nepal Herbs and Herbal Products Association, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal;
| | - Marco Valussi
- European Herbal and Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association (EHTPA), Norwich 13815, UK;
| | - Antonella Smeriglio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Via Giovanni Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy; (D.T.); (M.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0906-764-039
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11
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Fatur K. Sagas of the Solanaceae: Speculative ethnobotanical perspectives on the Norse berserkers. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 244:112151. [PMID: 31404578 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The Norse berserkers were wild warriors of Scandinavia known to enter a trance-like state that allowed them to fight with increased strength and a rage that granted them immunity to many forms of harm in battle. Though many theories have been advanced as to the cause of this state, the most widely believed is that the intoxicating mushroom Amanita muscaria was used. AIM OF THE STUDY The following article underlines the issues with this theory and provides an alternate intoxicant that fits with the reports of berserker behaviour much better: Hyoscyamus niger. MATERIALS AND METHODS Literature from a variety of disciplines pertaining to history, toxicology, pharmacology, and botany was compiled to frame and support the argument. RESULTS H. niger proved to be a more likely intoxicant used to induce the berserker rage state. CONCLUSIONS With its anticholinergic tropane alkaloids and symptom profile, H. niger is a much more likely cause of the berserker state than A muscaria. Though there is not enough archaeological and historical evidence to prove or disprove this theory, it provides a novel explanation that is at present the most viable means of understanding the berserkers' trance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Fatur
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, 32 Tržaška Cesta, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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12
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Beckstead R, Blankenagel B, Noconi C, Winkelman M. The entheogenic origins of Mormonism: A working hypothesis. JOURNAL OF PSYCHEDELIC STUDIES 2019. [DOI: 10.1556/2054.2019.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Historical documents relating to early Mormonism suggest that Joseph Smith (1805–1844) employed entheogen-infused sacraments to fulfill his promise that every Mormon convert would experience visions of God and spiritual ecstasies. Early Mormon scriptures and Smith’s teachings contain descriptions consistent with using entheogenic material. Compiled descriptions of Joseph Smith’s earliest visions and early Mormon convert visions reveal the internal symptomology and outward bodily manifestations consistent with using an anticholinergic entheogen. Due to embarrassing symptomology associated with these manifestations, Smith sought for psychoactives with fewer associated outward manifestations. The visionary period of early Mormonism fueled by entheogens played a significant role in the spectacular rise of this American-born religion. The death of Joseph Smith marked the end of visionary Mormonism and the failure or refusal of his successor to utilize entheogens as a part of religious worship. The implications of an entheogenic origin of Mormonism may contribute to the broader discussion of the major world religions with evidence of entheogen use at their foundation and illustrate the value of entheogens in religious experience.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Michael Winkelman
- 4 Retired, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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13
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Tang SW, Tang WH. Opportunities in Novel Psychotropic Drug Design from Natural Compounds. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2019; 22:601-607. [PMID: 31353393 PMCID: PMC6754733 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyz042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple initiatives at the national and international level support natural drug discovery. Psychiatrists and patients are not well informed about natural psychotropics in general. Existing antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs were developed from atropine, a natural product. Subsequent drug developments were largely based on extension and modification of earlier molecular scaffolds. This limits their mechanisms of action to similar neuropathways. Natural psychotropic substances, particularly those with hallucinogenic and psychedelic properties and different chemical structures, may serve as new paths to novel psychotropic drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siu Wa Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Irvine, California; North Campus Psychiatry Trailer, Irvine, California,Institute of Brain Medicine, Hong Kong,Correspondence: Siu Wa Tang, MB, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Irvine, CA; North Campus Psychiatry Trailer, Zot 1681 Irvine, CA 92697-1681 ()
| | - Wayne H Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Irvine, California; North Campus Psychiatry Trailer, Irvine, California
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14
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Prasad MA, Zolnik CP, Molina J. Leveraging phytochemicals: the plant phylogeny predicts sources of novel antibacterial compounds. Future Sci OA 2019; 5:FSO407. [PMID: 31428453 PMCID: PMC6695524 DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2018-0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The goal of this study was to use phylogenetic evidence to determine plant families with high representation of antibacterial activity and identify potential sources to focus on for antibacterial drug discovery. MATERIALS & METHODS We reconstructed the molecular phylogeny of plant taxa with antibacterial activity and mapped antibacterial mechanisms of action on the phylogeny. RESULTS The phylogeny highlighted seven plant families (Combretaceae, Cupressaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Lauraceae, Myrtaceae and Zingiberaceae) with disproportionately represented antibacterial activity. Phytochemicals produced were primarily involved in the disruption of the bacterial cell wall/membrane and inhibition of quorum sensing/biofilm production. CONCLUSION The study provides phylogenetic evidence of seven plant families that should be examined as promising leads for novel antibacterial development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malini A Prasad
- Department of Biology, Long Island University – Brooklyn, 1 University Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
| | - Christine P Zolnik
- Department of Biology, Long Island University – Brooklyn, 1 University Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
| | - Jeanmaire Molina
- Department of Biology, Long Island University – Brooklyn, 1 University Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
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15
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Guzman E, Molina J. The predictive utility of the plant phylogeny in identifying sources of cardiovascular drugs. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2018; 56:154-164. [PMID: 29486635 PMCID: PMC6130559 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2018.1444642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2017] [Revised: 02/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death globally, responsible for over 17 million (31%) deaths in the world. Novel pharmacological interventions may be needed given the high prevalence of CVD. OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to find potential new sources of cardiovascular (CV) drugs from phylogenetic and pharmacological analyses of plant species that have experimental and traditional CV applications in the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS We reconstructed the molecular phylogeny of these plant species and mapped their pharmacological mechanisms of action on the phylogeny. RESULTS Out of 139 plant species in 71 plant families, seven plant families with 45 species emerged as phylogenetically important exhibiting common CV mechanisms of action within the family, as would be expected given their common ancestry: Apiaceae, Brassicaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Malvaceae, Rosaceae and Zingiberaceae. Apiaceae and Brassicaceae promoted diuresis and hypotension; Fabaceae and Lamiaceae had anticoagulant/thrombolytic effects; Apiaceae and Zingiberaceae were calcium channel blockers. Moreover, Apiaceae, Lamiaceae, Malvaceae, Rosaceae and Zingiberaceae species were found to possess anti-atherosclerotic properties. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The phylogeny identified certain plant families with disproportionately more species, highlighting their importance as sources of natural products for CV drug discovery. Though there were some species that did not show the same mechanism within the family, the phylogeny predicts that these species may contain undiscovered phytochemistry, and potentially, the same bioactivity. Evolutionary pharmacology, as applied here, may guide and expedite our efforts in discovering sources of new CV drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Guzman
- Department of Biology, Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Jeanmaire Molina
- Department of Biology, Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
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