Ethnomedicinal importance of Patuletin in Medicine: Pharmacological Activities and Analytical Aspects

BACKGROUND

Plant-derived bioactive molecules have been a major source of therapeutics for human and veterinarian purposes. Different traditional medicine system across the globe had relied on natural resources to meet their demand of healthcare. Still in modern world pharmaceutical industries look for phytochemicals to develop new drugs. The current review explores patuletin, a flavonoid for its diverse reported pharmacological activities along with its analytical techniques.

METHODS

Scientific data published on patuletin was collected from Scopus, Science Direct, Pubmed, Google, and Google Scholar. The collected data were analyzed and arranged as per specific pharmacological activities performed using in-vitro or in-vivo methods. Analytical methods of patuletin have been presented next to pharmacological activities, Results: Available scientific literature indicates patuletin has anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, genotoxic, hepatoprotective, antiproliferative, antiplatelet, antinociceptive, and antioxidant activity. In addition to these activities, its biological potential on breast cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, aldose reductase, and different types of microorganisms has been also presented in this work. Analytical data on patuletin signified the importance of patuletin for the standardization of herbal products and derived medicine.

CONCLUSION

It may be concluded that patuletin with its diverse biological activities and readily available analytical methods, holds the potential to be translated into a new drug entity.

Overview of Sang-e-Surma (Antimony Sulphide or Lead Sulphide): A Mineral Origin Unani Drug

The ultra-fine powder of Sang-e-Surma (Surma Stone), also known as Kohl, is used for various eye ailments either alone or in combination with other herbal or mineral ingredients. The earliest use of Surma is reported in Egypt about 3100 BC. Data from a number of studies conducted on Sang-e-Surma using modern analytical techniques have cleared the uncertainty that Surma stone is mainly composed of lead sulphide. Surma is reported to be used for impaired eye-sight, ophthalmia, cataract, itching, redness, irritation, watering of eyes, shedding of eyelashes and in the initial stage of cataract. The use of lead based Surma is discouraged owing to reports of lead toxicity though the sun glare protection and antimicrobial effects of Surma have been established. Reports on lead toxicity by the application of Surma in eyes are conflicting. Appropriately planned studies are warranted to elaborate the toxic effects of lead based Surma/kohl in terms of detoxification of Sang-e-Surma, preclinical toxicity and clinical trial.

Antipyretic, Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Qurs Afsanteen Saghir (A Polyherbal Unani Tablet) in Experimental Animals

Qurs Afsanteen Saghir is a polyherbal Unani formulation in the form of tablet. This formulation consists of multiple medicinal plants like Afsanteen (Artemisia absinthium L.), Badam Talkh (Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A.Webb), Asaroon (Asarum europaeum L.), Anisoon (Pimpinella anisum L.) and Tukhm-e-Karafs (Apium graveolens L.). The clinical adult dose of study drug is 3.5 –7 g per day as mentioned in Unani literature. The present study evaluated the antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential of Qurs Afsanteen Saghir using different animal models. Antipyretic activity was measured using yeast-induced pyrexia model in rats at 360 and 720 mg/kg bw dose of test drug and paracetamol (70 mg/kg bw p.o.) as standard control. Analgesic effect was evaluated using acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice using test drug at dose 720 and 1440 mg/kg bw and diclofenac sodium (15 mg/kg bw p.o.) as standard control. Eddy’s hot plate test was conducted in rats using test drug at the dose of 360 and 720 mg/kg bw and buprenorphine (0.10 mg/kg s.q.) as standard control. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats with the dose of 360 and 720 mg/kg of test drug and Indomethacin (10 mg/kg p.o.) as standard control. The study drug significantly reduced the temperature and pain at both dose levels in a time-dependent manner as compared to normal control. However, the reduction of inflammation was observed at low dose (360 mg/kg bw) only after 3 hours of carrageenan administration. These findings indicated that tested drug showed potential activity as antipyretic and analgesic; whereas the drug may not be considered quite effective as an anti-inflammatory agents.

Nephroprotective effect of Apium graveolens L. against Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity

Background

Cisplatin is extensively used in treating cancers, and its primary side-effect is nephrotoxicity. It accumulates in proximal convoluted tubules where it promotes cellular damage by oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation, etc. In Unani medicine, Tukhm-e-Karafs(Apium graveolens L.) (TK) is mentioned in the literature to manage various kidney ailments due to its diuretic and deobstruent activities.

Objective

To investigate the nephroprotective effects of powder of TK in Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in an animal model and to validate the Unani claim of its nephroprotective action.

Material and methods

In curative protocol, cisplatin (5 mg/kg body weight i.p) was administered on day one and powder of TK (500 and 1000 mg/kg p.o.) from the sixth day onwards for ten days. TK (500 and 1000 mg/kg p.o.) was given for ten days and Cisplatin (5 mg/kg body weight i.p) on day 11 in the protective model. At the end of the study, all the animals were sacrificed, and renal biochemical parameters were determined. KIM-1 level was also investigated in the kidney homogenate in conjunction with histopathological inspection of kidney tissues.

Results

Significant increase in serum creatinine and BUN, presence of mononuclear cell infiltration, tubular dilation and vacuolation in renal histopathology, and increased KIM-1 level confirmed the nephrotoxicity due to Cisplatin. TK's administration protects the kidney as suggested by the changes in biochemical renal function, decreased level of KIM-1, and improvement in histopathological changes.

Conclusion

The result advocated that TK prevented renal injury and maintained normal renal function in both models. It may be due to improved clearance of Cisplatin from kidney tubules and reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by the inflammatory response.

Obesity Potentiates the Risk of Drug-Induced Long QT Syndrome - Preliminary Evidence from WNIN/Ob Spontaneously Obese Rat

Drug-induced long QT syndrome (DI-LQTS) is fatal and known to have a higher incidence in women rather than in men. Multiple risk factors potentiate the incidence of DI-LQTS, but the actual contribution of obesity remains largely unexplored. Correspondingly, the present study is aimed to evaluate the susceptibility of DI-LQTS in WNIN/Ob rat in comparison with its lean counterpart using 3-lead electrocardiography. Four- and eight-month-old female WNIN/Ob and their lean controls were used for the experimentation. Non-invasive blood pressure measurement and total body electric conductivity (TOBEC) analysis were carried out. After the baseline evaluations, animals were anesthetized with Ketamine (50 mg/kg). Haloperidol (12.5 mg/kg single dose) was administered intraperitoneally and ECG was taken at 0, 10, 20, 30, 60 min, and 24 h time points. Myocardial lystes were used to assess the BNP, protein carbonylation, and hydroxyproline content. Adiposity, as assessed by TOBEC, is higher in obese rats with elevated mean arterial blood pressure. Baseline-corrected QT interval (QTc) is significantly higher in the obese rat with a wider QRS complex. The incidence of PVC and VT are more intense in the obese rat. Haloperidol-induced QT prolongation in obese rats was rapidly induced than in lean, which was observed to remain till 24 h in obese groups while normalized in lean controls. Higher levels of BNP, protein carbonylation, hydroxyproline content, and relative heart weights indicated the presence of cardiac hypertrophy. The study provides preliminary evidence that obesity can be a potential risk factor for DI-LQTS with faster onset and longer subsistence.

90-Days Repeated Dose Oral Toxicity Study of Sharbat-e-Deenar (A Hepatoprotective Unani Herbal Formulation)

Sharbat-e-Deenar (SDR) is a compound Unani pharmacopoeial formulation recommended for the treatment of Waram-e-Kabid (hepatitis), Waram-e-Rahem (uterine inflammation/ Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases), Yarqan-e-Suddi (obstructive jaundice), and Istisqa (ascites). The current study was carried out to investigate repeated dose oral toxicity study of SDR for 90 days in Sprague dawley (SD) rats. SDR was orally administered (gavage) at the doses of 4, 10 and 20 mL/kg bw/day. A periodic observation was performed for mortality, morbidity and any clinical sign of toxicity. Changes in body weight and feed consumption were observed weekly throughout study duration. After the treatment duration of three months, animals were anaesthetized and blood samples were subjected to haematological investigation and serum was subjected to different biochemical estimation. Gross necropsy was performed and internal organs/ tissues were processed for histopathological investigation. Treatment with SDR showed no incidence of mortality and no clinical sign of systemic toxicity. Body weight showed pattern of weight gain except significance decrease at mid and high dose at 13th week of study duration. Feed consumption exhibited a significant decrease as compare to control. Haematology and biochemistry profile found normal except certain isolated changes which was considered toxicologically not significant as the values lies in the normal physiological range. There were no changes observed in the gross necropsy and relative organ weight data of control and SDR treated rats. It is reported that few of the animals showed changes in liver at mid (2.5 times of therapeutic equivalent dose) and high dose (5 times of therapeutic equivalent dose) in SDR treated animals that may be attributed to SDR treatment, however, associated liver function parameters like ALT, AST and ALP did not show any alteration of liver function. Based on the results of this study, it may be indicated that liver may be the target organ for toxicity if SDR is used above recommended therapeutic dose for longer duration.

Oxidative stress in Vitiligo patients and administration of Munzij and Mushil therapy, a poly herbal Unani formulation - hospital-based study

Background Vitiligo, a skin disorder is viewed as a multifactorial process with major role of reactive oxygen species in concert to destroy or incapacitate melanocytes. In Unani system of medicine the treatment of Bars (Vitiligo) starts with removal of harmful materials from the body with Munzij and Mushil (MM), a poly herbal Unani formulation. Methods Herein, oxidative stress related parameters as MDA, SOD, GPx and CAT have been estimated in the 21 clinically diagnosed Vitiligo in-patients and subsequently these parameters were evaluated during and after administration of MM therapy and compared with 21 healthy subjects. Results There was significant difference in the parameters viz., SOD (p<0.001) and CAT (p<0.005) activity at the baseline with no statistical significant difference in MDA and GPx activity among Vitiligo subjects and controls. After MM therapy there was no statistical significant difference among the values of these parameters in Vitiligo subjects. Conclusions The results suggest that there is imbalance in the oxidant-antioxidant status of Vitiligo subjects and the MM therapy is not found to significantly change the levels of oxidative stress related parameters.

Comparative toxicity study on classical and modified version of Jawarish Jalinoos (a traditional Unani formulation) in rats

BACKGROUND

Jawarish Jalinoos (JJ) is a classical semisolid traditional Unani formulation clinically used for the treatment of weakness of vital organs, liver, and stomach. Although JJ has been widely used clinically for several decades, no scientific report is available for its safety.

METHODS

JJ and its sugar-free tablet version (SFJJ; formulated to target diabetic population) were assessed for safety in rats. Ninety-day repeated dose oral toxicity study was performed as per the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Guideline 408. JJ was orally administered at the dose of 2000 mg/kg bw/d, whereas SFJJ was orally administered at the doses of 506 mg/kg body weight (bw)/d, 1012 mg/kg bw/d, and 2024 mg/kg bw/d for 90 days. The animals were periodically observed for clinical signs of toxicity, mortality, morbidity, body weight changes, and feed consumption. At the end of the study, hematology, clinical biochemistry, electrolytes, gross pathology, relative organ weight, and histological examination were performed.

RESULTS

Treatment with SFJJ and JJ showed no significant differences in body weight gain, feed consumption, hematology, clinical biochemistry, and serum electrolytes. No gross pathological findings and differences in relative organ weights were observed between control and drug treated rats. Histological examination revealed no toxicologically significant abnormalities related with SFJJ or JJ treatment.

CONCLUSION

The 90-day repeated dose oral toxicity study demonstrates that the no observed adverse effect level of SFJJ and JJ is greater than 2024 mg/kg bw/d and 2000 mg/kg bw/d (p.o.) in rats, respectively. Both formulations were found to be safe up to the tested dose levels and experimental conditions, and therefore safe for clinical use as specified in the literature.

Compensation to clinical trial participants in India: A gap analysis

The recent amendments notified by the Government of India, for conducting clinical trial, is greatly appreciable as promoting safety and well-being of human subjects. These rules clearly state that medical management of injuries in clinical trials is mandatory, and clinical trial-related injury or death needs to be compensated over and above the medical management. These rules need to be reconsidered for simplification and better understanding of issues regarding compensation. There is a need of clarity at some points which should be discussed with all stakeholders for better understanding of current regulations. In our view, attention must also be given to academic investigators, during discussion to promote availability of cost-effective treatment in India.

Beneficial effect of Hypericum perforatum on depression and anxiety in a type 2 diabetic rat model

Recent studies have revealed diverse therapeutically interesting pharmacological properties of a standardized Hypericum perforatum extract (HpE) potentially useful for treatments of patients with metabolic and psychiatric disorders. Consequently, the presented experiments were designed to test usefulness of the extract for the treatment of comorbid conditions of mood disturbances and anxiety in diabetic rats. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was induced in overnight fasted rats by a single i.p. injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 65 mg/kg), 15 min after an i.p. injection of nicotinamide (120 mg/kg). HpE was administered orally (100 and 200 mg/kg b.w..) to diabetic animals for 14 days. Anxiolytic activity was evaluated using open-field exploration test (OFT) and elevated plus maze (EPM) test. Antidepressant activity was assessed using Porsolt's forced swim test (FST). Fasting blood glucose levels in different groups were analyzed on the 14th day. Diabetic rats showed significant increase in anxiety in OFT and EPM compared to non diabetic normal control rats. Diabetic rats treated with HpE have shown significant anxiolytic activity in OFT and EPM test. In FST, immobility period of vehicle treated diabetic rats was significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared to normal control rats. Treatment with HpE significantly decreased (p < 0.001) immobility period compared to vehicle treated diabetic control rats. HpE treatment significantly reduced elevated blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. The presented observations strongly suggest that HpE could be suitable alternative therapeutic option for prevention, as well as treatment, of comorbidities caused by, or associated with, depression, anxiety and diabetes.

Hypolipidemic and Antiobesity-Like Activity of Standardised Extract of Hypericum perforatum L. in Rats

Hypericum perforatum is known to have diverse medicinal uses for centuries. The antidepressant activity of Hypericum perforatum is widely accepted and proved in both animal and clinical studies. Present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Hypericum perforatum in a battery of animal models for metabolic disorder. Hypericum is tested for hypolipidemic activity in normal rats, antiobesity activity in high-fat-diet induced obese rats, and fructose-fed rats. Hypericum was orally administered as suspension in 0.3% carboxymethyl cellulose at the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight for 15 consecutive days. Hypericum significantly lowered total cholesterol and low-density cholesterol in normal rats. Hypericum significantly inhibited weight gain in high-fat-fed rats. In fructose-fed rats, Hypericum normalised the dyslipidemia induced by fructose feeding and improved the insulin sensitivity. Taken together, Hypericum could be the antidepressant therapy of choice for patients suffering from comorbid diabetes and obesity.

Antidiabetic activity of standardized extract of Quassia amara in nicotinamide-streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a standardized methanol extract of Quassia amara L. (Family: Simaroubaceae) in nicotinamide-streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus was induced by streptozotocin in rats pre-treated with nicotinamide. Diabetic rats were treated with oral doses of Quassia amara extract (QaE; 100 and 200 mg/kg) or glibenclamide (10 mg/kg; as standard). QaE and glibenclamide were administered as a suspension in 0.3% carboxy methyl cellulose for 14 days. Control animals received an equal volume of vehicle. Blood samples were collected by retro-orbital puncture on day 14, 1 h after last treatment. Plasma glucose, insulin and lipid parameters (total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and triglycerides) were measured using commercially available biochemical kits. The oral glucose tolerance test was performed to evaluate the effect of the extract on peripheral glucose utilization in normal rats. Both doses of QaE significantly (p < 0.01) reduced elevated fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. In the oral glucose tolerance test, QaE treatment significantly increased (p < 0.05) the glucose tolerance compared with the vehicle. QaE and glibenclamide, effectively normalized dyslipidemia associated with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. The findings of the present study indicate that Quassia amara extract may be potentially valuable in the treatment of diabetes and associated dyslipidemia.

Beneficial effects of a standardized Hypericum perforatum extract in rats with experimentally induced hyperglycemia

The main aim of this study was to test the therapeutic potential of a standardized Hypericum perforatum extract in treating metabolic disturbances commonly associated with type-2 diabetes mellitus. Daily oral administration of the Hypericum perforatum extract (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg/day) for 14 consecutive days counteracted in a dose-dependent manner the alterations in blood glucose levels and lipid profile as well as liver glycogen content and body weight changes observed in a rat mode of nicotinamide-streptozotocininduced diabetes. In general, effects of the highest dose of the extract in this model were quite similar, but not identical, to those of a 10 mg/kg/day dose of glibenclamide. The effects of single oral doses of the extract in a rat oral glucose tolerance test conducted in fasted animals were also analogous to those of an antidiabetic drug therapeutic use. These observations not only further expand the therapeutic potentials of Hypericum extracts but also indicate that stimulation of insulin release could be involved in their modes of actions. The importance of an extract with diverse, therapeutically interesting pharmacological properties is also briefly discussed.

Antiaggressive activity of hyperforin: A preclinical study

The aim of present study was to investigate the in vivo antiaggressive activity of hyperforin using defensive and offensive behavioral models in rodents. Adult male rats and mice were used for the present study. Animals were divided into three groups, with 6 animals in each. Lorazepam was used as standard antiaggressive agent. Animals were treated once daily, for seven consecutive days. Hyperforin (10 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected in a volume of 10 mL/kg for seven consecutive days. Standard group was treated with lorazepam (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.). The control group was treated with equal volume of vehicle (0.3% carboxy methyl cellulose suspension, i.p.). Animals were screened for aggressive behavior before dividing them into groups. At the end of 7 days, experiments were performed. Antiaggressive activity was evaluated using following validated models of aggression viz. foot shock-induced aggression, isolation-induced aggression, resident-intruder aggression and water competition test. Hyperforin treatment significantly (p < 0.001) reduced various aggressive parameters viz. latency to first attack and number of fights in isolation induced aggression, resident intruder aggression and foot shock induced aggression tests. In water competition test, hyperforin treatment significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the duration of water consumption and frequency of water spout possession. We conclude that hyperforin, the major lipophilic compound contained in extracts of Hypericum perforatum, is thus responsible for the antiaggressive activity, suggesting the therapeutic potential of hyperforin as an antiaggressive agent.

Antidiabetic activity of standardized extract of Picrorhiza kurroa in rat model of NIDDM

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of standardized aqueous extract of Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth. on diabetes. Diabetes mellitus was induced with streptozotocinnicotinamide and rats found diabetic were orally administered standardized aqueous extract of Picrorhiza kurroa (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) or glibenclamide (10 mg/kg, p.o.) or vehicle (0.3% carboxy methyl cellulose suspension) for 14 days. Fasting blood glucose levels and lipid profiles were measured in control as well as diabetic rats after two week treatment. In addition, liver glycogen level of Picrorhiza kurroa extract (PkE) treated diabetic rats were compared to that of control and diabetic control rats. Oral glucose tolerance test was also performed on nondiabetic normal rats. Statistical analyses were performed by one way analysis of variance followed by Tukey-Kramer multiple comparisons test. PkE treatment induced significant reduction (p < 0.001) in elevated fasting blood glucose level in streptozotocinnicotinamide induced type-2 diabetic rats. In oral glucose tolerance test, oral administration of PkE increased the glucose tolerance. PkE treatment also significantly (p < 0.001) reversed the weight loss associated with streptozotocin treatment. These findings provide in vivo evidence that standardized extract of Picrorhiza kurroa possess significant antidiabetic activity in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced type-2 diabetes mellitus in rats.