Clinical complementary medicine and pharmacology最新文献

Background

Traditional use of Tulbaghia acutiloba (TA) in South Africa includes treating various illnesses, such as infectious diseases and hypertension. However, the effect of this indigenous plant on renal and haematological parameters (as indicators of antihypertensive efficacy) has not been investigated yet.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the change of renal and haematological parameters after treatment with the hydro-methanolic extract of the leaf of Tulbaghia acutiloba Harv. in L-NAME- induced hypertensive rats.

Methods

Male albino Wistar rats received an oral dose of 50 mg·kg^-1 body weight (bw) of N_ω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) daily for 5 weeks. Five groups (7 animals in each group) were identified to receive different treatments as concurrent daily doses of (40, 60 and 80 mg·kg^-1 bw), ramipril (10 mg·kg^-1 bw) (positive control) and water (hypertension model). Mean arterial blood pressure was measured weekly using the tail-cuff method. A 24-hour urine sample was collected for each rat weekly. On day 36, the rats were euthanized, and blood samples were collected for the determination of renal function and haematological analysis. Kidney mRNA gene expression was performed for NF-kB, Ho1 and eNos.

Results

The treatment of the hypertensive rats with TA resulted in a significant reduction in the mean arterial blood pressure, with a pronounced effect observed in the 80 mg·kg^-1 dose of TA compared to the positive control. The TA-treated group showed increased creatinine clearance (Ccr), urine volume and a reduction in serum creatinine, proteinuria and urine protein-creatinine ratio (UPr/UCr). TA treatment also decreased lipid peroxidation in renal tissues and erythrocytes while increasing SOD, CAT, GSH and NO levels. Moreover, red cell distribution width (RDW), white blood cells (WBC), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet and mean platelet volume (MPV) were significantly reduced in the TA and ramipril treated groups with the maximum effect occurring at the dose of 80 mg·kg^-1 of TA. No significant difference was observed in the haemoglobin levels in all experimental groups. TA administration resulted in a significant decrease in renal NF-kB gene expression while increasing Ho1 and eNos gene expression in renal tissues.

Conclusion

TA extract improved renal function and haematological profile (markers for the antihypertensive efficacy) in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats.

Background

Epilepsy is characterized by acute recurrent seizures. The control of seizures is largely hampered by the tolerance to current anti-seizure drugs. Complementary anti-convulsant pharmacotherapies are urgently needed.

Objective

Here, we aimed to investigate the anti-convulsant effects of Xingnaojing Injection (XNJ) which is an approved Traditional Chinese Medicine injection on different acute seizure models in mice.

Methods

The effects of XNJ were tested on the maximal electroshock (MES), pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) and kainic acid (KA) acute seizure models. Also, whether XNJ can directly inhibit hippocampal neuronal firings were examined by in vitro electrophysiology.

Results

XNJ could shorten the durations of generalized tonic-clonic seizures in the MES model. It also significantly prolonged the latencies to generalized myo-clonic seizures in the PTZ model. In the KA model, XNJ showed various efficacies including inhibiting the seizure stages, prolonging the latency to the occurrence of the first seizures or generalized seizures, shortening the seizure durations, decreasing the numbers of generalized seizures. In vitro electrophysiological recordings further verified XNJ directly inhibited both the spontaneous and evoked action potentials of hippocampal pyramidal neurons, but did not influence the excitatory or inhibitory synaptic transmissions.

Conclusion

These findings proposed XNJ as an alternative anti-convulsant pharmacotherapy for controlling acute epileptic seizures.

This article reviews various aspects of COVID-19, including its current status, its side-effects, emergency protective measures and strategies from lifestyle to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for fighting against the SARS-CoV-2, and its major variants (Delta and Omicron), with the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, which include “Carassius auratus lifestyle” for high effective isolation, social and high-tech medical strategies, traditional Chinese herbs “Bark-Flower-Fruit-Grass-Leaf-Nucleolus(seed)-Root (BFFGLNR)”, and the combination of Chinese and western medicine. As a choice, little is known whether the Chinese acupuncture is an effective method for confirming and suspecting COVID-19 patients, which include imported and asymptomatic cases. Definitely, acupuncture has been proven effective treatment for the recovery of COVID-19 cases. However, further animal experiments and clinical trials are required to confirm its effects and disclose underlying mechanisms. In conclusion, these emergency protective measures and strategies for COVID-19 will help to effectively combat the SARS-CoV-2 and its variants during the pandemic and post-COVID-19 era.

Inflammation represents an initial response of immune system and is involved in a number of biochemical incidents. Such incidents may multiply and further develop the provocative response. Over the past 15 years, various classes of secondary metabolites that were isolated from plant and marine sources have been described as natural cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors. The majority of natural COX inhibitors could be used as a selective therapeutic agent for complementary medicine and clinical applications. Currently, the inflammation is commonly treated by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), several medications of which, however, have been linked to renal and gastrointestinal side effects. A variety of inhibitors of COX-2 that are selective (celecoxib, rofecoxib, valdecoxib and others) have been designed as NSAIDs mostly with enhanced stomach safety profiles. This helps to improve the compliance and functions in the geriatric patients as they have so many complications and problems associated with the diseases. The use of complementary medicine in combination with clinical therapy might give better results than medicine alone. Some disease condition like cancer which shows the COX-2 expressions could also have treatment related problems in such cases the selective inhibitors used as a complementary medicine. On the other hand, elevated cardiovascular risks have brought increasing worries about the safety of using specific inhibitors of COX-2. This current review focuses on how quinoline heterocycle was used for creation of inhibitors of COX-2 since 2009 along with its clinical significance in complementary medicine. These agents included the variety of substituents on the ring or ring attached to other heterocycles. As a result, the quinoline heterocycle will be used for creating and finding anti-inflammatory COX-2 medicines.

Background

Our previous in vitro study has shown that total flavonoids from the leaves of Carya cathayensis exert estrogenic activities by promoting the expressions of ERα and ERβ. C. cathayensis leaf extract (CCE) was rich in flavonoids. Oral administration of CCE reduced the serum lipids and hepatic lipids, alleviated liver steatosis in ovariectomized rats.

Objective

To investigate whether CCE has estrogenic effects on reproductive tissue and influences lipid metabolism in ovariectomized rats, and whether CCE has a direct effect on regulation of lipid synthesis and/or oxidation and adipocyte differentiation of ovariectomized (OVX) rats.

Methods

Female Sprague–Dawley rats were ovariectomized and treated with CCE or estradiol in combination with a normal diet (ND), a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks. Histological analysis of uterus were performed and the lipid metabolism-related enzyme activity were examined. Expression of liver lipogenesis-related genes, adipocyte differentiation- and fat accumulation-related genes and protein were measured.

Rusults

Ovariectomy accelerated the uterine atrophy, development of dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis, which were effectively mitigated by CCE supplementation. CCE significantly elevated ovariectomy-induced reduction in the cross-section area of the uterus and uterine glands. Compared with the OVX group, CCE increased the activities of lipoprtein lipase (LPL) and hepatic lipase (HL), decreased the hepatic mRNA expressions of Fas, Srebf1, Sla2a2, and increased Ppar α expressions at the mRNA levels under both ND and HFD conditions. CCE also decreased the Pck1 and G6pc mRNA expressions under HFD conditions, and show no significant effects on Hmgcr. The expressions of SREBF1, CEBPA and VEGF at the protein level were effectively regulated by CCE supplementation.

Conclusion

CCE effectively alleviated ovariectomy-induced dyslipidemia and visceral fat accumulation by modulating hepatic lipogenesis and adipocyte differentiation. Furthermore, CCE exhibited estrogenic activity for the prevention of postmenopausal fatty liver.

Background

Neurodegenerative diseases cause cognitive impairment owing to neuronal death and deterioration. Only a few brain-protecting chemical investigations yielded neuroprotective medications. Viola odoata L. is a traditional medicinal herb that has lately been shown to have strong pharmacological effectiveness against major neurological illnesses with fewer adverse effects.

Objective

The objective of the current review is to provide a thorough overview of the key biologically active components and extract of Viola odorata L. in their capacity to safeguard nerve cells.

Methods

Science Direct, PubMed, Springer Nature, and Google Scholar were scoured for relevant articles using the terms ``Viola odorata L.'', and in the heading and abstract or main text, ``neuroprotective activity'', ``neurodegenerative disease'', ``pharmacological potential'', and ``therapeutic activity'' along with ``extract'' or ``phytoconstituents''. Neuroprotective activity of Viola odorata L. extract or phytoconstituents were used to classify and investigate the articles that passed the screening process.

Results

A total of one hundred twenty one papers were reviewed based on the collected data. The following topics have been elaborated upon in the text: pathological factors of neurodegenerative diseases; role of medicinal plants in neurodegenerative diseases; Viola odorata L. taxonomy, pharmacological activities, toxicity and adverse effect; neuroprotective activity of extract and various active components of Viola odorata L. The primary phytocomponents of Viola odorata L. were discovered to be anthocyanins, flavonoids, melatonin, salicylic acid, cumarins and various alkaloids, which are primarily responsible for its neuroprotective action. These natural plant compounds can boost antioxidant levels, reduce harmful oxidants, alleviate nerve pain, decrease the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, lower the total amount of nitrite produced, and trigger various neuroprotective mechanisms in the nervous system. It has been also concluded in several investigations that Viola odorata L. extract and some of its major molecular components can protect against toxic affronts, either directly through neuroprotective mechanisms or indirectly through antioxidant properties.

Conclusion

Despite the need for further research, the presence of bioactive components in Viola odarata L. that hold the potential to become effective neuroprotective therapeutic agents shows its potential use in treating neurodegenerative diseases characterized by neuro-inflammation and neurotransmitter deficiency.

Background

Phyto-medicine represents a vast pool of novel drug development, but understanding their safety requires elaborate, multifaceted approaches, including toxicity studies.

Objective

This study investigated the effects of 90 days of oral administration of Datura stramonium (DSE) leaf extract in Rats.

Methods

In the oral acute toxicity study, mice were treated with a single oral gavage of DSE at 500, 1000, and 2000 mg·kg^-1/d, po and observed for signs of acute toxicity for 14 days. In the sub-chronic study, rats were randomized into four Groups (A–D). Group A received distilled water (10 mL·kg^-1, po) while groups B–D received DSE (10, 50 and 250 mg·kg^-1/d, po, respectively) orally for 90 days uninterrupted. Animals were weighed weekly, with food and water measured daily and relevant parameters assayed at the end of the 90days administration.

Results

In acute toxicity studies, oral administration of up to 2 g·kg^-1/d, po of DSE did not elicit any semblance of toxicity or mortality within 24 h to 14 days. In the 90days studies, DSE (250 mg·kg^-1/d, po) decreased the body weight, brain weight, and food intake in female rats. DSE (10–250 mg·kg^-1/d, po) increased the red blood cell (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin (Hb) in both sexes. DSE (10–250 mg·kg^-1/d, po) increased the triglycerides (TG), cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL); and decreased HDL in both sexes. DSE (10–250 mg·kg^-1/d, po) increased the white blood cells (WBC) and platelets in female rats. DSE (10–250 mg·kg^-1/d, po) decreased the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine transaminase (ALT) in both studies. Serum urea level was decreased in both sexes. DSE (250 mg·kg^-1/d, po) decreased male rats' serum sodium ion levels. Liver, brain, testes and kidney showed severe lesions at 250 mg·kg^-1/d, po of the extract.

Conclusion

D. stramonium is safe on acute exposure and relatively safe on sub-chronic oral administration. However, prolonged use, especially at high doses, could cause Liver, brain and kidney toxicities; and abnormal lipid metabolism.

Background

As accelerators and products of the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) affect the function of the liver. Huang Gan granules (HGGs) are commonly used to prevent the progression of CKD, but the pharmacokinetics of aloe-emodin, emodin, rhein, and chrysophanol in HGGs in CKD remain unknown.

Objective

To investigate the influence and its molecular mechanism of AOPPs on the in vivo pharmacokinetics of aloe-emodin, emodin, rhein, and chrysophanol in HGGs.

Methods

We constructed 5/6 nephrectomised (5/6 nx), adenine-induced (adenine) and AOPP-treated rat models. After oral administration of HGG, the concentrations of aloe-emodin, emodin, rhein, and chrysophanol in the plasma samples were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and their pharmacokinetics were analysed with the PKSolver software. The plasma concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α are detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The RT-PCR was performed in the HepG2 cells to explore the effect of TNF-α and IL-6 on the mRNA expression of CYP1A2 and CYP3A4.

Result

The results showed that the method was suitable for the quantification of four anthraquinones in plasma and excreta samples with satisfactory linear (R² > 0.9931), precision (< 9.4%) and accuracy (± 10%). In 5/6 nx, adenine and AOPPs-treated rats, the concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6 were increased. In 5/6 nx and adenine rats, the pharmacokinetic parameters (t_1/2, MRT_0-∞ and AUC_0-∞) of aloe-emodin, emodin, rhein, and chrysophanol were, respectively, significantly increased and correlated with the concentration of AOPPs. In AOPPs-treated rats, the concentration of AOPPs was significantly increased and the pharmacokinetic parameters of four anthraquinones were also increased.

Conclusion

In summary, inflammatory cytokine production may be one of the important causes in AOPPs' regulating the pharmacokinetic of aloe-emodin, emodin, rhein, and chrysophanol in the CKD rats. Studies of aloe-emodin, emodin, rhein, and chrysophanol in CKD facilitate the appropriate prescription of HGGs in the clinical.

Background

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), as a complication of diabetes, is featured with hypertension, hyperglycemia, proteinuria and edema. Gypenoside (GP), the main active compound of Gynostemma pentaphyllum, is proved to be effective for DN. In our previous research, we found that GP could protect the glomerulus and reduce proteinuria by up-regulating the expression of nestin and down-regulating TGFB1. However, the panoramic mechanism of GP against DN is still unclear.

Objective

This research is designed to reveal the mechanism of GP on DN through network pharmacology and in vivo and in vitro experimental verification.

Methods

In this study, active compounds and targets of Gynostemma pentaphyllum were collected from TCMSP. DisGeNET was used for obtaining the targets of DN. The protein-protein interaction network was acquired from the STRING database and analyzed by the MCODE plugin. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were constructed to explore further information. In vivo and in vitro experiments were also carried out to evaluate the reliability of this study. Western blotting and RT-PCR were used to detect mTOR, 4E-BP1, p70s6k protein expression and Mtor mRNA expression in DN rats, respectively. AKT1, TP53, ESR1 and PTEN protein expression in MPC-5 cells were detected by Western blotting.

Results

Twenty-four compounds and 217 targets were selected from Gynostemma pentaphyllum, of which 36 targets overlapped with DN were taken for the potential targets. The results showed that Quercetin, Rhamnazin, Isofucosterol and 3′-methyleriodictyol corresponded to more targets, AKT1, TP53, MYC, ESR1, PTEN were more active. 36 potential targets were mainly involved in autoimmunity, inflammatory response, metabolism and autophagy. In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that GP might protect the podocytes of DN rats by decreasing the protein expression of mTOR, 4EBP1, p70s6k, as well as the mRNA expression of Mtor, and it had the function in regulating the potential targets through decreasing the protein expression of AKT1, TP53 and ESR1 and increasing the expression of PTEN.

Conclusion

This research demonstrates that various compounds of Gynostemma pentaphyllum may intervenes in DN through targets of multiple signaling pathways, which involves a large number of biological processes. It can provide novel insights for further research of the mechanism of GP in the treatment of DN.

Background

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, "phlegm, blood stasis and toxin" are the pathogenesis of carotid atherosclerosis (CAS). The rabbit carotid atherosclerosis (CAS), which is induced by high-cholesterol diet combined with carotid artery balloon injury, is a classic model for studying CAS. Many studies indicate that gut microbiota and host metabolic disorders are involved in the pathogenesis of rabbit CAS. However, the TCM pathological features and syndromes of this classic rabbit CAS model have not been reported.

Objective

To explore the pathogenesis of the rabbit CAS model and its TCM syndrome types from the perspective of "phlegm, blood stasis, and toxin".

Methods

Twelve male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into NC group and CAS group according to their body weight, followed by feeding of basic feed and a 1% high cholesterol diet, respectively. After two weeks, the rabbits in the CAS group underwent common carotid artery (CCA) balloon injury, while the rabbits in the NC group underwent only CCA separation without balloon injury. The two groups received differential feed postoperatively for six more weeks, after which, changes in lipids, hemorheology, inflammation, oxidative stress, and CAS phenotypes were analyzed. In addition, the colon contents and serum were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing and ¹H-NMR metabonomic analysis.

Results

The CAS rabbits were observed to form noticeable abnormalities in lipid metabolism and blood rheology, a sharp increase in oxidative stress levels, excessive release of inflammatory factors and apparent CAS plaque formation. Furthermore, 10 specific gut microbiota (such as Akkermansia muciniphila, Barnesiellaceae and Faecalibacterium) and 14 characteristic metabolites (such as trimethylamine oxide, acetic acid and L-carnitine) were identified in the CAS rabbits, which were significantly related to the CAS phenotypes. The pathway function analysis showed that the gut microbiota and its metabolites mainly affected cholesterol metabolism, energy metabolism, inflammation and oxidative stress.

Conclusion

The rabbit CAS model conforms to the “phlegm, blood stasis and toxin damage” theory. The gut microbiota and host metabolic disorders of the CAS rabbits interact and promote internal and external toxins, aggravating the progression of CAS. Our study provided experimental evidence for the application of this model in the TCM-based research of CAS.