Evaluation of behavioral and pharmacological effects of Hedyosmum brasiliense and isolated sesquiterpene lactones in rodents

Intranasal in situ gelling liquid crystal for delivery of resveratrol ameliorates memory and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an illness that affects people aged 65 or older and affects around 6.5 million in the United States. Resveratrol is a chemical obtained from natural products and it exhibits biological activity based on inhibiting the formation, depolymerization of the amyloid, and decreasing neuroinflammation. Due to the insolubility of this compound; its incorporation in surfactant-based systems was proposed to design an intranasal formulation. A range of systems has been produced by mixing oleic acid, CETETH-20 and water. Polarised light microscopy (PLM), small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirm the initial liquid formulation (F) presented as microemulsion (ME). After dilution, the gelled systems were characterized as hexagonal mesophase and they showed feasibility proprieties. Pharmacological assays performed after intranasal administration showed the ability to improve learning and memory in animals, as well as remission of neuroinflammation via inhibition of interleukin.

Neuropharmacology Potential of the Hydroalcoholic Extract from the Leaves of Piper cernuum: Anxiolytic, Hypnotic, and Antidepressant-Like Effects

Aim

The use of medicinal plants in the treatment of mental illnesses is a reality that accompanies the history of civilizations, and the Piper genus exhibits many species with pharmacologically proven central effects. Then, this study evaluated the neuropharmacological effects of the hydroalcoholic extract from Piper cernuum (HEPC) leaves to validate its uses in folk medicine.

Materials and Methods

Primarily Swiss mice (female, 25-30 g) were pretreated with HEPC (50-150 mg/kg, p.o.), vehicle, or the positive control, and submitted to open-field test (OFT), inhibitory avoidance test (IAT), tail suspension test (TST), and forced swim test (FST). Also, mice were exposed to pentylenetetrazol- and strychnine-induced seizure assay, pentobarbital-induced hypnosis test, and elevated plus-maze (EPM). The GABA levels and MAO-A activity were measured in the animal's brain after 15 days of HEPC administration (150 mg/kg, p.o.).

Results

Mice pretreated with HEPC (100 and 150 mg/kg) and exposed to pentobarbital presented decreased sleep latency and increased sleep duration (HEPC 150 mg/kg). In EPM, the HEPC (150 mg/kg) increased the frequency of entry and the time of exploration of mice in the open arms. The antidepressant-like properties of HEPC were demonstrated by the decrease in the mice's immobility time when tested in FST and TST. The extract did not show anticonvulsant activity, in addition to not improving the memory parameters of animals (IAT) or interfering with their locomotor activity (OFT). Besides, HEPC administration decreased the MAO-A activity and increased the GABA levels in the animal's brain.

Conclusion

HEPC induces sedative-hypnotic, anxiolytic-, and antidepressant-like effects. These neuropharmacological effects of HEPC could be, at least in part, related to the modulation of the GABAergic system and/or MAO-A activity.

Neuropharmacological Study on Capsaicin in Scopolamine-injected Mice

AIM

To evaluate the potential beneficial role of Capsaicin in cognitive dysfunction, mitochondrial impairment, and oxidative damage induced by scopolamine in mice.

BACKGROUND

Capsaicin is the chief phenolic component present in red chili and is responsible for its pungent and spicy flavor. It affects TRPV1 channels in nociceptive sensory neurons and is present in the hippocampus, and hypothalamus of the brains of rodents and humans.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective is to investigate the effective role of capsaicin in attenuating cognitive dysfunction, mitochondrial impairment, and oxidative damage induced by scopolamine in mice and examine the feasible mechanisms.

METHODS

Various doses of capsaicin (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) were given orally to mice daily for 7 consecutive days after the administration of scopolamine. Various behavioral tests (motor coordination, locomotor counts, hole board test) and biochemical assay (Pro-inflammatory cytokines, catalase, lipid peroxidation, nitrite, reduced glutathione, and superoxide dismutase), mitochondrial complex (I, II, III, and IV) enzyme activities, and mitochondrial permeability transition were evaluated in the distinct regions of the brain.

RESULTS

Scopolamine-treated mice showed a considerable reduction in the entries and duration in the light zone as well as in open arms of the elevated plus maze. Interestingly, capsaicin at different doses reversed the anxiety, depressive-like behaviors, and learning and memory impairment effects of scopolamine. Scopolamine-administered mice demonstrated substantially increased pro-inflammatory cytokines levels, impaired mitochondrial enzyme complex activities, and increased oxidative damage compared to the normal control group. Capsaicin treatment reinstated the reduced lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, catalase, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione activity, decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and restoring mitochondrial complex enzyme activities (I, II, III, and IV) as well as mitochondrial permeability. Moreover, the IL-1β level was restored at a dose of capsaicin (10 and 20 mg/kg) only. Capsaicin reduced the scopolamine-induced acetylcholinesterase activity, thereby raising the acetylcholine concentration in the hippocampal tissues of mice. Preservation of neuronal cell morphology was also confirmed by capsaicin in histological studies. From the above experimental results, capsaicin at a dose of 10 mg/kg, p.o. for seven consecutive days was found to be the most effective dose.

CONCLUSION

The experiential neuroprotective effect of capsaicin through the restoration of mitochondrial functions, antioxidant effects, and modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines makes it a promising candidate for further drug development through clinical setup.

The investigation of the potential antidepressant-like activity of Xanthium orientale subsp. italicum (Moretti) Greuter in rodents

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ethnobotanical surveys revealed that Xanthiumorientale subsp. italicum (Moretti) Greuter has been used against central nervous system disorders in Turkish folk medicine. The aim of the present study is to verify the folkloric assertion on this plant. The compounds responsible for the activity were investigated using bioassay-guided fractionation procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antidepressant activity of the aqueous, n-hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), methanol (MeOH) extracts; fractions and isolated compounds from active MeOH extract were evaluated by using the in vitro MAO inhibition assay and three different in vivo models namely forced swimming test, tail suspension test, and antagonism of tetrabenazine-induced ptosis, hypothermia, and suppression of locomotor activity. The results were compared with control and reference groups, and active compounds of the plant have been determined. Through the bioassay-guided fractionation procedures, two compounds were isolated from the active fraction and their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods.

RESULTS

The MeOH extract of the plant was found to possess antidepressant-like activity. This extract was then subjected to chromatographic techniques. Isolated sesquiterpene lactones were elucidated as xanthatin (1) and xanthinosin (2), which were responsible for the antidepressant-like activity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study discovered the antidepressant potential of X. orientale subsp. italicum. Using bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation techniques, xanthatin (1) and xanthinosin (2) were determined as the main active components of the leaves.

Identification of the main active antidepressant constituents in a traditional Turkish medicinal plant, Centaurea kurdica Reichardt

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In Turkish folk medicine, infusions and decoctions prepared from the flowers, fruits and aerial parts of Centaurea kurdica Reichardt (Asteraceae) are used as sedative and antidepressant-like effects of various sedative plants have been identified in many studies. The present study was designed to evaluate the antidepressant activity of this plant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

n-Hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and methanol (MeOH) extracts were prepared from the branches with leaves and also flowers of the plant. Antidepressant potentials of these extracts were researched by using the forced swimming test, tail suspension test, and antagonism of tetrabenazine-induced ptosis, hypothermia, and suppression of locomotor activity.

RESULTS

After determination of high antidepressant potentials of MeOH extract prepared from flowers and n-hexane extract prepared from branches with leaves, isolation studies were carried out on these two extracts and the main active components were determined as β-amyrin, mixture of β-sitosterol and stigmasterol and costunolide for the branches with leaves and quercitrin, isoquercetin and naringenin-7-O-glucopyranoside for the flowers.

CONCLUSIONS

As a result of the mechanistic and toxicity studies planned on this plant, it is thought that C. kurdica may be a glimmer of hope for depressed patients.

Structure-activity relationships of sulfonamides derived from carvacrol and their potential for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Five synthetic sulfonamides derived from carvacrol, a natural product and a small molecule with druglike properties, were evaluated with respect to their effects on the cognitive deficits of animals with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced Alzheimer's disease (AD). Memory, ambulation, anxiety and oxidative stress were evaluated. In vitro assays were performed to assess the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and the data were combined with molecular docking for the establishment of structure-activity relationships. The memories of animals treated with the compounds derived from morpholine (1), hydrazine (3) and 2-phenol (5) were improved. Compound 3 was the most promising, yielding excellent results in the inhibitory avoidance test. Moreover, the compounds did not exhibit any deleterious effects on the animals' ambulation in the open field test. Molecular docking confirmed the results obtained in the AChE inhibition assay. In short, compounds 1, 3 and 5 can reduce STZ-induced deficits and show potential for the treatment of Alzheimer's. In addition, these agents produce significant anxiolytic and antioxidant effects.

Ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Hedyosmum (Chlorantaceae): A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Hedyosmum (family: Chloranthaceae) represents an interesting source of natural active compounds, and the 45 species of this genus are widespread in Central and South America and to a lesser extent Southeast Asia (southern China and western Malaysia). Several species are traditionally used in folk medicine. However, the data made available in recent years have not been organized and compared.

AIM OF THIS REVIEW

The present study is a critical assessment of the state-of-the-art concerning the traditional uses, the phytochemistry and the pharmacology of species belonging to the genus Hedyosmum to suggest further research strategies and to facilitate the exploitation of the therapeutic potential of Hedyosmum species for the treatment of human disorders.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present review consists of a systematic overview of scientific literature concerning the genus Hedyosmum published between 1965 and 2018. Moreover, an older text, dated from 1843, concerning the traditional uses of H. bonplandianum Kunth has also been considered. Several databases (Francis & Taylor, Google Scholar, PubMed, SciELO, SciFinder, Springer, Wiley, and The Plant List Database) have been used to perform this work.

RESULTS

Sixteen species of the genus Hedyosmum have been mentioned as traditional remedies, and a large number of ethnomedicinal uses, including for the treatment of pain, depression, migraine, stomach-ache and ovary diseases, have been reported. Five species have been used as flavouring agents, tea substitutes or foods. Sesterterpenes, sesquiterpene lactones, monoterpenes, hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, flavonoids, and neolignans have been reported as the most important compounds in these species. Studies concerning their biological activities have shown that members of the Hedyosmum genus possesses promising biological properties, such as analgesic, antinociceptive, antidepressant, anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic effects. Preliminary studies concerning the antibacterial, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, and antifungal activities of these plants as well as their cytotoxic activities against different tumour cell lines have been reported. Some active compounds from the Hedyosmum genus have been used as starting points for the innovative and bioinspired development of synthetic molecules. A critical assessment of these papers has been performed, and some conceptual and methodological problems have been identified regarding the materials and methods and the experimental design used in these studies, including a lack of ethnopharmacological research.

CONCLUSIONS

The present review partially confirms the basis for some of the traditional uses of Hedyosmum species (mainly H. brasiliense) through preclinical studies that demonstrated their antinociceptive and neuroprotective effects. Due to promising preliminary results, further studies should be conducted on 13-hydroxy-8,9-dehydroshizukanolide and podoandin. Moreover, several essential oils (EOs) from this genus have been preliminarily investigated, and the cytotoxic and antibacterial activities of H. brasiliense and H. sprucei EOs certainly deserve further investigation. From the promising findings of the present analysis, we can affirm that this genus deserves further research from ethnopharmacological and toxicological perspectives.

Discovery of new antidepressant agents: In vivo study on Anthemis wiedemanniana Fisch. & Mey

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Many of the currently available antidepressants have serious adverse effects and are also expensive. Traditional medicines are major sources of original drugs, and their role in effective treatment is remarkable. In Turkish folk medicine, decoctions and infusions are prepared from the flowers of Anthemis wiedemanniana Fisch. & Mey. They exert antispasmodic and sedative effects and are also used for treating urinary inflammations. The present study was designed to evaluate the antidepressant activity of A. wiedemanniana, which is used against central nervous system disorders in Turkish folk medicine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

n-Hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol (MeOH) extracts were prepared from the flowers of the plant. The antidepressant potentials of these extracts were evaluated in mouse models using the forced swimming test, tail suspension test, and antagonism of tetrabenazine-induced ptosis, hypothermia, and suppression of locomotor activity. The results were compared with those in control and reference groups, and active constituents of the plant were determined. The MeOH extract of A. wiedemanniana was subjected to various chromatographic separation techniques, leading to the isolation and identification of the active component(s).

RESULTS

After confirmation of the antidepressant activity, the MeOH extract was subjected to successive solvent partitioning using solvents of increasing polarity, yielding four subextracts. Each subextract was tested on the same biological activity models. Fraction B was found to have the highest activity and subjected to further chromatographic separation. Isolated germacronolide-type sesquiterpene lactones were elucidated as tatridin A (1) and tanachin (1-epi-tatridin B) (2), which were responsible for the antidepressant activity of the flowers.

CONCLUSIONS

This study explored the antidepressant potential of A. wiedemanniana. Using bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation techniques, tatridin A and tanachin (1-epi-tatridin B) were determined as the main active components of the flowers. Further antidepressant mechanistic studies should be conducted for exploring the activity of these compounds against depression. This study can be an important step in the discovery of newer antidepressants.

A LC-MS validated method for quantification of rosmarinic acid and sesquiterpene lactones in Hedyosmum brasiliense

The leaves of the aromatic neotropical shrub Hedyosmum brasiliense are employed popularly as a sedative, aphrodisiac and as a substitute for green tea. Sesquiterpene lactones and phenolic compounds were characterized as the main compounds of its aqueous extract, and some biological investigation demonstrated its anxiolytic, antidepressant and hypnotic effects. The quantification of podoandin, onoseriolide and rosmarinic acid in its infused tea was achieved by means of ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a electronspray ionization interface and a high resolution mass detector. Quantification of the analytes was performed employing the areas of the extracted ion chromatograms of the analytes, negative ion mode for rosmarinic acid (1) and positive mode for podoandin (2) and onoseriolide (3). The method was validated by evaluating specificity, linearity, precision and accuracy and has been found to be sensitive, precise and accurate. When applied to analyze the hot water infusion extract of H. brasiliense, compounds 1, 2 and 3 were obtained to be 188 ± 1.45 mg/g, 1.9 ± 0.15 mg/g and 1.7 ± 0.02 mg/g of extract, respectively. The H. brasiliense tea was found to be a good source of the rosmarinic acid, also widely employed in the cosmetic industry.

Taraxerol as a possible therapeutic agent on memory impairments and Alzheimer's disease: Effects against scopolamine and streptozotocin-induced cognitive dysfunctions

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with cognitive impairment and cholinergic neuronal death, characteristic of the effect of time on biochemical neuronal function. The use of medicinal plants as an alternative form of prevention, or even as a possible treatment of AD, is therefore interesting areas of research, since the standard drugs have many side effects. Taraxerol (TRX) is a triterpene that has been isolated from several plant species, and its various pharmacological properties have already been identified, such the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition activity in vitro. There is a lack of information in literature that confirms the effect of TRX in an animal AD-like model. Seeking to fill this gap in the literature, in the present work we assessed the effect of TRX on AChE activity in the animals' encephalon and hippocampus. We also investigated the effect of TRX (1.77 µM/side, 0.5 μL) isolated from leaves of Eugenia umbelliflora Berg. on aversive memory impairments induced by scopolamine (2 µg/side, 0.5 µL) infused into rat hippocampus, and the effect of TRX (0.89 and 1.77 µM/side, 0.5 μL) on aversive memory impairments induced by streptozotocin (STZ) (2.5 mg/mL, 2.0 µL) infused i.c.v. into mice, using the step-down inhibitory avoidance task. We found that TRX significantly inhibited AChE activity in the animal's hippocampus. Furthermore, TRX significantly improved scopolamine and STZ-induced memory impairment. Taking together, these results confirms its AChE activity inhibition in animals and indicate that TRX has anti-amnesic activity that may hold significant therapeutic value in alleviating certain memory impairments observed in AD.

Phytochemical Investigation of Male and Female Hedyosmum scabrum (Ruiz & Pav.) Solms Leaves from Ecuador

This article reports the chemical composition of the essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation of male and female H. scabrum fresh leaves. The essential oils, HSMO and HSFO, respectively, were analyzed by GC/MS and GC-FID. A total of 93 components were detected, accounting for 94.8% and 95.3% of HSMO and HSFO, respectively. The prevalent constituents of HSMO were pinocarvone (13.1%), d-germacren-4-ol (12.6%), 1,8-cineole (10.8%), α-pinene (6.4%), and β-pinene (4.8%), whereas the major components of HSFO were 1,8-cineole (20.5%), linalool (16.5%), α-pinene (15.0%), β-pinene (6.4%), and sabinene (6.3%). The different enantiomeric distribution of β-pinene, sabinene, limonene, linalool in the two oils, was determined. The non-volatile esters of p-coumaric and ferulic acids with borneol (1 and 4), cis-chrysanthenol (2 and 5), and cis-pinocarveol (3 and 6) were identified in the leaves after basic hydrolysis and analysis of the NMR spectra of the free acids, and GC/MS spectra of the monoterpene alcohols, respectively. Compounds 2, 3, 5, and 6 have been found in nature for the first time. These findings demonstrated that, from a chemical point of view, male and female individuals of H. scabrum collected in Ecuador seem quite differentiated between each other and from samples of the same species growing in Bolivia and in Peru.

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum): A promising functional food toward the well-being

Coriandrum sativum (C. sativum) or coriander is one of the most popularly used spices in culinary worldwide, and its medicinal values has been recognized since ancient time. C. sativum contains bioactive phytochemicals that are accounted for a wide range of biological activities including antioxidant, anticancer, neuroprotective, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, analgesic, migraine-relieving, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, hypotensive, antimicrobial, and antiinflammatory activities. The major compound, linalool, abundantly found in seeds is remarked for its abilities to modulate many key pathogenesis pathways of diseases. Apart from the modulating effects, the potent antioxidant property of the C. sativum provides a key mechanism behind its protective effects against neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and metabolic syndrome. This review shed light on comprehensive aspects regarding the therapeutic values of the C. sativum, which indicate its significance of being a promising functional food for promoting the well-being in the era of aging and lifestyle-related diseases.

Chemical Composition, Antifungal and Antioxidant Activities of Hedyosmum brasiliense Mart. ex Miq. (Chloranthaceae) Essential Oils

Background: Hedyosmum brasiliense Mart. ex Miq. (Chloranthaceae) is a dioecious shrub popularly used in Brazil to treat foot fungi and rheumatism. This work investigated the chemical composition, antifungal, and antioxidant activities of flowers and leaves of H. brasiliense essential oils; Methods: H. brasiliense male and female flowers and leaves were collected at Ilha do Cardoso (São Paulo) and the essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC/MS and their similarity compared by Principal Component Analysis. Antifungal activity was performed by bioautography and antioxidant potential by 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) free radical scavenging and β-carotene/linoleic acid system; Results: The major compounds for all oils were sabinene, curzerene, and carotol, but some differences in their chemical composition were discriminated by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) analysis. Bioautography showed two antifungal bands at Rf's 0.67 and 0.12 in all samples, the first one was identified as curzerene. The oils presented stronger antioxidant potential in β-carotene/linoleic acid bioassay, with IC₅₀'s from 80 to 180 μg/mL, than in DPPH assay, with IC₅₀'s from 2516.18 to 3783.49 μg/mL; Conclusions: These results suggested that curzerene might be responsible for the antifungal activity of H. brasiliense essential oils. Besides, these essential oils exhibited potential to prevent lipoperoxidation, but they have a weak radical scavenger activity.

Concordance and incongruence in preclinical anxiety models: Systematic review and meta-analyses

Rodent defense behavior assays have been widely used as preclinical models of anxiety to study possibly therapeutic anxiety-reducing interventions. However, some proposed anxiety-modulating factors - genes, drugs and stressors - have had discordant effects across different studies. To reconcile the effect sizes of purported anxiety factors, we conducted systematic review and meta-analyses of the literature on ten anxiety-linked interventions, as examined in the elevated plus maze, open field and light-dark box assays. Diazepam, 5-HT1A receptor gene knockout and overexpression, SERT gene knockout and overexpression, pain, restraint, social isolation, corticotropin-releasing hormone and Crhr1 were selected for review. Eight interventions had statistically significant effects on rodent anxiety, while Htr1a overexpression and Crh knockout did not. Evidence for publication bias was found in the diazepam, Htt knockout, and social isolation literatures. The Htr1a and Crhr1 results indicate a disconnect between preclinical science and clinical research. Furthermore, the meta-analytic data confirmed that genetic SERT anxiety effects were paradoxical in the context of the clinical use of SERT inhibitors to reduce anxiety.

The aqueous extract of Albizia adianthifolia leaves attenuates 6-hydroxydopamine-induced anxiety, depression and oxidative stress in rat amygdala

BACKGROUND

While the Albizia adianthifolia (Schumach.) W. Wright (Fabaceae) is a traditional herb largely used in the African traditional medicine as analgesic, purgative, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, memory-enhancer, anxiolytic and antidepressant drug, there are no scientific data that clarify the anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned animal model of Parkinson's disease. This study was undertaken in order to identify the effects of aqueous extract of A. adianthifolia leaves on 6-hydroxydopamine-induced anxiety, depression and oxidative stress in the rat amygdala.

METHODS

The effect of the aqueous extract of A. adianthifolia leaves (150 and 300 mg/kg, orally, daily, for 21 days) on anxiety and depression was assessed using elevated plus-maze and forced swimming tests, as animal models of anxiety and depression. Also, the antioxidant activity in the rat amygdala was assessed using assessed using superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase specific activities, the total content of the reduced glutathione, protein carbonyl and malondialdehyde levels. Statistical analyses were performed using by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Significant differences were determined by Tukey's post hoc test. F values for which p < 0.05 were regarded as statistically significant. Pearson's correlation coefficient and regression analysis were used in order to evaluate the connection between behavioral measures, the antioxidant defence and lipid peroxidation.

RESULTS

6-OHDA-lesioned rats exhibited the following: decrease of the exploratory activity, the percentage of the time spent and the number of entries in the open arm within elevated plus-maze test and decrease of swimming time and increase of immobility time within forced swimming test. Administration of the aqueous extract significantly exhibited anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects and also antioxidant potential in the rat amygdala.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the aqueous extract ameliorates 6-OHDA-induced anxiety and depression by attenuation of the oxidative stress in the rat amygdala. These pieces of evidence accentuate its use in traditional medicine.

Anxiolytic and antidepressant profile of the methanolic extract of Piper nigrum fruits in beta-amyloid (1-42) rat model of Alzheimer's disease

Background

Piper nigrum L. (Piperaceae) is employed in traditional medicine of many countries as analgesic, antiinflammatory, anticonvulsant, antioxidant, antidepressant and cognitive-enhancing agent. This study was undertaken in order to evaluate the possible anxiolytic, antidepressant and antioxidant properties of the methanolic extract of Piper nigrum fruits in beta-amyloid (1–42) rat model of Alzheimer’s disease.

Methods

The anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects of the methanolic extract were studied by means of in vivo (elevated plus-maze and forced swimming tests) approaches. Also, the antioxidant activity in the amygdala was assessed using superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase specific activities, the total content of the reduced glutathione, protein carbonyl and malondialdehyde levels. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Significant differences were determined by Tukey’s post hoc test. F values for which p < 0.05 were regarded as statistically significant. Pearson’s correlation coefficient and regression analysis were used in order to evaluate the connection between behavioral measures, the antioxidant defence and lipid peroxidation.

Results

The beta-amyloid (1–42)-treated rats exhibited the following: decrease of the exploratory activity, the percentage of the time spent and the number of entries in the open arm within elevated plus-maze test and decrease of swimming time and increase of immobility time within forced swimming test. Administration of the methanolic extract significantly exhibited anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects and also antioxidant potential.

Conclusions

Taken together, our results suggest that the methanolic extract ameliorates beta-amyloid (1–42)-induced anxiety and depression by attenuation of the oxidative stress in the rat amygdala.

Assessment of in vitro pharmacological effect of Neotropical Piperaceae in GABAergic bioassays in relation to plants traditionally used for folk illness by the Yanesha (Peru)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

A previous pilot ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological study with the Q'echi׳ Maya identified the family Piperaceae, as an important taxonomic group traditionally used for the treatment of epileptic and culture-bound anxiety disorders and possessing activity in the GABA system. Following that lead, a botanical survey was conducted in Peru, where 47 species of Piperaceae were collected including 21 plants traditionally used for folk illnesses by the Yanesha of Peru, an indigenous Amazonian group.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two high throughput bioassays were used to quantify the in vitro activity of botanical extracts on the GABA system.

RESULTS

Plant extracts demonstrated moderate to high affinity to the γ-aminobutyric acid benzodiazepine (GABA-BZD) receptor. In addition, extracts demonstrated low to moderate activity in the inhibition of the GABA-transaminase, with select plants exhibiting significant activity. Plants indicated by the Yanesha showed comparable activity to the other Piperaceae plants collected. Piper cremii was the most active plant in the GABA-BZD receptor assay, and Drymaria cordata (Caryophyllaceae) in the GABA-T assay.

CONCLUSION

The study provides evidence that there is a pharmacological basis behind the use of plants in the treatment of susto and mal aire in both Central and South America, and we propose that the possible mechanism of action includes an interaction with the GABA-T enzyme and/or the GABAA-BZD receptor.

Intranigral lipopolysaccharide induced anxiety and depression by altered BDNF mRNA expression in rat hippocampus

It is known that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment induces neuroinflammation and memory deterioration. One of the mechanisms may be the interference with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene expression and function. Lipopolysaccharide (3 μg/kg and 10 μg/kg) was unilaterally injected into the substantia nigra of adult male Wistar rats. Pergolide-induced rotational behavior test was employed to validate unilateral damage to the dopamine nigrostriatal neurons. Anxiety-depression-like behaviors were studied by means of elevated plus-maze task and forced swimming test, as animal models of anxiety and depression. Rats given LPS exhibited the following: decrease of the percentage of the time spent and the number of entries in the open arm within elevated plus-maze test and decrease of swimming and increase of immobility times within forced swimming test. In addition, these behaviors are associated with decreased BDNF mRNA expression in rat hippocampus. Taken together, these data indicate that intranigral LPS infusion influences the induction of BDNF mRNA expression within hippocampus which contributes to observed behavioral responses in rats, with relevance for Parkinson's disease conditions.

Neuropharmacological in vivo effects and phytochemical profile of the extract from the aerial parts of Heteropterys brachiata (L.) DC. (Malpighiaceae)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Heteropterys brachiata is a plant species that has been used in traditional Mexican medicine for the treatment of nervous disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, antidepressant and sedative effects produced by the methanolic extract of Heteropterys brachiata (HbMeOH) in ICR mice. Additionally, we determine the acute toxicity profiles of the extract and the presence of its main constituents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The neuropharmacological effects of the extract were evaluated using a variety of models, such as the elevated plus maze (EPM), the forced swimming test (FST), the pentobarbital potentiation test (PTBt), pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures test (PTZt), and the open field test (OFT). HPLC was employed for obtention of phytochemical profile.

RESULTS

HbMeOH produced a significant antidepressant effect in FST at 500 and 750 mg/kg doses, while doses from 500 to 1500 mg/kg exhibited a clear dose-dependent anxiolytic activity in EPM. A dose of 500 mg/kg showed a significant anticonvulsant activity in PTZt and an absence of sedation effects in PTBt. The main compounds of HbMeOH were chlorogenic acid and chlorogenic acid methyl ester, as well as less abundant terpene-type compounds. Furthermore, the extract was either safe with no deaths in mice treated orally with 2000 mg/kg.

CONCLUSIONS

HbMeOH extract which contains mainly hydroxycinnamic acids and triterpene-type compounds, possesses antidepressant, anxiolytic and anticonvulsive properties and can be considered safe or of low toxicity when orally administrated. These findings lend pharmacological justification to the traditional use of Heteropterys brachiata in the treatment of nervous disorders.

Sesquiterpene lactones from the leaves of Hedyosmum brasiliense (Chloranthaceae)

Hedyosmum brasiliense Miq. is an endemic aromatic arborescent shrub that is the only representative of the Chloranthaceae in Brazil. There have been few studies seeking to determine its chemical constituents and/or pharmacological effects. This work describes the isolation and identification of sesquiterpene lactones from the leaves, including guaianolides, elemanolides and a lindenanolide. These were tested against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, together with podoandin, onoseriolide and some other common phenolics. The structures of the isolated compounds were determined based on extensive analysis of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic and MS data, as well as comparison with published data. The compounds found were the guaianolides, 1,2-epoxy-10α-hydroxy-podoandin and 1-hydroxy-10,15-methylenepodoandin, the elemenolide 15-acetoxy-isogermafurenolide and the lindenanolide 8α/β,9α-hydroxy-onoseriolide, along with the previously isolated guaianolide podoandin, the lindenanolide onoseriolide and the elemenolide 15-hydroxy-isogermafurenolide. The phenolic compounds isolated were scopoletin, vanillin, vanillic acid, protocatechuic aldehyde and ethyl caffeate. The isolated sesquiterpene lactones did not show anti-mycobacterial activity against isoniazid-sensitive M. tuberculosis cultures at concentrations of 1-30 μM.

Effect of aqueous extract and fractions of Zhi-Zi-Hou-Pu decoction against depression in inescapable stressed mice: Restoration of monoamine neurotransmitters in discrete brain regions

CONTEXT

Zhi-Zi-Hou-Pu decoction (ZZHPD) is a traditional prescription which has been used to treat "Yu-syndrome" (depression and melancholia) in Chinese herbal medication.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate antidepressant activities of ZZHPD, its fractions and possible mechanism(s) of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ZZHPD (1241, 2482 and 4964 mg/kg), n-butanol fraction (ZH-BA, 1454 mg/kg), cyclohexane fraction (ZH-CH, 17 mg/kg) and aqueous fraction (ZH-AQ, 3493 mg/kg) were administered orally to different groups of mice for seven consecutive days. Forced Swimming Test (FST) and Tail Suspension Test (TST) were conducted 60 min after the last administration to evaluate the antidepressant effect. Norepinephrine, dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine levels in discrete brain parts were determined by HPLC-FD immediately after behavioral tests.

RESULTS

ZZHPD at 2482, 4964 mg/kg, ZH-BA (1454 mg/kg), ZH-CH (17 mg/kg) or clomipramine hydrochloride (20 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the duration of immobility in FST and TST without affecting locomotor activities in the open field test. Observed from score plot of principle component analysis of monoamine levels in different groups, the monoamine profile of ZZHPD-treated mice were similar to that of the normal control mice. HPLC-UV analysis indicated that iridoid glycosides, flavones and neolignans might be the active chemicals.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The results demonstrated significant antidepressant-like effect of ZZHPD in mice which was related to monoaminergic system, ZH-BA and ZH-CH could be the active fractions responsible for the antidepressant effect of ZZHPD.

Effects of lavender oil inhalation on improving scopolamine-induced spatial memory impairment in laboratory rats

Lavender is reported to be an effective medical plant in treating inflammation, depression, stress and mild anxiety in Europe and the USA. The present study investigated the effects of two different lavender essential oils from Lavandula angustifolia ssp. angustifolia Mill. (Lamiaceae) and Lavandula hybrida Rev. (Lamiaceae) on neurological capacity of male Wistar rats subjected to scopolamine (0.7mg/kg)-induced dementia rat model. Chronic exposures to lavender essential oils (daily, for 7 continuous days) significantly reduced anxiety-like behavior and inhibited depression in elevated plus-maze and forced swimming tests, suggesting anxiolytic and antidepressant activity. Also, spatial memory performance in Y-maze and radial arm-maze tasks was improved, suggesting positive effects on memory formation. Taken together, multiple exposures to lavender essential oils could effectively reverse spatial memory deficits induced by dysfunction of the cholinergic system in the rat brain and might provide an opportunity for management neurological abnormalities in dementia conditions.

The antidepressant-like effect of Hedyosmum brasiliense and its sesquiterpene lactone, podoandin in mice: evidence for the involvement of adrenergic, dopaminergic and serotonergic systems

We have recently shown that the ethanol extract of the leaves of Hedyosmum brasiliense exhibits an antidepressant-like effect in the tail suspension and forced swimming tests in mice. The present study investigates the mechanisms involved in the antidepressant-like effect of H. brasiliense extract, together with the antidepressant potential of podoandin, an isolated sesquiterpenoid. H. brasiliense (50mg/kg, i.p.) and podoandin (10mg/kg, i.p.) decreased the immobility time in the forced swimming test, without any accompanying changes in ambulation in the open-field test. The anti-immobility effect of the H. brasiliense extract was prevented by pre-treating the mice with ondansetron, NAN 190, pindolol, prazosin, yohimbine, haloperidol, SCH23390, and sulpiride. On the other hand, pre-treating the mice with: p-chlorophenylalanine (4 consecutive days), ketanserin, naloxone, naltrindole, bicuculline, phaclofen, or l-arginine did not block the antidepressant-like effect of H. brasiliense. In addition, pre-treatment of the animals with methylene blue, NG-nitro-l-arginine or 7-nitroindazole, at subeffective doses, did not cause a synergistic effect with H. brasiliense extract at an effective dose in the forced swimming test. The anti-immobility effect of podoandin was also prevented by pre-treating the mice with NAN-190, ondansetron, prazosin, yohimbine, sulpiride and haloperidol. The results indicate that the antidepressant-like effect of H. brasiliense (and podoandin) is dependent on the serotonergic, noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems, but not on the GABAergic, opioid and oxidonitrergic systems.

Methanolic extract of Hibiscus asper leaves improves spatial memory deficits in the 6-hydroxydopamine-lesion rodent model of Parkinson's disease

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

While the Hibiscus asper Hook.f. (Malvaceae) is a traditional herb largely used in tropical region of the Africa as vegetable, potent sedative, tonic and restorative, anti-inflammatory and antidepressive drug, there is very little scientific data concerning the efficacy of this.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We investigated antioxidant activity and the effects of methanolic extract of Hibiscus asper leaves on neurological capacity of male Wistar rats subjected to unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two model systems: 2,4-dinitrophenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and β-carotene bleaching inhibition assay were used to measure the antioxidant activities of the plan extract. We also investigated the neuroprotective effect of methanolic extract of Hibiscus asper leaves (50 and 100 mg/kg) in male Wistar rats subjected to unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesion rat model.

RESULTS

Methanolic extract of Hibiscus asper leaves showed potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity. Chronic administration of methanolic extract (50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p., daily, for 7 days) significantly reduce anxiety-like behavior and inhibit depression in elevated plus-maze and forced swimming tests, suggesting anxiolytic and antidepressant activity. Also, spatial memory performance in Y-maze and radial arm-maze tasks was improved, suggesting positive effects on memory formation.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our results suggest that the methanolic extract of Hibiscus asper leaves have antioxidant effects and might provide an opportunity to management neurological abnormalities in Parkinson's disease conditions.

Chronic consumption of distilled sugarcane spirit induces anxiolytic-like effects in mice

OBJECTIVE

Chronic ethanol consumption is a major public health problem throughout the world. We investigated the anxiolytic-like effects and the possible ever injury induced by the chronic consumption of ethanol or sugarcane spirit in mice.

METHOD

Adult mice were exposed to a two-bottle free-choice paradigm for 6 weeks. The mice in Group A (n = 16) had access to sugarcane spirit + distilled water, the mice in Group B (n = 15) had access to ethanol + distilled water, and the mice in Group C (control, n = 14) had access to distilled water + distilled water. The ethanol content in the beverages offered to Groups A and B was 2% for the first week, 5% for the second week and 10% for the remaining four weeks. At the end of the experimental period, the mice were evaluated using the elevated-plus maze and the hole-board test to assess their anxiety-related behaviors. We also determined the serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels.

RESULTS

In the elevated-plus maze, the time spent in the open arms was increased in the mice exposed to chronic ethanol (32 ± 8 vs. 7 ± 2 s, n = 9) or sugarcane spirit (36 ± 9 vs. 7 ± 2 s, n = 9) compared to the controls. In the hole-board test, the mice exposed to ethanol or sugarcane spirit displayed increases in their head-dipping frequency (16 ± 1 for the control group, 27 ± 2 for the ethanol group, and 31 ± 3 for the sugarcane-spirit group; n = 9 for each group). In addition, the mice exposed to sugarcane spirit displayed an increase in the aspartate aminotransferase / alanine aminotransferase ratio compared to the ethanol group (1.29 ± 0.17 for the control group and 2.67 ± 0.17 for the sugarcane spirit group; n = 8 for each group).

CONCLUSION

The chronic consumption of sugarcane-spirit produces liver injury and anxiolytic-like effects and the possible liver injury in mice.

Anxiolytic-like effects of standardized extract of Justicia pectoralis (SEJP) in mice: Involvement of GABA/benzodiazepine in receptor

Justicia pectoralis (Acanthaceae) is used as an antiinflammatory, antimicrobial and bronchodilator, and its extract exerts an anxiolytic-like effect profile in animal models. This work presents the behavioral effects of an aqueous standardized extract of Justicia pectoralis (SEJP) in animal models, such as the elevated plus maze (EPM), light/dark, open field, rota rod and pentobarbital sleep time. The extract was administered intragastrically to male mice at single doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, while diazepam 1 or 2 mg/kg was used as a standard drug and flumazenil 2.5 mg/kg was used to evaluate the participation of benzodiazepinic receptors. The results showed that, similar to diazepam (1 mg/kg), SEJP significantly modified all the observed parameters in the EPM test, without altering the general motor activity in the open field, rota rod and pentobarbital sleep time tests. Flumazenil reversed not only the diazepam effect but also the SEJP effect. In the same way, all doses of SEJP increased the time of permanence in the light box in the light/dark test. The results showed that SEJP presented an anxiolytic-like effect, disproving sedative effects.