Protective effect of Centella asiatica on antioxidant tissue defense system against adriamycin induced cardiomyopathy in rats

Medicinal plants or bioactive components with antioxidant/anti-apoptotic effects as a potential therapeutic approach in heart failure prevention and management: a literature review

Heart failure is described as a complicated syndrome, which is estimated that 56.2 million people were living with HF globally in 2019. Oxidative stress and apoptosis play a major role on HF development via targeting several signaling pathways in cardiac cells. This study investigated medicinal plants or their bioactive components with positive effects on HF management. In this research, keywords "heart failure," "plant," "antioxidant" or "radical scavenging," "herbal" and "apoptosis" were synchronously searched through popular databases from 1990 up to 2023. Finally, the role of oxidative stress and apoptosis in HF development was searched and related signaling pathways were investigated.

A Comprehensive Review of Cardiovascular Disease Management: Cardiac Biomarkers, Imaging Modalities, Pharmacotherapy, Surgical Interventions, and Herbal Remedies

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to be a major global health concern, representing a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. This review provides a comprehensive examination of CVDs, encompassing their pathophysiology, diagnostic biomarkers, advanced imaging techniques, pharmacological treatments, surgical interventions, and the emerging role of herbal remedies. The review covers various cardiovascular conditions such as coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, cardiomyopathy, rheumatic heart disease, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, cerebrovascular diseases, and congenital heart defects. The review presents a wide range of cardiac biomarkers such as troponins, C-reactive protein, CKMB, BNP, NT-proBNP, galectin, adiponectin, IL-6, TNF-α, miRNAs, and oxylipins. Advanced molecular imaging techniques, including chest X-ray, ECG, ultrasound, CT, SPECT, PET, and MRI, have significantly enhanced our ability to visualize myocardial perfusion, plaque characterization, and cardiac function. Various synthetic drugs including statins, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, β-blockers, calcium channel blockers, antihypertensives, anticoagulants, and antiarrhythmics are fundamental in managing CVDs. Nonetheless, their side effects such as hepatic dysfunction, renal impairment, and bleeding risks necessitate careful monitoring and personalized treatment strategies. In addition to conventional therapies, herbal remedies have garnered attention for their potential cardiovascular benefits. Plant extracts and their bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, saponins, and alkaloids, offer promising cardioprotective effects and enhanced cardiovascular health. This review underscores the value of combining traditional and modern therapeutic approaches to improve cardiovascular outcomes. This review serves as a vital resource for researchers by integrating a broad spectrum of information on CVDs, diagnostic tools, imaging techniques, pharmacological treatments and their side effects, and the potential of herbal remedies.

A Landscape on Lymphatic Filariasis with its Effects and Recent Advanced Treatments

Lymphatic filariasis is an infection caused by parasites that poses a significant health, social, and economic burden, affecting a vast population that exceeds 120 million individuals globally. The Etiology of the infection is attributed to three nematode parasites, namely Wuchereria bancrofti, B. timori, and Brugia malayi, as well as which are phylogenetically related. These parasites are transmitted to humans via mosquitoes belonging to the Anopheles, Aedes genera, and Culex. As per the estimation provided by the WHO, the current number of individuals infected with filariasis stands at approximately 120 million across 81 countries. Furthermore, it is estimated that around 1.34 billion individuals reside in regions that are endemic to filariasis, thereby putting them at risk of contracting the disease. Different synthetic drugs such as Ivermectin, Doxycycline, Albendazole, and Suramin are used in the treatment. Some natural plants are Azadirachta indica, Tinospora cordifolia, Zingiber officinal, as well as, some marine sources are also included for better treatment. We also touch briefly on a few additional filarial diseases. Although there are only a few medications available to treat filariasis, their frequent usage may result in drug resistance. Furthermore, there is no effective vaccination for the treatment of filariasis. Due to these restrictions, it has been crucial to create new anti-filarial medications, which motivates researchers to find novel pharmaceuticals with anti-filarial action. In this article, we examine the latest achievements in the anti-filarial area, including the many forms of filariasis and their historical contexts, elimination programmes, various therapeutic classes (both synthetic and natural), investigated product-derived targets as well as clinical investigations.

A Comprehensive Review of Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Pre-clinical Animal Models in Addition to Herbal Treatment Options and Multi-modality Imaging Strategies

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is distinguished by ventricular chamber expansion, systolic dysfunction, and normal left ventricular (LV) wall thickness, and is mainly caused due to genetic or environmental factors; however, its aetiology is undetermined in the majority of patients. The focus of this work is on pathogenesis, small animal models, as well as the herbal medicinal approach, and the most recent advances in imaging modalities for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Several small animal models have been proposed over the last few years to mimic various pathomechanisms that contribute to dilated cardiomyopathy. Surgical procedures, gene mutations, and drug therapies are all characteristic features of these models. The pros and cons, including heart failure stimulation of extensively established small animal models for dilated cardiomyopathy, are illustrated, as these models tend to procure key insights and contribute to the development of innovative treatment techniques for patients. Traditional medicinal plants used as treatment in these models are also discussed, along with contemporary developments in herbal therapies. In the last few decades, accurate diagnosis, proper recognition of the underlying disease, specific risk stratification, and forecasting of clinical outcome, have indeed improved the health of DCM patients. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the bullion criterion for assessing ventricular volume and ejection fraction in a reliable and consistent direction. Other technologies, like strain analysis and 3D echocardiography, have enhanced this technique's predictive and therapeutic potential. Nuclear imaging potentially helps doctors pinpoint the causative factors of left ventricular dysfunction, as with cardiac sarcoidosis and amyloidosis.

Relationship between Body Composition and Biochemical Parameters with Antioxidant Status in a Healthy Cohort of Postmenopausal Women

An adequate prooxidant–antioxidant balance—which may be influenced by body composition and biochemical status—is essential to maintain human health, especially in circumstances under which the antioxidant defense decreases, such as menopause. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between body composition and biochemical parameters with antioxidant status in a healthy cohort of postmenopausal women. This cross-sectional study was carried out in a cohort of 78 postmenopausal women aged 44–76 years. The body composition profile was assessed through bioelectrical impedance. The determination of the total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase activity was conducted by the colorimetric method, and glutathione peroxidase activity was determined by the enzymatic immunological method. The vitamin D levels were measured by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The mineral status was assessed through flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The rest of the biochemical parameters were assessed through an immunoassay. The total antioxidant capacity and antioxidant gap were negatively influenced by body composition (all p ≤ 0.049) and positively related to protein metabolism parameters (all p ≤ 0.048), whereas circulating levels of different micronutrients (all p ≤ 0.048) and enzymes (all p ≤ 0.047) appeared to play an important role in the glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities. In conclusion, the menopause-related antioxidant status changes may be influenced by key body composition and biochemical profiles. To confirm this statement, further trials aiming to evaluate the body composition and biochemical intervention-induced changes upon antioxidant defense are needed.

Anti-quorum sensing, antibiofilm, and antibacterial activities of extracts of Centella asiatica L. leaves, and in vitro derived leaves-calli through tissue culture: a potential for biofouling-prevention

Extracts of Centella asiatica leaves (LEs), and in-vitro leaf-calli (CEs), were investigated for antibacterial, antibiofilm, and anti-quorum sensing activities. Ethyl acetate extracts from leaves (EALE), leaf-calli (EACE), methanolic extracts from leaves (MELE), and leaf-calli (MECE) showed antibacterial activity; the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of LEs and CEs ranged from 0.312-2.50 mg ml^-1 and 0.625 - 2.50 mg ml^-1, respectively. The MICs of EALE and EACE were 2.50 mg ml^-1, each, for C. violaceum 12742, and P. aeruginosa PAO1. At sub-MIC levels, EALE and EACE showed anti-quorum sensing (anti-QS) activity, demonstrated by concentration dependent pigment inhibition of C. violaceum 12742. Similarly, EALE and EACE inhibited QS-controlled virulence factors in P. aeruginosa PAO1 (biofilm, pyocyanin, and pyoverdin); again, the inhibition was concentration-dependent. The best effect was at immediate sub-MIC concentration i.e. 1250 µg ml^-1. GC-MS analyses revealed the presence of compound 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid, and in silico docking study suggested interactions with QS-receptors CviR', LasI, and LasR proteins for anti-QS activity.

Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. attenuates cardiac hypertrophy and improves heart function through multi-level mechanisms revealed by systems pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cardiac hypertrophy (CH) is an incurable heart disease, contributing to an increased risk of heart failure due to the lack of safe and effective strategies. Therefore, searching for new approaches to treat CH is urgent. Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. (CA), a traditional food and medicinal natural plant, has been turned out to be effective in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, but its efficacy and potential mechanisms in alleviating CH have not yet been investigated.

AIM OF STUDY

In this study, we aimed to elucidate the multi-level mechanisms underlying the effect of CA against CH.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A systems pharmacology approach was employed to screen active ingredients, identify potential targets, construct visual networks and systematically investigate the pathways and mechanisms of CA for CH treatment. The cardiac therapeutic potential and mechanism of action of CA on CH were verified with in vivo and in vitro experiments.

RESULTS

Firstly, we demonstrated the therapeutic effect of CA on CH and then screened 13 active compounds of CA according to the pharmacokinetic properties. Then, asiatic acid (AA) was identified as the major active molecule of CA for CH treatment. Afterwards, network and functional enrichment analyses showed that CA exerted cardioprotective effects by modulating multiple pathways mainly involved in anti-apoptotic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory processes. Finally, in vivo, the therapeutic effects of AA and its action on the YAP/PI3K/AKT axis and NF-κB signaling pathway were validated using an isoproterenol-induced CH mouse model. In vitro, AA decreased ROS levels in hydrogen peroxide-treated HL-1 cells.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the multi-level mechanisms of CA for CH treatment were demonstrated by systems pharmacology approach, which provides a paradigm for systematically deciphering the mechanisms of action of natural plants in the treatment of diseases and offers a new idea for the development of medicinal and food products.

A Comparative Study of the Hepatoprotective Effect of Centella asiatica Extract (CA-HE50) on Lipopolysaccharide/d-galactosamine-Induced Acute Liver Injury in C57BL/6 Mice

Acute liver failure (ALF) refers to the sudden loss of liver function and is accompanied by several complications. In a previous study, we revealed the protective effect of Centella asiatica 50% ethanol extract (CA-HE50) on acetaminophen-induced liver injury. In the present study, we investigate the hepatoprotective effect of CA-HE50 in a lipopolysaccharide/galactosamine (LPS-D-Gal)-induced ALF animal model and compare it to existing therapeutic silymarin, Lentinus edodes mycelia (LEM) extracts, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and dimethyl diphenyl bicarboxylate (DDB). Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were decreased in the CA-HE50, silymarin, LEM, UDCA and DDB groups compared to the vehicle control group. In particular, AST and ALT levels of the 200 mg/kg CA-HE50 group were significantly decreased compared to positive control groups. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were significantly decreased in the CA-HE50, silymarin, LEM, UDCA and DDB groups compared to the vehicle control group and LDH levels of the 200 mg/kg CA-HE50 group were similar to those of the positive control groups. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly increased in the 100 mg/kg CA-HE50, LEM and UDCA groups compared to the vehicle control group and, in particular, the 100 mg/kg CA-HE50 group increased significantly compared to positive control groups. In addition, the histopathological lesion score was significantly decreased in the CA-HE50 and positive control groups compared with the vehicle control group and the histopathological lesion score of the 200 mg/kg CA-HE50 group was similar to that of the positive control groups. These results show that CA-HE50 has antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects at a level similar to that of silymarin, LEM, UDCA and DDB, which are known to have hepatoprotective effects; further, CA-HE50 has potential as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent in ALF.

Ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of Centella asiatica (L.) Urban: A comprehensive review

The well-known medicinal plant Centella asiatica (L.) Urban is an Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine used in the treatment of different health problems and as an edible vegetable in a regular diet. Ease of availability in the wide range of environmental conditions plus low-cost cultivation process has made the plant popular in ethno-medicinal healthcare systems. In the present review, phytochemical analysis of plant-extract and pharmacological activities of bioactive-compounds are discussed based upon the available reports to understand their therapeutic potentialities along with the mechanisms behind. The results exhibited that C. asiatica and its triterpenoids demonstrated an array of pharmacological effects and health benefits, some of which were confirmed in many preclinical and clinical studies. Those reports also provided considerable evidences in support of the principles of folk treatment in different countries. Increase and maintenance of the prospective plant secondary metabolites would provide an enriched resource of drug molecules. Development of suitable derivatives of the therapeutic compounds can give an assurance for getting more effective drug candidates with reduced side effects. The review also enumerates the application of advanced nanotechnology, toxicology, and clinical-trial reports on the plant with notes on the shortcomings in the present research and future perspectives of using this medicinal plant.

A molecular modelling approach for identifying antiviral selenium-containing heterocyclic compounds that inhibit the main protease of SARS-CoV-2: an in silico investigation

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization, and the situation worsens daily, associated with acute increases in case fatality rates. The main protease (Mpro) enzyme produced by SARS-CoV-2 was recently demonstrated to be responsible for not only viral reproduction but also impeding host immune responses. The element selenium (Se) plays a vital role in immune functions, both directly and indirectly. Thus, we hypothesised that Se-containing heterocyclic compounds might curb the activity of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. We performed a molecular docking analysis and found that several of the selected selenocompounds showed potential binding affinities for SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, especially ethaselen (49), which exhibited a docking score of -6.7 kcal/mol compared with the -6.5 kcal/mol score for GC376 (positive control). Drug-likeness calculations suggested that these compounds are biologically active and possess the characteristics of ideal drug candidates. Based on the binding affinity and drug-likeness results, we selected the 16 most effective selenocompounds as potential anti-COVID-19 drug candidates. We also validated the structural integrity and stability of the drug candidate through molecular dynamics simulation. Using further in vitro and in vivo experiments, we believe that the targeted compound identified in this study (ethaselen) could pave the way for the development of prospective drugs to combat SARS-CoV-2 infections and trigger specific host immune responses.

A Novel Nutraceutical Formulation Can Improve Motor Activity and Decrease the Stress Level in a Murine Model of Middle-Age Animals

Ageing is a genetically programmed physiological process that is modulated by numerous environmental factors, associated with decreasing physiological function, decreasing reproductive rate and increasing age-related mortality rate. Maintaining mobility performance and physical function in the elderly is the main objective of the successful ageing concept. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the beneficial effect of a novel nutraceutical formulation containing Centella asiatica L. extract, vitamin C, zinc and vitamin D3 (as cholecalciferol) on motor activity and anxiety with the use of a murine model of old animals, as a means of providing proof for clinical use in the elderly, for enhancing physical strength and improving life quality. Eighteen Sprague Dawley 18 months old male rats were divided into three groups and received corn oil (the control group) or 1 capsule/kg bw Reverse supplement (treatment group 1) or 2 capsules/kg bw Reverse supplement (treatment group 2), for a period of 3 months. The Reverse supplement (Natural Doctor S.A, Athens, Greece) contains 9 mg Centella asiatica L. extract, vitamin C (200 mg as magnesium ascorbate), zinc (5 mg as zinc citrate), vitamin D3 (50 µg as cholecalciferol) per capsule. Before and after the treatment, the motor function and behavioral changes for anxiety and depression were evaluated using the open-field test, elevated plus-maze test and rotarod test. The supplementation with Reverse (Natural Doctor S.A) supplement can improve the locomotor activity in old rats in a dose-dependent manner, as demonstrated by an increase in the latency to leave from the middle square, in the number of rearings in the open field test, in the time spent in the open arms and time spent in the center in the elevated plus-maze test and the latency to all in all three consecutive trials in the rotarod test. Stress also decreased significantly in a dose-dependent manner, following the treatment with Reverse supplement, as was demonstrated by the decrease in the number of groomings at the open field test and time spent in the dark and the number of groomings at the elevated plus-maze test.

Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Features of Centella asiatica: A Comprehensive Review

Centella asiatica (CA) or Gotu cola is an herbal plant from the Apiaceae family with a long history of usage in different traditional medicines. It has long been used for the treatment of various ailments such as central nervous system (CNS), skin and gastrointestinal disorders especially in the Southeast Asia. This chapter focused on the phytochemical constituent and pharmacological activities of CA based on preclinical and clinical studies. Additionally, botanical description and distribution, traditional uses, interactions, and safety issues are reviewed. Electronic databases of Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched to obtain relevant studies on the pharmacological activities of CA. Approximately, 124 chemical compounds including triterpenoids, polyphenolic compounds, and essential oils have been isolated and identified from CA. Ethnomedicinal applications of CA mostly include treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, wounds, nervous system disorders, circulatory diseases, skin problems, respiratory ailments, diabetes and sleep disorders in various ethnobotanical practices. Pharmacological studies revealed a wide range of beneficial effects of CA on CNS, cardiovascular, lung, liver, kidney, gastrointestinal, skin, and endocrine system. Among them, neuroprotective activity, wound healing and treatment of venous insufficiency, as well as antidiabetic activity seem to be more frequently reported. At the moment, considering various health benefits of CA, it is marketed as an oral supplement as well as a topical ingredient in some cosmetic products. Additional preclinical studies and particularly randomized controlled trials are needed to clarify the therapeutic roles of CA.

Vasculoprotective effects of Centella asiatica, Justicia gendarussa and Imperata cylindrica decoction via the NOXs-ROS-NF-κB pathway in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Background and aim

Centella asiatica, Justicia gendarussa and Imperata cylindrica decoction (CJID) is efficacious for hypertension. NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) oxidase (NOX)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation modulates nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation and thus mediates hypertension-induced vascular remodeling. This research aims to investigate the anti-remodeling effect of CJID through the mechanism of NOXs-ROS-NF-κB pathway in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs).

Experimental procedure

CJID was orally administered once a day for five weeks in SHRs and normotensive-WKY (Wistar Kyoto) rats. All rats were sacrificed at the end of study and different assays were performed to determine whether CJID ameliorates vascular remodeling in SHRs, such as histological examination; lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) assays; superoxide and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) generation assays, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence assays. . Changes in levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), NF-κB-p65, NF-κB inhibitor alpha/IκBα (inhibitory kappa B- alpha), phosphorylation of IκBα (p-IκBα) and NOX1, NOX2, NOX4 in the thoracic aorta were determined.

Results

Vascular remodeling indicators, media thickness, collagen and elastic accumulation in the thoracic aorta, of SHRs-treated CJID were attenuated. Redox homeostasis, aortic superoxide and hydrogen peroxide generation were decreased in SHRs-treated group. Aortic iNOS, p-IκBα, NF-κB-p65 and NOX1, NOX2, NOX4 expressions were suppressed.

Conclusions

CJI treatment diminishes oxidative stress response in the thoracic aorta of SHRs via regulation of NOXs-ROS-NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings indicate that CJI possess protective effect against hypertension-induced vascular remodeling in SHRs.

Cardioprotective Potential of Plant-Derived Molecules: A Scientific and Medicinal Approach

Since the beginning of human civilization, plants have been used in alleviating the human distress and it was recorded for about thousands of years ago that the plants are being used for medicinal purposes. Natural bioactive compounds called phytochemicals are obtained from medicinal plants, vegetables, and fruits, which functions to combat against various ailments. There is dire need to explore the plant biodiversity for its medicinal and pharmacological potentials. Different databases such as Google scholar, Medline, PubMed, and the Directory of Open Access Journals were searched to find the articles describing the cardioprotective function of medicinal plants. Various substances from a variety of plant species are used for the treatment of cardiovascular abnormalities. The cardioprotective plants contain a variety of bioactive compounds, including diosgenin, isoflavones, sulforaphane, carotinized, catechin, and quercetin, have been proved to enhance cardioprotection, hence reducing the risk of cardiac abnormalities. The present review article provides the data on the use of medicinal plants particularly against cardiac diseases and to explore the molecules/phytoconstituents as plant secondary metabolites for their cardioprotective potential.

Zataria multiflora extract and carvacrol affect cardiotoxicity induced by Adriamycin in rat

Background Because of the antioxidant effects of Zataria multiflora (ZM) and carvacrol (CAR) and also the role of oxidative stress in the induction of cardiotoxicity induced by Adriamycin (ADR), the aim of this study was to investigate the improvement effects of ZM extract and CAR on cardiotoxicity induced by ADR in rats. Methods Twenty-eight male rats were randomly assigned to four groups including (1) the control group; (2) the ADR group, which received ADR intravenously at the beginning of the study and the (3) ZM+ADR and (4) CAR+ADR groups, which received ZM and CAR by gavage for 28 consecutive days and ADR as single dose. Blood samples were collected on days 0 and 28 to determine serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Also, cardiac tissue was removed for redox marker evaluation. Results In the ADR group, malondialdehyde (MDA) significantly increased and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and total thiol contents significantly reduced, as compared with the control group, while CAR administration significantly improved this condition. Treatment with ZM significantly increased the SOD activity and total thiol content, as compared with the ADR group. The level of LDH significantly increased on day 28 in the ADR group compared to the control group, and administration of ZM and CAR significantly decreased it. The SGPT and SGOT levels in the ADR group significantly increased, and CAR administration significantly reduced them. Conclusion The results indicate that the administration of ZM hydroalcoholic extracts and its active ingredient, CAR, could reduce the oxidative stress damage through promotion of the cardiac and systemic antioxidant system. Also, CAR administration demonstrated better improvement in cardiotoxicity with ADR in rats.

Neuroprotective effect of a standardized extract of Centella asiatica ECa233 in rotenone-induced parkinsonism rats

BACKGROUND

Mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation cause dopaminergic neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease. The neuroprotective approach is a promising strategy to slow disease progression in Parkinson's disease. A standardized extract of Centella asiatica ECa233 has been previously reported to have pharmacological effects in the central nervous system.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine the neuroprotective effect and mechanisms of ECa233 in rotenone-induced parkinsonism rats.

METHODS

Rats were orally given either vehicle or ECa233 (10, 30 and 100 mg/kg) for 20 consecutive days. Rotenone (2.5 mg/kg i.p.) was given to parkinsonism (PD) and ECa-treated rats from day 15 to 20. Locomotor activity was recorded on day 1, 14, 17 and 20. Tyrosine-hydroxylase (TH) immunohistological staining was used to determine dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and striatum. Furthermore, mitochondrial complex I activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase protein expression were measured in brain tissue.

RESULTS

Rats receiving ECa233 30 mg/kg showed a significant increase in distances (p < 0.01) together with a higher number and intensity of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and striatum (p < 0.001) compared to PD rats. ECa233 (30 mg/kg) protected against mitochondrial complex I inhibition, decreased MDA levels (p < 0.05) and increased SOD (p < 0.01) and catalase (p < 0.05) expression.

CONCLUSION

ECa233 can protect against rotenone-induced motor deficits and dopaminergic neuronal death. These effects are mediated through the protection of mitochondrial complex I activity, the effects of antioxidants and the enhancement of antioxidant enzyme expression.

Reversal of Doxorubicin-induced Cardiotoxicity by Using Phytotherapy: A Review

Doxorubicin as a chemotherapeutic drug is widely used for the treatment of patients with cancer. However, clinical use of this drug is hampered by its cardiotoxicity, which is manifested as electrocardiographic abnormalities, arrhythmias, irreversible degenerative cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. The precise mechanisms underlying the cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin are not clear, but impairment of calcium homeostasis, generation of iron complexes, production of oxygen radicals, mitochondrial dysfunction and cell membrane damage have been suggested as potential etiologic factors. Compounds that can neutralize the toxic effect of doxorubicin on cardiac cells without reducing the drug's antitumor activity are needed. In recent years, numerous studies have shown that herbal medicines and bioactive phytochemicals can serve as effective add-on therapies to reduce the cardiotoxic effects of doxorubicin. This review describes different phytochemicals and herbal products that have been shown to counterbalance doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.

Complete Comparison Display (CCD) evaluation of ethanol extracts of Centella asiatica and Withania somnifera shows that they can non-synergistically ameliorate biochemical and behavioural damages in MPTP induced Parkinson's model of mice

Parkinson's disease remains as one of the most common debilitating neurodegenerative disorders. With the hopes of finding agents that can cure or reduce the pace of progression of the disease, we studied two traditional medicinal plants: Centella asiatica and Withania somnifera that have been explored in some recent studies. In agreement with the previous work on ethanol extracts of these two plants in mice model, we saw an improvement in oxidative stress profile as well as behavioral performance in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) induced Parkinson-like symptoms in Balb/c mice. Given the known potential of both the herbal extracts in improving Parkinson-like symptoms, we expected the combination of the two to show better results than either of the two but surprisingly there was no additivity in either oxidative stress or behavioural recovery. In fact, in some assays, the combination performed worse than either of the two individual constituents. This effect of mixtures highlights the need of testing mixtures in supplements market using enthomedicine. The necessity of comparing multiple groups in this study to get most information from the experiments motivated us to design a ladder-like visualization to show comparison with different groups that we call complete comparison display (CCD). In summary, we show the potential of Centella asiatica and Withania somnifera to ameliorate Parkinson's disorder.

Protective effects of Centella asiatica leaf extract on dimethylnitrosamine‑induced liver injury in rats

Oxidative stress in liver injury is a major pathogenetic factor in the progression of liver damage. Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, known in the United States as Gotu kola, is widely used as a traditional herbal medicine in Chinese or Indian Pennywort. The efficacy of Centella asiatica is comprehensive and is used as an anti-inflammatory agent, for memory improvement, for its antitumor activity and for treatment of gastric ulcers. The present study investigated the protective effects of Centella asiatica on dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced liver injury in rats. The rats in the treatment groups were treated with Centella asiatica at either 100 or 200 mg/kg in distilled water (D.W) or with silymarin (200 mg/kg in D.W) by oral administration for 5 days daily following intraperitoneal injections of 30 mg/kg DMN. Centella asiatica significantly decreased the relative liver weights in the DMN-induced liver injury group, compared with the control. The assessment of liver histology showed that Centella asiatica significantly alleviated mass periportal ± bridging necrosis, intralobular degeneration and focal necrosis, with fibrosis of liver tissues. Additionally, Centella asiatica significantly decreased the level of malondialdehyde, significantly increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase, and may have provided protection against the deleterious effects of reactive oxygen species. In addition, Centella asiatica significantly decreased inflammatory mediators, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ and granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor. These results suggested that Centella asiatica had hepatoprotective effects through increasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes and reducing the levels of inflammatory mediators in rats with DMN-induced liver injury. Therefore, Centella asiatica may be useful in preventing liver damage.

Efficacy of Natural Compounds in Neurodegenerative Disorders

Neurodegenerative disorders represent clusters of serious diseases that results in progressive deterioration of normal structure and physiology of central nervous system. Pathophysiology of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or other neurodegenerative disorders involves multifaceted permutation of genetic and environmental factors. Combinations of lifestyle modification linked with environmental factor jointly or alone represent the largest share of cases of these disorders. Etiology of such neuronal degeneration involves manifestation of toxic reaction in the form of functional anomalies leading to dysfunction of the ubiquitin-proteasome system, activated inflammatory cascade, compromised neuronal survival pathway, mitochondrial dysfunction and finally neuronal apoptosis/necrosis and cell death. Furthermore, evidences from various studies exhibited role of oxidative stress and compromised anti-oxidant defense system as one of the prime factors associated with activation of various signal transduction pathways that would ultimately lead to the formation of amyloid beta or alpha synuclein in the brain. Keeping in view of complex etiology and pathophysiology along with a miniscule of available treatment options associated with these neurodegenerative disorders, the role of natural agents and herbal extracts as therapeutic alternatives alone or in combination with synthetic drugs could not be ruled out. In the same context the present chapter has been aimed to investigate the role of selected natural plants like Withania somnifera, Bacopa monnieri, Curcuma longa, Centella asiatica, Ocimum sanctum, Nardostachys jatamansi and Emblica officinalis in various neurodegenerative disorders and explore their targets to ameliorate neurotoxicity in various experimental models. The rationale for selection of these plants was based on their strong anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant potential and large body of evidence that suggest their efficacy in preclinical as well as in clinical studies. Active constituents if these herbals might play an important role in preserving the integrity of various neurotransmitters and their receptor in the brain influencing its functions at the molecular level.

Comparison of the cardioprotective and renoprotective effects of the L/N-type calcium channel blocker, cilnidipine, in adriamycin-treated spontaneously-hypertensive rats

Cilnidipine is an L/N-type calcium channel blocker (CCB). The effects of cilnidipine on N-type channels give it unique organ-protective properties via the suppression of hyperactivity in the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). In the present study, we compared the effects of cilnidipine and amlodipine (an L-type CCB) on cardiac and renal functions in spontaneously-hypertensive rats injected with adriamycin (ADR). After the weekly administration of ADR for 3 weeks, spontaneously-hypertensive rats were orally administered cilnidipine (20 mg/kg per day), amlodipine (3 mg/kg per day), or vehicle once daily for 4 weeks. A control group received saline rather than ADR, followed by vehicle for 4 weeks. Cilnidipine and amlodipine produced similar reductions in blood pressure after 4 weeks. Cilnidipine ameliorated ADR-induced heart and kidney damage, whereas amlodipine slightly improved cardiac echocardiographic parameters, but did not protect against ADR-induced renal damage. Cilnidipine (but not amlodipine) suppressed the reflex SNS and RAAS hyperactivity caused by their antihypertensive effects. Furthermore, cilnidipine and amlodipine treatment decreased the urinary levels of adrenocortical hormones. The protective effects of cilnidipine against ADR-induced renal and cardiac dysfunction might be associated with its blockade of N-type calcium channels, in addition to its pleiotropic actions, which include the inhibition of the RAAS.

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica): Nutritional Properties and Plausible Health Benefits

Centella asiatica L. (Gotu Kola) is a nutritionally important plant and a valued traditional medicine in South East Asia. In this review, the chemical composition, nutritional values, and health benefits of C. asiatica have been discussed in detail to emphasize its usage as traditional food and medicine. C. asiatica is one of the most commonly used green leafy vegetables (GLVs) in some countries including Sri Lanka due to its high amounts of medicinally important triterpenoids and beneficial carotenoids. It is consumed in the form of GLVs and in the preparation of juice, drink, and other food products. It is also known to contain vitamins B and C, proteins, important minerals, and some other phytonutrients such as flavonoids, volatile oils, tannins, and polyphenol. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown important health benefits like antidiabetic, wound-healing, antimicrobial, memory-enhancing, antioxidant, and neuroprotecting activities. However, detailed scientific approaches on clinical trials regarding health benefits and nutritional values of C. asiatica are limited, hindering the perception of its benefits, mechanisms, and toxicity in order to develop new drug prototypes. In vitro studies have shown that the method of processing C. asiatica has an impact on its nutritional values and health-related beneficial compounds. The composition of its compounds is influenced by different biotic and abiotic factors which need to be studied in detail to provide information to the public in order to maximize the usage of this valuable plant.

A metabolomic study of rats with doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy and Shengmai injection treatment

Doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy (DOX-CM) is a severe complication of doxorubicin (DOX) chemotherapy. Characterized by cumulative and irreversible myocardial damage, its pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Shengmai Injection (SMI), a Traditional Chinese Medicine, may alleviate myocardial injury and improve heart function in the setting of DOX-CM. As a result of its multi-component and multi-target nature and comprehensive regulation, the pharmacological mechanisms underlying SMI’s effects remain obscure. The emerging field of metabolomics provides a potential approach with which to explore the pathogenesis of DOX-CM and the benefits of SMI treatment. DOX-CM was induced in rats via intraperitoneal injections of DOX. Cardiac metabolic profiling was performed via gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. A bioinformatics analysis was conducted via Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). Eight weeks following DOX treatment, significant cardiac remodeling, dysfunction and metabolic perturbations were observed in the rats with DOX-CM. The metabolic disturbances primarily involved lipids, amino acids, vitamins and energy metabolism, and may have been indicative of both an energy metabolism disorder and oxidative stress secondary to DOX chemotherapy. However, SMI improved cardiac structure and function, as well as the metabolism of the rats with DOX-CM. The metabolic alterations induced via SMI, including the promotion of glycogenolysis, glycolysis, amino acid utilization and antioxidation, suggested that SMI exerts cardioprotective effects by improving energy metabolism and attenuating oxidative stress. Moreover, the IPA revealed that important signaling molecules and enzymes interacted with the altered metabolites. These findings have provided us with new insights into the pathogenesis of DOX-CM and the effects of SMI, and suggest that the combination of metabolomic analysis and IPA may represent a promising tool with which to explore and better understand both heart disease and TCM therapy.

Cerium nanoparticles synthesized using aqueous extract of Centella asiatica: characterization, determination of free radical scavenging activity and evaluation of efficacy against cardiomyoblast hypertrophy

Cerium nanoparticles synthesized usingCentella asiaticawere characterized, and tested for radical scavenging activities, cellular uptake, cytotoxicity and efficacy against cardiomyoblast hypertrophy and calcium overload.

Multifunctional pentacyclic triterpenoids as adjuvants in cancer chemotherapy: a review

The protective adjuvants in chemotherapy.

Enhanced sympathetic activity and cardiac sympathetic afferent reflex in rats with heart failure induced by adriamycin

Our previous studies have shown that the cardiac sympathetic afferent reflex is enhanced in rats with chronic heart failure (CHF) induced by coronary artery ligation and contributes to the over-excitation of sympathetic activity. We sought to determine whether sympathetic activity and cardiac sympathetic afferent reflex were enhanced in adriamycin-induced CHF and whether angiotensin II (Ang II) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) was involved in enhancing sympathetic activity and cardiac sympathetic afferent reflex. Heart failure was induced by intraperitoneal injection of adriamycin for six times during 2 weeks (15 mg/kg). Six weeks after the first injection, the rats underwent anesthesia with urethane and α-chloralose. After vagotomy and baroreceptor denervation, cardiac sympathetic afferent reflex was evaluated by renal sympathetic nerve activity and mean arterial pressure (MAP) response to epicardial application of capsaicin (1.0 nmol). The response of MAP to ganglionic blockade with hexamethonium in conscious rats was performed to evaluate sympathetic activity. The renal sympathetic nerve activity and cardiac sympathetic afferent reflex were enhanced in adriamycin rats and the maximum depressor response of MAP induced by hexamethonium was significantly greater in adriamycin rats than that in control rats. Bilateral PVN microinjection of angiotensin II (Ang II) caused larger responses of the cardiac sympathetic afferent reflex, baseline renal sympathetic nerve activity and MAP in adriamycin rats than control rats. These results indicated that both sympathetic activity and cardiac sympathetic afferent reflex were enhanced and Ang II in the PVN was involved in the enhanced sympathetic activity and cardiac sympathetic afferent reflex in rats with adriamycin-induced heart failure.

Effect of Agrobacterium rhizogenes and elicitation on the asiaticoside production in cell cultures of Centella asiatica

BACKGROUND

Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. (Apiaceae) is an important medicinal plant, and it has been using to prepare herbal medicines. The compounds responsible for the biological activity of C. asiatica are triterpenoids such as asiaticoside. Asiaticoside is also important as a marker for standardization of C. asiatica. Due to the low content, there is a need to enhance the production of asiaticoside of C. asiatica. The biotechnological approach is one of the methods that can be used to enhance its production.

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to enhance the production of asiaticoside from C. asiatica using A. rhizogenes and elicitation experiments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Callus cultures were initiated using Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/L indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and 1.0 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurin (BAP). All media were supplemented with 4% (w/w) sucrose and solidified with 0.9% agar. Elicitations were done using pectin, methyl jasmonate, and Cu(2+) ions. Transformed hairy root cultures were performed using A. rhizogenes.

RESULTS

Callus culture of C. asiatica was successfully initiated. Enhancement of the production of asiaticoside in the callus culture by elicitors pectin was up to 31%; methyl jasmonate (50 μM) in cell suspension cultures at day 14 was up to 171% compared to explant and 494% compared to control callus; copper ion (25 μM) at day 21 was up to 144% compared to explant, and 676% compared to control cell suspension cultures. While enhancement by genetic transformation using A. rhizogenes was 166-172% compare to untransformed roots

CONCLUSION

Elicitation and genetically transformed hairy root cultures of C. asiatica produced asiaticoside up to 172% higher than untreated callus.

Centella asiatica (L.) Urban: From Traditional Medicine to Modern Medicine with Neuroprotective Potential

This paper covers the studies relevant to neuroprotective activity of Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, also known as “Gotu Kola.” The plant is native to the Southeast Asia and has been used traditionally as brain tonic in ayurvedic medicine. The neuroprotective effect of C. asiatica has been searched using the key words “Centella, Centella asiatica, gotu kola, Asiatic pennywort, neuroprotection, and memory” through the electronic databases including Sciencedirect, Web of Science, Scopus, Pubmed, and Google Scholar. According to the literature survey, C. asiatica (gotu kola) has been reported to have a comprehensive neuroprotection by different modes of action such as enzyme inhibition, prevention of amyloid plaque formation in Alzheimer's disease, dopamine neurotoxicity in Parkinson's disease, and decreasing oxidative stress. Therefore, C. asiatica could be suggested to be a desired phytopharmaceutical with neuroprotective effect emerged from traditional medicine.

Aqueous extract of Centella asiatica promotes corneal epithelium wound healing in vitro

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Centella asiatica is a traditional herbal medicine that has been shown to have pharmacological effect on skin wound healing, and could be potential therapeutic agent for corneal epithelial wound healing.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was done to evaluate the effects of Centella asiatica on the proliferation and migration of rabbit corneal epithelial (RCE) cells in the in vitro wound healing model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RCE cells were cultured with or without supplementation of Centella asiatica aqueous extract. Viability and proliferation of the RCE cells was determined by MTT assay and cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. In vitro re-epithelization was studied by scratch assay and migration rate was evaluated quantitatively by image analyzer. Expression of corneal specific differentiation markers, CK12 and connexin 43, were studied via RT-PCR.

RESULTS

It was found that supplementation of Centella asiatica did not show any significant effect on the RCE cells proliferation at the concentration up to 500ppm, while at the concentration of 1000ppm significantly inhibited RCE cells proliferation (p<0.05). However, at the concentration up to 62.5ppm, RCE cells shows significant enhancement of migration rate compared to the control group (p<0.05). It was also found that the supplementation of Centella asiatica aqueous extract did not alter the expression of differentiation markers and cell cycle.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, supplementation of Centella asiatica aqueous extract at low concentrations could be useful to promote corneal epithelium wound healing.

Hypoglycemic activity of Gymnema sylvestre extracts on oxidative stress and antioxidant status in diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus, which is associated with oxidative damage, has a significant impact on health, quality of life, and life expectancy. An ethanol extract of Gymnema sylvestre leaf was examined in vitro and in vivo to investigate the role of antioxidants in diabetic rats. The extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity in the assays, including TBA (56%), SOD-like (92%), and ABTS (54%). Blood glucose levels in the diabetic rats fed G. sylvestre extract decreased to normal levels. The presence of the antihyperglycemic compounds gymnemagenin and gymnemic acids in G. sylvestre extract was detected by LC/MS analysis. Lipid peroxidation levels were decreased by 31.7% in serum, 9.9% in liver, and 9.1% in kidney in the diabetic rats fed the extract. Feeding G. sylvestre extract to the diabetic rats decreased the activity of glutathione peroxidase in cytosolic liver and glutamate pyruvate transaminase in serum to normal levels.

Protective role of Centella asiatica on lead-induced oxidative stress and suppressed reproductive health in male rats

Centella asiatica has been mentioned in ancient ayurvedic text of the Indian system of medicine for its properties to promote intelligence. The objective of the present study was to investigate the beneficial effects of C. asiatica on lead-induced oxidative stress and suppressed reproductive performance in male rats. Significant decrease in the weights of testes and epididymis were observed in lead treated animals. Exposure to lead acetate significantly increased malondialdehyde levels with a significant decrease in the superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the liver, brain, kidneys and testes of rats. Epididymal sperm count, viable sperms, motile sperms and HOS-tail coiled sperms decreased significantly in lead-exposed rats. Testicular steroidogenic enzyme activities also decreased significantly in lead-exposed rats. No significant changes in the selected reproductive variables were observed in the plant extract alone treated rats. Whereas, co-administration of aqueous extracts of C. asiatica to lead exposed rats showed a significant increase in the weights of reproductive organs, reduction in lead-induced oxidative stress in the tissues and improvement in selected reproductive parameters over lead-exposed rats indicating the beneficial role of C. asiatica to counteract lead-induced oxidative stress and to restore the suppressed reproduction in male rats.

Enhancement of the skin-protective activities of Centella asiatica L. Urban by a nano-encapsulation process

Aqueous extracts of Centella asiatica L. Urban were encapsulated by an edible biopolymer, gelatin, which has no effect on their cosmetic activities. The nanoparticles were w/o-type spherical liposomes that had an average diameter of 115.0nm. The encapsulation efficiency was estimated to be approximately 67%, which was relatively high for these aqueous extracts. The nanoparticles showed lower cytotoxicity (10%) in human skin fibroblast cells than the unencapsulated crude extract (15%) at 1.0mg/ml, this was possibly because a smaller amount of the extract was present in the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles efficiently reduced the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 in UV-irradiated cells from 136.1% to 77.6% (UV-irradiated control) and inhibited hyaluronidase expression (>60%) at a concentration of 0.5mg/ml, which was higher than the levels produced by the unencapsulated crude extracts. The nanoparticles had a very high flux through mouse skin and also remained at relatively large concentrations in the derma when compared to the unencapsulated crude extracts. These results clearly indicate that the skin-protective activities of C. asiatica were significantly improved through the nano-encapsulation process. These findings also imply that a crude extract can be used and have the same efficacy as purified compounds, which should reduce the purification process and production costs.

Anti-apoptotic potential of rosuvastatin pretreatment in murine model of cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Apoptosis is a key pathologic feature in myocardial infarction and heart failure. Recent evidence suggests that statins may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with heart failure. The present study was planned to investigate the anti-apoptotic potential of rosuvastatin pretreatment in doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy.

METHODS

Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: Group-I (vehicle control group), Group-II (pathological Control group), Group-III (rosuvastatin 0.5 mg/kg), Group IV (rosuvastatin 2 mg/kg), Group-V (rosuvastatin 2 mg/kg per se), and Group-VI (carvedilol 1mg/kg). Myocardial apoptosis was detected by caspase-3 assay, DNA gel electrophoresis and Na(+)/K(+) ATPase estimation. The animals were evaluated for various biochemical parameters in serum followed by histopathological studies of heart tissue.

RESULTS

Doxorubicin treated rats exhibited cardiac dysfunctions as indicated by an increase in systolic, diastolic, mean BP, heart rate and tail blood flow and volume and increased serum LDH, TC, TGs, LDL-C, VLDL-C levels and atherogenic indexes. A marked induction in caspase-3 and Na(+)-K(+) ATPase levels and DNA laddering as revealed by agarose gel electrophoresis was observed in rat myocardium of pathological group. Pretreatment with the test drug, rosuvastatin significantly reduced the increase in hemodynamic parameters, serum LDH, lipid profile and myocardial caspase-3, Na(+)-K(+) ATPase activity as compared to the pathogenic control group. Further, DNA ladder formation was attenuated by rosuvastatin treatment. Histopathological studies further confirm its myocardial salvaging effects. The results were comparable with carvedilol.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrates the cardioprotective potential of rosuvastatin against doxorubicin-induced myocardial apoptosis.

Neuroprotective effect of Centella asiatica extract (CAE) on experimentally induced parkinsonism in aged Sprague-Dawley rats

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in ageing and age-related neurodegenerative changes including Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is characterized by signs of major oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage in the pars compacta of the substantia nigra. Present study was designed to investigate whether the Centella asiatica extract (CAE) would prevent 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced neurotoxicity in aged Sprague-Dawley rats. Adult, male Sprague-dawley rats of 300-350 g were divided into control, C. asiatica alone, MPTP alone (20 mg/kg, for 21 days) and MPTP with C. asiatica (300 mg/kg for 21 days) groups. Effect of aqueous extract of C. asiatica on oxidative biomarker levels in corpus striatum and hippocampus homogenate was examined. MPTP-challenged rats elicited a significant increase in lipid hydroperoxides (LPO) (p < 0.01), protein-carbonyl-content (PCC) (p < 0.01) and xanthine oxidase (XO) (p < 0.01) when compared with control rats. There was a significant decrease in total antioxidants (TA) (p < 0.001), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p < 0.001), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (p < 0.01) and catalase (CAT) (p < 0.001) levels with MPTP treatment. Supplementation of CAE reduced LPO and PCC and significantly increased (p < 0.01) TA and antioxidant enzyme levels (p < 0.01) in corpus striatum and hippocampus. These results show that administration of C. asiatica was effective in protecting the brain against neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinsonism.

Protective effect of Nardostachys jatamansi on oxidative injury and cellular abnormalities during doxorubicin-induced cardiac damage in rats

Nardostachys jatamansi is a medicinally important herb of Indian origin. It has been used for centuries in the Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine for the treatment of various ailments. We have evaluated the effect of N. jatamansi (rhizomes) on the biochemical changes, tissue peroxidative damage and abnormal antioxidant levels in doxorubicin (adriamycin)-induced cardiac damage. Preliminary studies on the effect of the graded dose of extract showed that 500 mg kg−1 orally for seven days was found to be optimum and hence all further study was carried out with this particular dose. Rats administered doxorubicin (15 mg kg−1, i.p.) showed myocardial damage that was manifested by the elevation of serum marker enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase, aspartate aminotransaminase and alanine aminotransaminase). The animals showed significant changes in the antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase) and lipid peroxidation levels. Pretreatment with N. jatamansi extract significantly prevented these alterations and restored the enzyme activity and lipid peroxides to near normal levels. Restoration of cellular normality accredits the N. jatamansi with a cytoprotective role in doxorubicin-induced cardiac damage.

Effect of Centella asiatica leaf powder on oxidative markers in brain regions of prepubertal mice in vivo and its in vitro efficacy to ameliorate 3-NPA-induced oxidative stress in mitochondria

Centella asiatica (CA) is a common medicinal plant used in the ayurvedic system of medicine to treat various ailments and as a memory enhancer. Despite its extensive usage in children, data on its ability to modulate neuronal oxidative stress in prepubertal rodents are limited. Hence in the present study we have addressed primarily two questions (i) whether dietary intake of CA leaf powder possess the propensity to modulate endogenous oxidative markers in mouse brain regions and (ii) the efficacy of CA aqueous extract to abrogate 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA)-induced oxidative stress in brain mitochondria in vitro. Prepubertal male mice were fed CA-incorporated diet (0.5 and 1%) for 4 weeks, and biochemical markers of oxidative stress in brain regions were determined. Mice fed CA showed significant diminution in the levels of malondialdehyde (30-50%), reactive oxygen species (32-42%) and hydroperoxide levels (30-35%), which was accompanied by enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes in all brain regions. While the levels of reduced glutathione and total thiols were elevated, the protein carbonyl content was decreased in brain among CA-fed mice. Interestingly, the oxidative markers among brain mitochondria of CA-fed mice were also significantly diminished (malondialdehyde, 25%; ROS, 30%; hydroperoxides, 35% and protein carbonyls, 28%). Further, the aqueous extract of CA showed significant free radical scavenging activity determined in established chemical test systems (viz., DPPH, superoxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity). Furthermore, the aqueous extract of CA markedly ameliorated the 3-NPA induced oxidative stress response in brain mitochondria under in vitro exposure,. Taken together, these data suggest that CA has the propensity to modulate both endogenous and neurotoxicant induced oxidative impairments in the brain and may be effectively employed as a neuroprotective adjuvant to abrogate oxidative stress in vivo.

Beneficial effects of Centella asiatica aqueous extract against arsenic-induced oxidative stress and essential metal status in rats

The efficacy of an aqueous extract of Centella asiatica (100, 200 and 500 mg/kg for 5 consecutive days) was studied in the depletion of arsenic and in the recovery of a few altered biochemical variables in arsenic pre-exposed rats (20 ppm in drinking water for 5 weeks). Exposure to arsenic significantly depleted delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity, reduced glutathione (GSH) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) activity in red blood cells. Significant depletion of ALAD activity, GSH level, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), SOD and catalase (CAT) activities and an increase in TBARS levels in liver tissues was also noted. There was a significant depletion of SOD, CAT and GPx activities in kidneys and an increased TBARS levels in kidney and brain accompanied by increased arsenic concentration in blood and soft tissues. Treatment with aqueous extract of Centella asiatica provided significant protection against ALAD, GSH and TBARS levels, particularly at doses of 200 and 500 mg. Centella asiatica also provided significant recovery in the inhibited liver ALAD and G6PD activities. Arsenic concentration in blood and soft tissues remained uninfluenced after Centella asiatica administration. The present study thus suggests a beneficial effect of Centella asiatica against arsenic-induced oxidative stress but possesses no chelating property.

Comparative analysis of active constituents in Centella asiatica samples from Madagascar: application for ex situ conservation and clonal propagation

A comparative quantitative analysis of the active triterpenoids in Centella asiatica samples collected in different locations in Madagascar was carried out to evaluate the natural variability in triterpenoid content and to select elite samples for further ex situ germplasm conservation and clonal propagation. The highest asiaticoside content (6.42%) was measured in samples collected in Mangoro region. In vitro propagation of C. asiatica was successfully achieved in hormone-free medium. Although lower asiaticoside content was detected in 8-week-old vitro plants, the Mangoro sample still showed the highest content in this triterpenoid constituent (1.78%). Acetoxycentellynol, a C(15)-polyacetylene, was found to be accumulated up to 18 times more in in vitro plants as compared to plant material collected in situ.

Adriamycin-induced myocardial toxicity: New solutions for an old problem?

Adriamycin is a potent and broad-spectrum antineoplastic agent that plays a major role in cancer chemotherapy. Unfortunately, its use has been hampered by conventional toxicities and cardiotoxicity manifested by congestive cardiomyopathy. Adriamycin is particularly toxic to heart tissue and constitutes a major cause of morbidity and mortality due to its complex pathogenesis. In this review, the different forms of cardiotoxicity produced by adriamycin as well as the biochemical changes induced by this drug are summarized. Secondly, the current hypotheses proposed to explain adriamycin-induced myocardial damage (the iron and free-radical hypothesis, the metabolic hypothesis, the "unifying hypothesis" and apoptosis) and the attempts to reduce adriamycin-induced myocardial toxicity are discussed (e.g. dose limitation, close cardiac monitoring, alteration of dosage schedules, development of new anthracycline analogs, and the administration of protective agents and liposomal encapsulation). Finally, we summarized our own experimental and clinical experience in ameliorating and or preventing adriamycin-induced cardiotoxicity and the latest attempts to prevent and/or monitor cardiac function. According to this, a combination of usual doses of calcium antagonist drugs plus vitamins A and E seems advisable.

The role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases

Numerous experimental and epidemiological studies have demonstrated that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are major constituents of cigarette tobacco tar, are strongly involved in the pathogenesis of the cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Knowing that PAH-induced toxicities are mediated by the activation of a cytosolic receptor, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which regulates the expression of a group of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes (XMEs) such as CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP1B1, NQO1, and GSTA1, suggests a direct link between AhR-regulated XMEs and CVDs. Therefore, identifying the localization and expression of the AhR and its regulated XMEs in the cardiovascular system (CVS) is of major importance in understanding their physiological and pathological roles. Generally, it was believed that the levels of AhR-regulated XMEs are lower in the CVS than in the liver; however, it has been shown that similar or even higher levels of expression are demonstrated in the CVS in a tissue- and species-specific manner. Moreover, most, if not all, AhR-regulated XMEs are differentially expressed in most of the CVS, particularly in the endothelium cells, aorta, coronary arteries, and ventricles. Although the exact mechanisms of PAH-mediated cardiotoxicity are not fully understood, several mechanisms are proposed. Generally, induction of CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP1B1 is considered cardiotoxic through generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA adducts, and endogenous arachidonic acid metabolites. However the cardioprotective properties of NQO1 and GSTA1 are mainly attributed to the antioxidant effect by decreasing ROS and increasing the levels of endogenous antioxidants. This review provides a clear understanding of the role of AhR and its regulated XMEs in the pathogenesis of CVDs, in which imbalance in the expression of cardioprotective and cardiotoxic XMEs is the main determinant of PAH-mediated cardiotoxicity.