Cerebroprotective effect of Eclipta alba against global model of cerebral ischemia induced oxidative stress in rats

Methodological Approaches to Experimental Evaluation of Neuroprotective Action of Potential Drugs

The authors propose a novel approach to a comprehensive evaluation of neuroprotective effects using both in vitro and in vivo methods. This approach allows for the initial screening of numerous newly synthesized chemical compounds and substances from plant and animal sources while saving animal life by reducing the number of animals used in research. In vitro techniques, including mitochondrial suspensions and neuronal cell cultures, enable the assessment of neuroprotective activity, which can be challenging in intact organisms. The preliminary methods help outline the neuroprotection mechanism depending on the neurodestruction agent. The authors have validated a model of acute cerebrovascular accident, which simulates key cerebrovascular phenomena such as reduced cerebral blood flow, energy deficit, glutamate-calcium excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and early gene expression. A significant advantage of this model is its ability to reproduce the clinical picture of cerebral ischemia: impaired motor activity; signs of neurological deficits (paresis, paralysis, etc.); as well as disturbances in attention, learning, and memory. Crucial to this approach is the selection of biochemical, molecular, and cellular markers to evaluate nerve tissue damage and characterize potential neuroprotective agents. Additionally, a comprehensive set of molecular, biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical methods is proposed for evaluating neuroprotective effects and underlying mechanisms of potential pharmaceutical compounds.

Effect of acute and chronic stress on memory impairment and hippocampal oxidative stress following global cerebral ischemia in adult male rats

Background and purpose

Stress, especially immobility stress, is quite common and one of the most important and influential risk factors in neurological disorders. This study aimed to investigate the effect of acute and chronic immobility stress on the level of cortical and hippocampal oxidative stress indicators and memory impairment following global cerebral ischemia.

Experimental approach

In this study, 48 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: 1, sham (S); 2, sham-acute stress (SSA); 3, sham-chronic stress (SSC); 4, ischemia (IS); 5, ischemia-acute stress (ISA); 6, ischemia-chronic stress (ISC). The Morris water maze (MWM) test was performed 14 days after surgery, and cortisol levels and oxidative stress factors such as malondialdehyde MDA and total thiol were measured.

Findings/Results

In the MWM test, the time to find the platform (latency time) in the ISC and IS groups significantly increased compared to the S group. The time spent in the target quarter in these two groups was significantly reduced compared to the S group on the day of the probe. The results showed a significant increase in cortisol levels and malondialdehyde concentration in the ISA, ISC, and IS groups compared to the S group, but there was no significant difference in total thiol concentration. No significant difference was observed in the level of oxidative stress factors in the cortex.

Conclusion and implication

Chronic immobility stress could reduce antioxidant factors in the hippocampus and exacerbate memory impairment caused by global ischemia.

Unraveling Grewia bilamellata Gagnep. Role in cerebral ischemia: Comprehensive in vivo and in silico studies

The present study investigated the neuroprotective properties of whole plants of Grewia bilamellata Gagnep. extract (GBEE) against cerebral ischemia by harnessing both In vivo studies in a rat model and In silico studies focusing on nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition. High-resolution liquid chromatography‒mass spectrometry (HR LC‒MS) analysis identified 32 phytochemicals in the GBEE, 15 of which adhered to Lipinski's rule of five. These compounds exhibited diverse physicochemical properties and high binding affinity to NOS, with cleomiscosin D showing the greatest potential. In vivo, GBEE had significant neuroprotective effects on bilateral common carotid artery occlusion/reperfusion (BCCAO/R) in rats, especially at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight. GBEE treatment improved brain function, as evidenced by EEG normalization, substantial reductions in cerebral infarction size, mitigated neuronal loss, and the restoration of regular histological arrangement in the CA1 hippocampal area of the brain. Furthermore, GBEE enhanced antioxidant defenses by augmenting the activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and restoring reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. These effects were accompanied by a decrease in nitric oxide (NO) levels, indicative of attenuated oxidative and nitrosative stress. Collectively, our findings suggest that GBEE is a promising natural therapeutic agent that may prevent or alleviate ischemic brain injury through a multifaceted mechanism involving NOS inhibition and attenuation of the oxidative stress response. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of GBEE and warrants further research into its mechanism of action and possible clinical applications.

The nephroprotective effects of Daucus carota and Eclipta prostrata against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

The overuse of cisplatin (>50 mg/m2) is limited to nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, gastrotoxicity, myelosuppression, and allergic reactions. The objective of this study was to investigate the nephroprotective effects of Daucus carota and Eclipta prostrata extracts on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. The study involved male Wistar albino rats of 8 weeks weighing 220-270 g. A single injection of 5 mg/kg was injected into the rats for nephrotoxicity. Rats were divided into four groups based on dose conentrations. Blood and urine samples of rats were collected on the 0, 7th, 14th, and 21st days for nephrological analysis. The results showed that Cis + DC/Cis + EP (600 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.001) increased the body weight and reduced the kidney weight of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats (p < 0.001) as compared to Cis group. The results showed that 600 mg/kg administration of Cis + DC/Cis +EP successfully (p < 0.005) improved the urine and plasmin creatinine, Na, and K level compared to the Cis group. Histopathological results confirmed that Cis + EP/Cis + DC effectively improved the renal abnormalities. It is concluded that the co-administration of Cis + EP extract showed exceptional nephroprotective effects at a dose rate of 600 mg/kg.

Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. (Asteraceae): Ethnomedicinal Uses, Chemical Constituents, and Biological Activities

Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. (Syn.: Eclipta alba (L.) Hassak, Family: Asteraceae) is an important medicinal plant in the tropical and subtropical regions. It is widely used in treating various diseases of skin, liver and stomach in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and other countries. The main aim of this review was to collect and analyze the available information on traditional uses, phytoconstituents, and biological activities of E. prostrata. The scientific information was collected from the online bibliographic databases such as Scopus, MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar, SciFinder, etc. and books and proceedings. The active phytochemicals were coumestan derivatives, phenolic acid derivatives, flavonoids, triterpenoid and steroid saponins, substituted thiophenes, etc. Various extracts and isolated compounds of E. prostrata showed a wide range of biological activities such as antimicrobial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and hair growth promoting activities. Relatively a few studies have been performed to reveal the exact phytoconstituents responsible for their corresponding pharmacological activities. Future studies should focus on detailed mechanism based studies using animal models and clinical studies.

Identification of prenylated phenolics in mulberry leaf and their neuroprotective activity

BACKGROUND

Neurodegenerative diseases are becoming increasingly prevalent over the world. Therefore, drug development in this field is urgently required. Neuron impairment leads to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, while amelioration of oxidative stress can inhibit the impairment. As a traditional Chinese medicine, mulberry leaf exhibits various pharmacological properties, including neuroprotective activity. But the major components responsible for the neuroprotective activity of mulberry leaf remained unknown. Phytochemicals were potent candidates of neuroprotective drug. Prenylated phenolics are the leading phytochemicals present in mulberry leaf.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective activities and mechanisms of prenylated phenolics.

METHODS

The chemical structure of isolated compounds were elucidated by MS and NMR. UPLC-MS/MS was used to determine the contents of prenylated phenolics in fresh mulberry leaf. Neurotoxicity was induced by erastin in HT22 cells. CCK-8 assay was performed to assess cell viability. ROS production, GSH level and iron release were monitored by using DCFH-DA, monobromobimane, and FeRhoNox™-1, respectively. qRT-PCR and Western blotting assays were performed to assess gene and protein expression, respectively.

RESULTS

Four prenylated phenolics, including isobavachalcone, morachalcone B, moracin N and morachalcone A were isolated and identified from mulberry leaf. Their levels in fresh mulberry leaf were in a decreasing order, moracin N > morachalcone A > morachalcone B > isobavachalcone. Moreover, moracin N showed a good neuroprotective activity with an EC₅₀ < 0.50 µM. The neuroprotective mechanisms of moracin N included inhibition of glutathione depletion, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) inactivation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction and iron accumulation, as well as improvement of intracellular antioxidant enzyme activities. Moracin N augmented the transcriptional levels of genes involved in antioxidant defense and glutathione biosynthesis in the early state of ferroptosis induction, and downregulated expression of genes related to iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation.

CONCLUSION

The results confirmed that moracin N was a good ferroptosis inhibitor, which exerted neuroprotective activity through preventing from oxidative stress.

Influence of Systemic Administration of Coq10 Nanoparticles on Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury on Ovaries in Rat

Using a rat ovary model, effects of COQ10 nanoparticles (NCOQ10) were studied on ischemia-reperfusion injury. In the present experimental study, following randomization of thirty healthy female Wistar rats ∼250 g, the animals were subjected to five experimental groups (n = 6): group SHAM : only laparotomy was performed, group IS: only a 3-hour ischemia was performed, group IS/REP: the procedure included a 3-hour ischemia followed by a 3-hour reperfusion, and 50 µL soybean oil (solvent of NCOQ10) was administered 30 min before cessation of reperfusion, group IS/NCOQ10: the procedure included a 3-hour ischemia only and 50 µL (0.3 mmol/lit/IP) of NCOQ10 30 min before cessation of ischemia, and group IS/REP/NCOQ10: the procedure included a 3-hour ischemia, a 3-hour reperfusion, and 20 µL (0.3 mmol/lit) of NCOQ10 30 min before cessation of ischemia. Significantly amended development of ischemia/reperfusion tissue injury was observed in animals treated with NCOQ10 compared to those of other groups (P=0.001). Mean values of biochemical indices were significantly higher than those observed for other groups (P=0.001). Significantly lower values of MDA were observed in IS/REP/NCOQ10 animals compared to those of other groups (P=0.001).Where ovarian tissue is exposed to ischemia, intraperitoneal administration of NCOQ10 could bear clinical benefits in diminishing ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Quercetin: A Bioactive Compound Imparting Cardiovascular and Neuroprotective Benefits: Scope for Exploring Fresh Produce, Their Wastes, and By-Products

Quercetin, a bioactive secondary metabolite, holds incredible importance in terms of bioactivities, which has been proved by in vivo and in vitro studies. The treatment of cardiovascular and neurological diseases by quercetin has been extensively investigated over the past decade. Quercetin is present naturally in appreciable amounts in fresh produce (fruits and vegetables). However, today, corresponding to the growing population and global demand for fresh fruits and vegetables, a paradigm shift and focus is laid towards exploring industrial food wastes and/or byproducts as a new resource to obtain bioactive compounds such as quercetin. Based on the available research reports over the last decade, quercetin has been suggested as a reliable therapeutic candidate for either treating or alleviating health issues, mainly those of cardiovascular and neurological diseases. In the present review, we have summarized some of the critical findings and hypotheses of quercetin from the available databases foreseeing its future use as a potential therapeutic agent to treat cardiovascular and neurological diseases. It is anticipated that this review will be a potential reference material for future research activities to be undertaken on quercetin obtained from fresh produce as well as their respective processing wastes/byproducts that rely on the circular concept.

Protective properties of Spondias mombin Linn leaves on redox status, cholinergic dysfunction and electrolyte disturbance in cyanide-intoxicated rats

Cyanide is an environmental neurotoxin which has been reported to arrest the normal functioning of the brain. This study investigated the protective properties of methanol and flavonoid-rich extracts of the leaves of Spondias mombin on redox status, cholinergic dysfunction and electrolyte disturbance in cyanide-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Male Wistar rats were orally pre-treated with Spondias mombin methanol leaf extract (SMC) (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg), flavonoid-rich extract (SMF) (25, 50 and 75 mg/kg) or quercetin (20 mg/kg), followed by intraperitoneal administration of 2 mg/kg potassium cyanide. Cyanide intoxication caused brain damage in rats as echoed in the deleterious alterations to activities/levels of endogenous antioxidants and biomarkers/enzymes linked with electrolyte imbalance and neurotoxicity. Pre-treatment with SMC and SMF significantly attenuated these KCN-induced imbalances (p < 0.05). The results suggested that the protection conferred by SMC and SMF probably involves attenuation of oxidative stress and regulation of ionic homeostasis. SMF displayed a better apparent ameliorative activity than SMC and 75 mg/kg SMF offered the best protection suggesting that flavonoids probably contributed to the protective effect of Spondias mombin leaf.

Neuroprotective effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of Eclipta alba against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium-induced in vitro and in vivo models of Parkinson's disease

Pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) specifically involves the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra region, which mainly begun with the overwhelmed oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Considering the antioxidant and other pharmacological properties, Eclipta alba needs to be exploited for its possible neuroprotective efficacy against PD and other neurological disorders. Therefore, the current study was conducted to exemplify the remedial effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of E. alba (EA-MEx) against MPP⁺-elicited in vitro and in vivo PD models. SH-SY5Y, a neuroblastoma cell culture and male Wistar rats were used to impersonate the hallmarks of PD. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of EA-MEx revealed the presence of quercetin, ellagic acid, catechin, kaempferol, and epicatechin at varying concentrations. EA-MEx was found to deliver considerable protection against MPP⁺-induced oxidative damages in SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, in vivo study also supported the neuroprotective efficacy of EA-MEx, with significant mitigation of behavioral deficits induced by intrastriatal injection of MPP⁺. Furthermore, the disturbed levels of cellular antioxidant machinery have been significantly improved with the pre-treatment of EA-MEx. Mechanistically, the expression of α-synuclein, tyrosine hydroxylase, and mortalin were also found to be improved with the prior treatment of EA-MEx. Hence, the study suggests Eclipta alba as a suitable candidate for the development of better neuropathological therapeutics.

The combination of HPLC and biological analysis to determine the quality markers and its structural composition of Eclipta prostrata L

INTRODUCTION

The diversity and complexity of components are important reasons for the unstable efficacy and safety of Chinese materia medica (CMM) in quality control. The good and stable quality control may be related to the quality markers with structural composition of multi-components.

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, we take Eclipta prostrata L. as a representative example. The 11 samples were collected from the different areas in China, and the discrepancy in bioactivity and chemical composition of these samples were compared. DOX (doxorubicin hydrochloride)-induced ICR mice were established for in vivo nephrotic syndrome experiments. The biochemical indicators including 24-h urine protein, triglyceride (TG), etc. were measured and the pathological change of kidney tissue was observed. MPC-5 cells damage model was induced to compare the difference of these samples in bio-activity. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for 11 EEP (extract of Eclipta prostrata L.) samples were performed to analyse the content of the quality markers.

RESULTS

In vivo experiments, EEP could mitigate the content or activity of urine protein, TG, etc. compared with the positive group (TG content was 2.53 ± 0.39 mmol/L, urinary protein quantification on 35th day was 16.79 ± 2.32 mg). In vitro experiments, CCE (coumestans component of Ecliptae) and EEP had equivalent effects on biochemical indicators such as cell viability, etc. According to the HPLC analysis, the content of wedelolactone was 45.88% and demethylwedelolactone was 23.74% in CCE.

CONCLUSION

The CCE with a ratio of 2:1 can be considered as a quality marker of Eclipta prostrata L.. This research may provide a perspective for quality control of CMM.

Phytochemistry and neuroprotective effects of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk

Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. or Eclipta prostrata (Linn.) or Eclipta erecta (Linn.) is an herbaceous plant well known in Asian as African traditional medicines. These extracts are used in traditional medicine for treatment of microbial diseases and certain metabolic disorders. This review aimed to investigate phytochemical profile and neuroprotective effects of E. alba (L.) Hassk. Several compounds belonging to the families of phenolics, alkaloids, terpenoids and polysaccharides have been isolated, identified or characterized from E. alba extracts. This plant has a diverse neuropharmacological profile. Thus, its extract improves cognitive deficits and also attenuated epileptic seizures. Phytomolecules implicated in these potentials are Eclalbasaponin II and luteolin, respectively. This document updates isolated and identified organic compounds from the extracts of E. alba and reviews their neuropharmacological activities.

A polysaccharide from Eclipta prostrata alleviates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis through inhibiting Th17 cells

Eclipta prostrata has long been used as a medicinal herb in China. EAP20-1, a homogeneous polysaccharide with anti-complementary activity had been obtained from E. prostrate by using anion-exchange and size-exclusion chromatography. In this study, we found that EAP20-1 could inhibit in vitro lymphocyte proliferation stimulated by concanavalin-A or anti-CD3/anti-CD28 antibodies. Furthermore, in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice, EAP20-1 treatment relieved the clinical symptoms, accompanied by reduced neuroinflammation and demyelination in spinal cords. Mechanistically, EAP20-1 reduced the mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-17, IL-22, and RAR-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt) in the spleen; inhibited auto-reactive T cell proliferation and decreased the percentage of Th17 cells in response to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG35-55) ex vivo. Moreover, EAP20-1 directly inhibited naïve CD4 + T cells differentiate into Th17 cells in vitro. These results indicating EAP20-1 could benefit EAE through inhibiting Th17 cell differentiation and suggesting a therapeutic potential of EAP20-1 in MS.

Interaperitoneal Administration of Αlpha-Tocopherol Loaded Nanoparticles Improves Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rat Ovaries Torsion and Detorsion Model

Objective:

To investigate effects of intraperitoneally administration of α-tocopherol loaded nanoparticles (TNP) on ischemia-reperfusion injury in ovaries.

Methods:

Thirty-five healthy female Wistar rats ~250g were randomized into seven experimental groups (n = 5): Group SHAM: The rats underwent only laparotomy. Group Ischemia: A 3- hour ischemia only. Group I/R: A 3-hour ischemia and a 3-hour reperfusion. Group I/T: A 3-hour ischemia only and 100 mg/kg intraperitoneal administration (IP) of α-tocopherol 2.5 hours after induction of ischemia. Group I/R/T: A 3-hour ischemia, a 3-hour reperfusion and 100 mg/kg IP of α-tocopherol 2.5 hours after induction of ischemia. Group I/TNP: A 3-hour ischemia only and 1 mg/kg IP of TNP 2.5 hours after induction of ischemia. Group I/R/TNP: A 3-hour ischemia, a 3-hour reperfusion and 1 mg/kg IP of TNP 2.5 hours after induction of ischemia.  

Results:

Animals treated with αTNP showed significantly ameliorated development of ischemia and reperfusion tissue injury compared to those of other groups (p=0.001). The significant higher values of SOD, tGSH, GPO, GSHRd and GST were observed in I/R/NC animals compared to those of other groups (p=0.001). Damage indicators (NOS, MDA, MPO and DNA damage level) were significantly lower in I/R/NC animal compared to those of other groups (p=0.001).

Conclusion:

Intraperitoneal administration of TNP could be helpful in minimizing ischemia-reperfusion injury in ovarian tissue exposed to ischemia.

Improvement of 2-Vessel Occlusion Cerebral Ischaemia/Reperfusion-Induced Corticostriatal Electrolyte and Redox Imbalance, Lactic Acidosis and Modified Acetylcholinesterase Activity by Kolaviron Correlates with Reduction in Neurobehavioural Deficits

Background

Disruption of electrolyte, redox and neurochemical homeostasis alongside cellular energy crisis is a hallmark of cerebral ischaemia and reperfusion injury.

Purpose

This study investigated the effect of kolaviron (KV) on cortical and striatal cation imbalance, oxidative stress and neurochemical disturbances as well as neurobehavioural deficits in animals subjected to bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO)-induced ischaemia/reperfusion injury.

Methods

KV was administered at a dose of 100 or 200 mg/kg to male Wistar rats 1 h before a 30 min BCCAO/4 h reperfusion (I/R). This was followed by neurobehavioral assessment and biochemical evaluations of cation levels, oxidative stress indicators, lactate dehydrogenase activity and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the brain of animals.

Conclusion

KV significantly restored altered cortical and striatal Ca²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺ and Mg²⁺ levels, ameliorated redox imbalance, lactic acidosis and modified AChE activity caused by I/R injury. The favourable neurobehavioural effects of KV correlated with biochemical outcomes. The pharmacological potential of KV in the treatment and management of ischemic stroke and allied pathological conditions via multiple targets (neurotransmitter metabolism, bioenergetic failure and ionic homeostasis) is highlighted by the study.

Protective effects of intraperitoneal administration of nimodipine on ischemia-reperfusion injury in ovaries: Histological and biochemical assessments in a rat model

PURPOSE

Ovarian torsion must be diagnosed and treated as much early as possible. The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of intraperitoneal administration of nimodipine on ischemia-reperfusion injury in ovaries.

METHODS

Thirty healthy male Wistar rats weighing approximately 250g were randomized into six experimental groups (n=5): Group Sham: The rats underwent only laparotomy. Group I: A 3-h ischemia only. Group I/R: A 3-h ischemia and a 3-h reperfusion. Group I/Nimodipine: A 3-h ischemia only and 1mg/kg intraperitoneal administration of nimodipine 2.5h after induction of ischemia. Group I/R/Nimodipine: A 3-h ischemia, a 3-h reperfusion and 1mg/kg intraperitoneal administration of nimodipine 2.5h after induction of ischemia.

RESULTS

Nimodipine treated animals showed significantly ameliorated development of ischemia and reperfusion tissue injury compared to those of other groups (P<0.05). The significant higher values of SOD, tGSH, GPO, GSHRd and GST were observed in I/R/Nimodipine animals compared to those of other groups (P<0.05). The damage indicators (NOS, MDA, MPO and DNA damage level) were significantly lower in I/R/Nimodipine animal compared to those of other groups (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Intraperitoneal administration of nimodipine could be helpful in minimizing ischemia-reperfusion injury in ovarian tissue exposed to ischemia.

Alcoholic Extract of Eclipta alba Shows In Vitro Antioxidant and Anticancer Activity without Exhibiting Toxicological Effects

As per WHO estimates, 80% of people around the world use medicinal plants for the cure and prevention of various diseases including cancer owing to their easy availability and cost effectiveness. Eclipta alba has long been used in Ayurveda to treat liver diseases, eye ailments, and hair related disorders. The promising medicinal value of E. alba prompted us to study the antioxidant, nontoxic, and anticancer potential of its alcoholic extract. In the current study, we evaluated the in vitro cytotoxic and antioxidant effect of the alcoholic extract of Eclipta alba (AEEA) in multiple cancer cell lines along with control. We have also evaluated its effect on different in vivo toxicity parameters. Here, we found that AEEA was found to be most active in most of the cancer cell lines but it significantly induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cell lines by disrupting mitochondrial membrane potential and DNA damage. Moreover, AEEA treatment inhibited migration in both MCF 7 and MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose dependent manner. Further, AEEA possesses robust in vitro antioxidant activity along with high total phenolic and flavonoid contents. In summary, our results indicate that Eclipta alba has enormous potential in complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of cancer.

Synergic Effect of Borneol and Ligustrazine on the Neuroprotection in Global Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury: A Region-Specificity Study

The cooperation of ligustrazine (LI) and borneol was proved to be much better than each of them in treating cerebral ischemia. However, the mechanism of their synergic therapy is unclear till now. Moreover, whether their cooperation brought different degrees of protection among different brain regions was also unclear. In the present study, the effects of LI, borneol, and their mixture were observed in global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (GCIR) injury by detecting microcirculation, expressions of caspase-3 and p53, levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and contents of SOD, GSH-Px, and MDA in cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and striatum, respectively. Furthermore, Nissl bodies were scored also. Monotherapy of LI or borneol showed obvious improvements in the four regions, specially in cortex and hippocampus. Interestingly, the cooperation of LI and borneol brought some new improvements, specially in hypothalamus and striatum. Thus, the synergic effect of the two drugs showed region-specificity in GCIR injury except the expressions of caspase-3 and p53.

Protective Effect of Quercetin on Posttraumatic Cardiac Injury

Quercetin is an important dietary flavonoid present in fruits and vegetables and has attracted attention because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. Inflammation and oxidative stress play important roles in posttraumatic cardiomyocyte apoptosis, which contributes to secondary cardiac dysfunction. This study investigates the protective effect of quercetin on trauma-induced secondary cardiac injury and the mechanisms involved. Widely accepted nonlethal mechanical trauma models were established. In vivo, cardiomyocyte apoptosis and cardiac dysfunction in rats were assessed using TUNEL staining and a biological mechanic experiment system. In vitro, cell viability, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and [Ca²⁺]_i of H9c2 cells were detected using an MTT assay, ELISA, and 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate and fluo-4 acetoxymethyl ester assays respectively. Quercetin pretreatment (20 mg/kg i.p.; 0.5 h before trauma) significantly improved posttraumatic cardiomyocyte apoptosis and cardiac dysfunction. Pretreatment with quercetin (20 μM; 24 h before trauma plasma addition) significantly attenuated trauma-induced viability decreases, TNF-α increases, ROS overproduction and [Ca²⁺]_i overload in H9c2 cells. In conclusion, quercetin may reverse posttraumatic cardiac dysfunction by reducing cardiomyocyte apoptosis through the suppression of TNF-α increases, ROS overproduction and Ca²⁺ overload in cardiomyocytes, representing a potential preventive approach for the treatment of secondary cardiac injury after mechanical trauma.

Molecular Mechanisms of Vascular Dementia: What Can Be Learned from Animal Models of Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion?

Vascular dementia (VD) is defined as a progressive neurodegenerative disease of cognitive decline, attributable to cerebrovascular factors. Numerous studies have demonstrated that chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is associated with the initiation and progression of VD and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Suitable animal models were established to replicate such pathological condition in experimental research, which contributes largely to comprehending causal relationships between CCH and cognitive impairment. The most widely used experimental model of VD and CCH is permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion in rats. In CCH models, changes of learning and memory, cerebral blood flow (CBF), energy metabolism, and neuropathology initiated by ischemia were revealed. However, in order to achieve potential therapeutic targets, particular mechanisms in cognitive and neuropathological changes from CCH to dementia should be investigated. Recent studies have shown that hypoperfusion resulted in a chain of disruption of homeostatic interactions, including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter system dysfunction, mitochondrial dysfunction, disturbance of lipid metabolism, and alterations of growth factors. Evidence from experimental studies that elucidate the damaging effects of such imbalances suggests their critical roles in the pathogenesis of VD. The present review provides a summary of the achievements in mechanisms made with the CCH models, permits an understanding of the causative role played by CCH in VD, and highlights preventative and therapeutic prospects.

Effects of Tannic Acid on the Ischemic Brain Tissue of Rats

Many studies of brain ischemia have shown the role played by massive ischemia-induced production of reactive oxygen species, the main mechanism of neuronal death. However, currently, there is no treatment choice to prevent cell death triggered by reactive oxygen species. In our study, we researched the effects of tannic acid, an antioxidant, on the ischemic tissue of rats with induced middle cerebral artery occlusion. The animals were divided into three groups of eight animals. The sham group were only administered 10 % ethanol intraperitoneally, the second group had middle cerebral artery occlusion induced and were given 10 % ethanol intraperitoneally, while the third group had middle cerebral artery occlusion with 10 mg/kg dose tannic acid dissolved in 10 % ethanol administered within half an hour intraperitoneally. The rats were sacrificed 24 h later, and brain tissue was examined biochemically and histopathologically. Biochemical evaluation of brain tissue found that comparing the ischemic group with no treatment with the tannic acid-treated ischemia group; the superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were higher, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were lower, and nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1) was higher in the tannic acid-treated group. Histopathological examination showed that the histopathological results of the tannic acid group were better than the group not given tannic acid. Biochemical and histopathological results showed that tannic acid administration had an antioxidant effect on the negative effects of ischemia in brain tissue.

Histopathological Analysis from Gallic Acid Administration on Hippocampal Cell Density, Depression, and Anxiety Related Behaviors in A Trimethyltin Intoxication Model

OBJECTIVE

The present study investigated the effects of gallic acid (GA) administration on trimethyltin chloride (TMT) induced anxiety, depression, and hippocampal neurodegen- eration in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this experimental study, the rats received intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of TMT (8 mg/kg). The animals received either GA (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg) or saline as the vehicle for 14 consecutive days. We measured depression and anxiety levels of the rats by conducting the behavioral tail suspension (TST), elevatedplusmaze (EPM), and novelty suppressed feeding (NSF) tests. Histological analyses were then used to de- termine the cell densities of different hippocampal subdivisions. The data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test.

RESULTS

GA administration ameliorated anxiety and depression in the behavioral tests. The cell densities in the CA1, CA2, CA3 and DG hippocampal subdivisionsfrom GA-treat- ed rats were higher than saline treated rats.

CONCLUSION

GA treatment against TMT-induced hippocampal degeneration altered cellular loss in the hippocampus and ameliorated the depression-anxiety state in rats.

Preventive effects of Ecliptae Herba extract and its component, ecliptasaponin A, on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ecliptae Herba, a nourishing traditional Chinese medicine, is also a folk medicine for the treatment of lung diseases.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the anti-fibrosis effects and the underlying mechanism of the extract of Ecliptae Herba and its potential active components.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The resulting extract (EXT) was prepared from the 80% ethanol extract of Ecliptae Herba. After intratracheally administrated with bleomycin (BLM, 5mg/kg), mice were orally treated with EXT at 2.5, 1.25, 0.625 g/kg and eclipta saponin A (ESA) at 80 mg/kg once daily for 28 day. The bodyweight, survival rate, pathological changes of lung and levels of hydroxyproline (HYP) were used to evaluate the anti-fibrotic effects. The malonaldehyde (MDA), superoxidae dismutase (SOD) activity, and the protein expressions of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, 9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in lung tissue were analyzed by kits or western blot.

RESULTS

Compared with BLM group, EXT administration could significantly ameliorated the pathological changes of lung, decreased the HYP content, enhanced the SOD activity, and reduced the MDA content of lung tissues. In mechanism, EXT significantly alleviated the levels of COX-2, TGF-β1, MMP-2 and α-SMA, as well as elevated the ratio value of MMP-9/TIMP-1. Additionally, the anti-fibrosis effects of ESA, a large amount of saponins isolated from Eclipta prostrata , was also evaluated by the BLM-induced model. The results showed that ESA could block BLM-induced histological changes of lung tissue and decrease the high levels of TGF-β1 and α-SMA.

CONCLUSIONS

Ecliptae Herba has protective effects against the pulmonary fibrosis induced by BLM via reducing the oxidative stress, lung tissue inflammation, and the subsequent epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The active chemical constituents may be involved with triterpenoid saponins, such as ESA.

Oral treatment with herbal formula B401 alleviates penile toxicity in aging mice with manganism

The present study aims to elucidate the roles of nitric oxide synthase activity, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in penile toxicity of aging mice associated with excess manganese (Mn) treatment and to investigate the effect of oral treatment with the herbal formula B401 in this respect. ICR strain mice were divided into two groups: the vehicle (sham group) and the B401 (50 mg/kg) group. The mice were orally treated for 5 days; then a high single dose of MnCl₂ (100 mg/kg) was given by intraperitoneal injection to the mice. One day after MnCl₂ treatment, corpora cavernosal tissues of both Mn-treated mice and their controls were simultaneously sampled to examine their immunohistochemical staining and Western blot analysis. Nitric oxide (NO) production, levels of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), expression levels of factors governing angiogenesis (vascular endothelial growth factor), oxidative stress (catalase, superoxide dismutase 2,4-hydroxynonenal), inflammation (tumor necrosis factor alpha), apoptosis (B-cell lymphoma 2 [Bcl-2], Bcl-2-associated X protein [Bax], cleaved poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase [c-PARP], cytochrome C, caspase-12, and caspase-3) were evaluated in penile corpus cavernosum of the mice. We found that penile toxicity in the mice was enhanced under excess Mn treatment through reduction of NOS activity and increase in oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the penile cavernous tissue. Furthermore, the penile toxicity in mice with manganism was alleviated by oral B401 treatment through enhancement of both nitric oxide synthesis and angiogenesis, with simultaneous reduction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in penile corpus cavernosum. We suggest that the herbal formula B401 may serve as a potential dietotherapeutic supplement for penile toxicity or dysfunction in aging males.

LC-MS/MS profiling and neuroprotective effects of Mentat® against transient global ischemia and reperfusion-induced brain injury in rats

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible beneficial effects of Mentat against transient global ischemia and reperfusion-induced brain injury in rats.

METHODS

The neuroprotective effects of Mentat were evaluated against transient global ischemia and reperfusion (I/R)-induced brain injury in rats. Various neurobehavioral and biochemical parameters were assessed, followed by morphologic and histopathologic evaluation of brain tissue to conclude the protective effect of Mentat. Additionally, in vitro antioxidant assays were performed to explore the antioxidant capacity of Mentat and detailed liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) profiling was carried out to identify the active phytoconstituents responsible for the protective effects of Mentat.

RESULTS

Sixty minutes of transient global ischemia followed by 24 h reperfusion (I/R) caused significant alterations in the cognitive and neurologic functions in the ischemia control group (P < 0.01) compared with the sham control. Furthermore, 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining of the ischemia control group showed 20.85% ± 0.39% of cerebral infarct area (P < 0.01), increased brain volume (% edema 17.81% ± 1.576%; P < 0.01), and increased lipid peroxidation (P < 0.01) in the brain homogenate. Additionally, the histopathology of the ischemia control group showed severe brain injury compared with the sham control group. Interestingly, pretreatment with Mentat (250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o.) and quercetin (20 mg/kg, p.o.) for 7 d has alleviated all pathological changes observed due to I/R injury. Mentat also showed very good antioxidant activity in in vitro assays (2,2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl, ferric-reducing antioxidant power, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity assays). Furthermore, the detailed LC-MS/MS analysis of Mentat was performed and enclosed for identifying the actives responsible for its protective effects.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that Mentat is a neuroprotective agent that may be a useful adjunct in the management of ischemic stroke and its rehabilitation especially with respect to associated memory impairment and other related neurologic conditions.

Kolaviron, a Garcinia kola biflavonoid complex, protects against ischemia/reperfusion injury: pertinent mechanistic insights from biochemical and physical evaluations in rat brain

The pathophysiology of stroke is characterized by biochemical and physical alterations in the brain. Modulation of such aberrations by therapeutic agents affords insights into their mechanism of action. Incontrovertible evidences that oxidative stress is involved in the pathophysiology of neurologic disorders have brought antioxidative compounds, especially plant phytochemicals, under increasing focus as potential remedies for the prevention and management of neurodegenerative diseases. Kolaviron, a biflavonoid complex isolated from Garcinia kola Heckel (Guttiferae) was evaluated for neuroprotectivity in brains of male Wistar rats submitted to bilateral common carotid artery occlusion-induced global ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R). Animals were divided into six groups: sham treated, vehicle (I/R), 50 mg/kg kolaviron + I/R, 100 mg/kg kolaviron + I/R, 200 mg/kg kolaviron + I/R and quercetin (20 mg/kg i.p.) + I/R. The common carotid arteries were occluded for 30 min followed by 2 h of reperfusion. Relative brain weight and brain water content were determined and oxidative stress and neurochemical markers were also evaluated. I/R caused significant decreases in glutathione level and the activities of enzymic antioxidants, the sodium pump and acetylcholinesterase while significant increases were recorded in relative brain weight, brain water content, lipid peroxidation and the activities of glutamine synthetase and myeloperoxidase. There was a remarkable ablation of I/R induced oxidative stress, neurochemical aberrations and brain edema in animals pretreated with kolaviron. The results suggested that the protection afforded by kolaviron probably involved regulation of redox and electrolyte homeostasis as well as anti-inflammatory and antiexcitotoxic mechanisms.

Osthole, a natural coumarin improves cognitive impairments and BBB dysfunction after transient global brain ischemia in C57 BL/6J mice: involvement of Nrf2 pathway

Oxidative stress and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption play important roles in cerebral ischemic pathogenesis and may represent targets for treatment. Earlier studies have shown that osthole, a main active constituent isolated from Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson, could be considered as an attractive therapeutic agent in the treatment of ischemic stroke. However, the mechanism underlying the protective effect remains vague. In this study we aimed to investigate the effect of osthole on transient cerebral ischemia as well as its mechanism(s) in C57 BL/6 J mice. Mice were subjected to transient global cerebral ischemia induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion for 25 min. Behavioral test was performed at 4 days after ischemia, followed by assessment of neuronal loss in hippocampal CA1 region. Osthole significantly improved the cognitive ability and enhanced the survival of pyramidal neurons in the CA1 region of mice after lesion. Further studies showed that osthole attenuated the permeation of BBB, which may contribute to antioxidative effect by increasing the superoxide dismutase activity and decreasing the malondialdehyde level in model mice. Further studies revealed that osthole obviously up-regulated the protein levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase 1 in HT22 cells. In conclusion, our findings indicated that osthole exerts neuroprotective effects against global cerebral ischemia injury by reducing oxidative stress injury and reserving the disruption of BBB, which may be attributed to elevating the protein levels of Nrf2 and HO-1.

Ethnopharmacological Significance of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. (Asteraceae)

Eclipta alba can be found growing wild in fallow lands of Bangladesh where it is considered as a weed by farmers. Traditional medicinal systems of the Indian subcontinent countries as well as tribal practitioners consider the plant to have diverse medicinal values and use it commonly for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory tract disorders (including asthma), fever, hair loss and graying of hair, liver disorders (including jaundice), skin disorders, spleen enlargement, and cuts and wounds. The plant has several phytoconstituents like wedelolactone, eclalbasaponins, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, luteolin, and apigenin. Pharmacological activities of plant extracts and individual phytoconstituents have revealed anticancer, hepatoprotective, snake venom neutralizing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Phytoconstituents like wedelolactone and ursolic and oleanolic acids as well as luteolin and apigenin can form the basis of new drugs against cancer, arthritis, gastrointestinal disorders, skin diseases, and liver disorders.

Flavonoids from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi are effective to treat cerebral ischemia/reperfusion

Based on previous studies that have shown flavonoids from the stems and leaves of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi are neuroprotective agents in a naturally senile, D-galactose, aging in vivo model, as well as an in vitro model of oxidative/hypoxic injury, we established a cerebral ischemia/reperfusion model in rats by middle cerebral artery occlusion. The light/electron microscopic observations found significant neuropathological changes including neuron loss or swelling and rough endoplasmic reticulum injury. Moreover, the activities of lactate dehydrogenase, Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase, Ca²⁺-ATPase and superoxide dismutase were significantly lowered, and the levels of malonaldehyde increased. In addition, the memory of rats worsened. However, treatment with flavonoids from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (35, 70 and 140 mg/kg) for 13 days dramatically improved the above abnormal changes. These results suggest that the ability of flavonoids from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi in attenuating cerebral functional and morphological consequences after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion may be beneficial for the treatment of ischemic brain disease.

Total flavonoid of Litsea coreana leve exerts anti-oxidative effects and alleviates focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

In this study, we hypothesized that total flavonoid of Litsea coreana leve (TFLC) protects against focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. TFLC (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) was administered orally to a rat model of focal ischemia/reperfusion injury, while the free radical scavenging agent, edaravone, was used as a positive control drug. Results of neurological deficit scoring, 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining, hematoxylin-eosin staining and biochemical tests showed that TFLC at different doses significantly alleviated cerebral ischemia-induced neurological deficits and histopathological changes, and reduced infarct volume. Moreover, it suppressed the increase in the levels of nitrates plus nitrites, malondialdehyde and lactate dehydrogenase, and it diminished the reduction in gluta-thione, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities induced by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in-jury. Compared with edaravone, the protective effects of TFLC at low and medium doses (25, 50 mg/kg) against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury were weaker, while the protective effects at high dose (100 mg/kg) were similar. Our experimental findings suggest that TFLC exerts neuroprotective effects against focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats, and that the effects may be asso-ciated with its antioxidant activities.

Neuroprotection for ischemic stroke: moving past shortcomings and identifying promising directions

The translation of neuroprotective agents for ischemic stroke from bench-to-bedside has largely failed to produce improved treatments since the development of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). One possible reason for lack of translation is the failure to acknowledge the greatest risk factor for stroke, age, and other common comorbidities such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes that are associated with stroke. In this review, we highlight both mechanisms of studying these factors and results of those that have been addressed. We also discuss the potential role of other lifestyle factors associated with an increased stroke risk such as sleep fragmentation and/or deprivation. Furthermore, many proposed therapeutic agents have targeted molecular mechanisms occurring soon after the onset of ischemia despite data indicating delayed patient presentation following ischemic stroke. Modulating inflammation has been identified as a promising therapeutic avenue consistent with preliminary success of ongoing clinical trials for anti-inflammatory compounds such as minocycline. We review the role of inflammation in stroke and in particular, the role of inflammatory cell recruitment and macrophage phenotype in the inflammatory process. Emerging evidence indicates an increasing role of neuro-immune crosstalk, which has led to increased interest in identification of peripheral biomarkers indicative of neural injury. It is our hope that identification and investigation of factors influencing stroke pathophysiology may lead to improved therapeutics.