The effect of Leonurus cardiaca herb extract and some of its flavonoids on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in the heart

Characterizations of White Mulberry, Sea-Buckthorn, Garlic, Lily of the Valley, Motherwort, and Hawthorn as Potential Candidates for Managing Cardiovascular Disease-In Vitro and Ex Vivo Animal Studies

Cardiovascular diseases are a broadly understood concept focusing on vascular and heart dysfunction. Lack of physical exercise, type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, thromboembolism, and kidney and lung diseases all contribute to the development of heart and blood vessel dysfunction. Although effective and important, traditional treatment with diuretics, statins, beta blockers, calcium inhibitors, ACE inhibitors, and anti-platelet drugs remains a second-line treatment after dietary interventions and lifestyle changes. Scientists worldwide are still looking for an herbal product that would be effective and free from side effects, either taken together with or before the standard pharmacological intervention. Such herbal-originated medication therapy may include Morus alba L. (white mulberry), Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson (sea-buckthorn), Allium sativum L. (garlic), Convallaria majalis L. (lily of the valley), Leonurus cardiaca L. (motherwort), and Crataegus spp. (hawthorn). Valuable herbal raw materials include leaves, fruits, seeds, and even thorns. This short review focuses on six herbs that can constitute an interesting and potential therapeutic option in the management of cardiovascular disorders.

An analytical framework combining online high-performance liquid chromatography methodologies and biological properties of different extracts of Leonurus cardiaca

Little or no information is available concerning online high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) antioxidants and the antibiofilm effect of Leonurus cardiaca. Five distinct extractions of methanolic, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, hexane, and water were obtained from L. cardiaca. In the online-HPLC-antioxidant analysis of all examined samples, rosmarinic acid emerged as the primary antioxidant, registering concentrations ranging from 6 to 15 ppm at wavelengths of 517 and 734 nm. Notably, the water extract exhibited robust antioxidant activity In vitro. Regarding acetylcholinesterase and butrylcholinesterase inhibition, the n-hexane extract exhibited superior inhibition with values of 3.08 and 5.83 galanthamine equivalent, respectively. Except for the water extract, all tested extracts (at a concentration of 20 μg/mL) exhibited substantial inhibitory activity against biofilm formation, in many cases superior to 80%, and reached even 94.52% against Escherichia coli. Although less vigorous, the extracts also acted against the mature biofilm (inhibition up 76.50% against Staphylococcus aureus). They could work against the metabolism inside an immature and mature biofilm, with inhibition percentages up to 93.18% (vs. Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and 76.50% (vs. Acinetobacter baumannii), respectively. Considering its significant antioxidants, enzyme inhibition, and antimicrobial activity, L. cardiaca emerges as a promising candidate for therapeutic potential.

Bio-Actives from Natural Products with Potential Cardioprotective Properties: Isolation, Identification, and Pharmacological Actions of Apigenin, Quercetin, and Silibinin

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. As a result, pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions modifying risk factors for CVDs are a top priority of scientific research. Non-pharmaceutical therapeutical approaches, including herbal supplements, have gained growing interest from researchers as part of the therapeutic strategies for primary or secondary prevention of CVDs. Several experimental studies have supported the potential effects of apigenin, quercetin, and silibinin as beneficial supplements in cohorts at risk of CVDs. Accordingly, this comprehensive review focused critically on the cardioprotective effects/mechanisms of the abovementioned three bio-active compounds from natural products. For this purpose, we have included in vitro, preclinical, and clinical studies associated with atherosclerosis and a wide variety of cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, cardiac injury, and metabolic syndrome). In addition, we attempted to summarize and categorize the laboratory methods for their isolation and identification from plant extracts. This review unveiled many uncertainties which are still unexplored, such as the extrapolation of experimental results to clinical practice, mainly due to the small clinical studies, heterogeneous doses, divergent constituents, and the absence of pharmacodynamic/pharmacokinetic analyses.

Exploring the mechanism of anti-chronic heart failure effect of qiweiqiangxin І granules based on metabolomics

Background: Qiweiqiangxin І granules (QWQX І) is a traditional Chinese medicine preparation based on the basic theory of traditional Chinese medicine, which produces a good curative effect in treating chronic heart failure (CHF). However, its pharmacological effect and potential mechanism for CHF remain unknown. Aim of the study: The purpose of this study is to clarify the efficacy of QWQX І and its possible mechanisms. Materials and methods: A total of 66 patients with CHF were recruited and randomly assigned to the control or QWQX І groups. The primary endpoint was the effect of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after 4 weeks of treatment. The LAD artery of rats was occluded to establish the model of CHF. Echocardiography, HE and Masson staining were performed to evaluate the pharmacological effect of QWQX І against CHF. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS) untargeted metabolomics was to screen endogenous metabolites in rat plasma and heart and elucidate the mechanism of QWQX І against CHF. Results: In the clinical study, a total of 63 heart failure patients completed the 4-week follow-up, including 32 in the control group and 31 in QWQX І group. After 4 weeks of treatment, LVEF was significantly improved in QWQX І group compared with the control group. In addition, the patients in QWQX І group had better quality of life than the control group. In animal studies, QWQX І significantly improved cardiac function, decreased B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, and inhibited collagen fibril rate. Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that 23 and 34 differential metabolites were screened in the plasma and heart of chronic heart failure rats, respectively. 17 and 32 differential metabolites appeared in plasma and heart tissue after QWQX І treatment, which were enriched to taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism and linolenic acid metabolism by KEGG analysis. LysoPC (16:1 (9Z)) is a common differential metabolite in plasma and heart, which is produced by lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), hydrolyzes oxidized linoleic acid to produce pro-inflammatory substances. QWQX І regulates the level of LysoPC (16:1 (9Z)) and Lp-PLA2 to normal. Conclusion: QWQX І combined with western medicine can improve the cardiac function of patients with CHF. QWQX І can effectively improve the cardiac function of LAD-induced CHF rats through regulating glycerophospholipid metabolism and linolenic acid metabolism-mediated inflammatory response. Thus, QWQX I might provide a potential strategy for CHF therapy.

Crystal Violet Adsorption on Eco-Friendly Lignocellulosic Material Obtained from Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca L.) Biomass

The performance of a new eco-friendly adsorbent, obtained from motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca L.) biomass after minimum processing, in crystal violet dye removal from aqueous solutions was studied. Firstly, the adsorbent material was characterized using several technics, such as FTIR, pH_PZC determination, SEM and color analysis. The next step was to determine the influence of initial dye concentration, contact time, temperature, pH, adsorbent dose and ionic strength on adsorbent adsorption capacity. Equilibrium, kinetic, thermodynamic, optimization and desorption studies were performed in a batch system for studying all aspects related to the adsorption process. The sips isotherm best fit the experimental data with a predicted maximum adsorption capacity of 125.6 (mg g⁻¹). The kinetic data indicate that equilibrium is reached at 50 min and that general order is the best kinetic model to describe the dye retention. The process is endothermic, spontaneous, favorable and supposed to be a physical adsorption. In addition to establishing the optimal adsorption conditions, Taguchi methods and ANOVA analysis showed that the pH is the most influencing parameter of the adsorption process, having a contribution of 61.64%. All the presented data show that the motherwort biomass powder is very suitable to be used as at low-cost, easy available and effective adsorbent for the crystal violet dye removal from aqueous solutions.

Quercetin improves myocardial redox status in rats with type 2 diabetes

Objective. Emerging data indicate that oxidative stress is closely associated with the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The present study aimed to assess the effect of the most abundant flavonoid in the human diet quercetin (Q) on the myocardial redox status in rats with T2DM. Methods. T2DM was induced in male Wistar rats by a high caloric diet (for 14 weeks) and two streptozotocin (25 mg/kg b.w.) injections applied in four weeks of the diet, once a week for two weeks. The Q was administered intragastrically by gavage in a dose of 10 or 50 mg/kg of the body weight for 8 weeks starting from the 8th day after the last streptozotocin injection. The control rats received citrate buffer and seven days after the last STZ injection, basal glucose levels were measured in all animals. Results. Administration of Q increased insulin sensitivity in diabetic rats with more pronounced effect at a dose of 50 mg/kg b.w. The Q also decreased free radical oxidation in the heart mitochondria of diabetic animals, thus limiting the formation of advanced oxidation protein products in a dose-dependent manner and normalized the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase) in cardiac mitochondria independently of the dose used. In addition, the Q in both doses prevented the development of oxidative stress in the T2DM rats cardiomyocytes by reducing NADPH oxidase and xanthine oxidase activities. Conclusions. The findings demonstrate that Q in both doses 10 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg can protect from the development of oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes in the diabetic rats. The present data indicate that the use of Q may contribute to the amelioration of cardiovascular risk in patients with T2DM.

Tricarboxylic acid cycle dehydrogenases inhibition by naringenin: experimental and molecular modelling evidence

The study of polyphenols’ effects on health has been gaining attention lately. In addition to reacting with important enzymes, altering the cell metabolism, these substances can present either positive or negative metabolic alterations depending on their consumption levels. Naringenin, a citrus flavonoid, already presents diverse metabolic effects. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of maternal naringenin supplementation during pregnancy on the tricarboxylic acid cycle activity in offspring’s cerebellum. Adult female Wistar rats were divided into two groups: (1) vehicle (1 ml/kg by oral administration (p.o.)) or (2) naringenin (50 mg/kg p.o.). The offspring were euthanised at 7th day of life, and the cerebellum was dissected to analyse citrate synthase, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (α-KGDH) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) activities. Molecular docking used SwissDock web server and FORECASTER Suite, and the proposed binding pose image was created on UCSF Chimera. Data were analysed by Student’s t test. Naringenin supplementation during pregnancy significantly inhibited IDH, α-KGDH and MDH activities in offspring’s cerebellum. A similar reduction was observed in vitro, using purified α-KGDH and MDH, subjected to pre-incubation with naringenin. Docking simulations demonstrated that naringenin possibly interacts with dehydrogenases in the substrate and cofactor binding sites, inhibiting their function. Naringenin administration during pregnancy may affect cerebellar development and must be evaluated with caution by pregnant women and their physicians.

Flavonoids as Anticancer Agents

Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds subdivided into 6 groups: isoflavonoids, flavanones, flavanols, flavonols, flavones and anthocyanidins found in a variety of plants. Fruits, vegetables, plant-derived beverages such as green tea, wine and cocoa-based products are the main dietary sources of flavonoids. Flavonoids have been shown to possess a wide variety of anticancer effects: they modulate reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging enzyme activities, participate in arresting the cell cycle, induce apoptosis, autophagy, and suppress cancer cell proliferation and invasiveness. Flavonoids have dual action regarding ROS homeostasis—they act as antioxidants under normal conditions and are potent pro-oxidants in cancer cells triggering the apoptotic pathways and downregulating pro-inflammatory signaling pathways. This article reviews the biochemical properties and bioavailability of flavonoids, their anticancer activity and its mechanisms of action.

Hyperoside Induces Breast Cancer Cells Apoptosis via ROS-Mediated NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Hyperoside (quercetin 3-o-β-d-galactopyranoside) is one of the flavonoid glycosides with anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and anti-cancer effects. But it remains unknown whether it had effects on breast cancer. Here, different concentrations of hyperoside were used to explore its therapeutic potential in both breast cancer cells and subcutaneous homotransplant mouse model. CCK-8 and wound healing assays showed that the viability and migration capability of Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) and 4T1 cells were inhibited by hyperoside, while the apoptosis of cells were increased. Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot analysis were used to detect mRNA and the protein level, respectively, which showed decreased levels of B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP), and increased levels of Bax and cleaved caspase-3. After exploration of the potential mechanism, we found that reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was reduced by the administration of hyperoside, which subsequently inhibited the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway. Tumor volume was significantly decreased in subcutaneous homotransplant mouse model in hyperoside-treated group, which was consistent with our study in vitro. These results indicated that hyperoside acted as an anticancer drug through ROS-related apoptosis and its mechanism included activation of the Bax-caspase-3 axis and the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Molecular Mechanisms of Leonurus Cardiaca L. Extract Activity in Prevention of Staphylococcal Endocarditis-Study on in Vitro and ex Vivo Models

Better understanding the mechanisms of Leonurus cardiaca L. extract (LCE) activity is necessary to prepare recommendations for the use of LCE-based herbal products for preventive/supportive purposes in case of infective endocarditis (IE) and other staphylococcal invasive infections. The aim of the study was to analyze molecular mechanisms of LCE effect on Staphylococcus aureus and blood platelets in the context of their interactions playing a pivotal role in such disorders. Using atomic force microscopy, we demonstrated that adhesion forces of S. aureus were markedly reduced after exposure to LCE at subinhibitory concentrations. The effect resulted from the impact of LCE on S. aureus cell morphology and the composition of phospholipids and fatty acids in bacterial membranes (assessed by HPLC), which modulated their stabilization, hydrophobicity, and charge. Moreover, using FACS we showed also that LCE significantly reduced GP IIb/IIIa expression on blood platelets, thus the disruption of platelet-fibrinogen interactions seems to explain antiplatelet effect of LCE. The obtained results prove the usefulness of LCE in the prevention of S. aureus adhesion, platelet activation, and vegetations development, however, also pointed out the necessity of excluding the cationic antibiotics from the treatment of S. aureus-associated IE and other invasive diseases, when motherwort herb is used simultaneously as an addition to the daily diet.

Leonurus cardiaca L. as a Source of Bioactive Compounds: An Update of the European Medicines Agency Assessment Report (2010)

Leonurus cardiaca L. (motherwort) is a perennial herb, native to Asia and southeastern Europe, with widespread global occurrence in present days. The plant was historically used as cardiotonic and for treating gynaecological afflictions (such as amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menopausal anxiety, or postpartum depression). Although its use in oriental and occidental medicine is relatively well documented, the recent progress registered raises the need for an update of the Medicines Agency assessment report on Leonurus cardiaca L., herba (2010). The current study presents the progress made within the 2010-2018 timeframe regarding the potential applications and scientific evidences supporting the traditional use of motherwort, in the same time suggesting future research opportunities.

Antioxidant Activity Evaluation of Dietary Flavonoid Hyperoside Using Saccharomyces Cerevisiae as a Model

Oxidative stress leads to various diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and even cancer. The dietary flavonol glycoside, hyperoside (quercetin-3-O-galactoside), exerts health benefits by preventing oxidative damage. To further understand its antioxidative defence mechanisms, we systemically investigated the regulation of hyperoside on oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide, carbon tetrachloride, and cadmium in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Hyperoside significantly increased cell viability, decreased lipid peroxidation, and lowered intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the wild-type strain (WT) and mutants gtt1∆ and gtt2∆. However, the strain with ctt1∆ showed variable cell viability and intracellular ROS-scavenging ability in response to the hyperoside treatment upon the stimulation of H₂O₂ and CCl₄. In addition, hyperoside did not confer viability tolerance or intercellular ROS in CdSO₄-induced stress to strains of sod1∆ and gsh1∆. The results suggest that the antioxidative reactions of hyperoside in S. cerevisiae depend on the intercellular ROS detoxification system.

Phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Leonurus: The herb to benefit the mothers and more

Plants belonging to the genus Leonurus, also named motherwort, are traditionally used for anti-gynecological disorder in East Asia, and for sedative in Europe. Chemical investigation of the genus Leonurus not only enriched the natural products library, but also enlarged the pharmacological application of this traditional herb. In this review, we systematically summarized the structures of 259 compounds isolated from the genus Leonurus, featured with 147 labdane diterpenoids. The reported bioactivity studies up to 2017 are presented in the second part, with the main focus on the isolated compounds and also concerning the extracts. In addition to the traditional uterine contraction and sedative activity, recently the cardiovascular protection effect of leonurine has drawn most attention. Other than that, neuroprotection, anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, anti-platelet aggregation and many other activities have been assigned to various compounds from the genus Leonurus. Among 70 bioactivity references cited in this review, 57% of them were concentrated on two alkaloids (leonurine and stachydrine), whereas only 20% are about the 147 diterpenoids. Anti-inflammation is the major bioactivity discovered so far for the labdane diterpenoids from the genus Leonurus, whose further therapeutic potential still remains for exploration.

Cardioprotection and natural polyphenols: an update of clinical and experimental studies

Mechanisms involved in ischemia–reperfusion injury.

The immunomodulatory potential of Leonurus cardiaca extract in relation to endothelial cells and platelets

The immunomodulatory activity of Leonurus cardiaca L. polyphenol-rich extract (LCE) was tested in vitro on HUVECs to explore its potential therapeutic usefulness in the treatment of inflammatory lesions. The phytochemical composition of LCE, its antioxidant and cytotoxic activity, and the influence of LCE on NO and platelet-activating factor (PAF) secretion by HUVECs and platelet aggregation were all assessed. Total polyphenol contents in LCE reached 137.0 ± 0.8 mg/g, with hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives as the predominant phenolic compounds. LCE expressed antioxidant capacity, which was, however, 13- to 16-fold lower than the antioxidant activity of ascorbic acid. The plant extract was not cytotoxic up to a concentration 4500 µg/ml and did not exhibit proapoptotic activity. LCE significantly increased NO production in HUVECs in a concentration-dependent manner and led to the inhibition of PAF secretion induced by staphylococcal peptidoglycan. The extract used at the concentration of 100 µg/ml significantly reduced platelet aggregation in the presence of arachidonic acid. We provide in vitro data demonstrating the immunomodulatory potential of LCE, which may be beneficial in preventing the development of difficult-to-treat inflammatory lesions within chronically infected tissues.

New Treatment Strategies for Alcohol-Induced Heart Damage

High-dose alcohol misuse induces multiple noxious cardiac effects, including myocyte hypertrophy and necrosis, interstitial fibrosis, decreased ventricular contraction and ventricle enlargement. These effects produce diastolic and systolic ventricular dysfunction leading to congestive heart failure, arrhythmias and an increased death rate. There are multiple, dose-dependent, synchronic and synergistic mechanisms of alcohol-induced cardiac damage. Ethanol alters membrane permeability and composition, interferes with receptors and intracellular transients, induces oxidative, metabolic and energy damage, decreases protein synthesis, excitation-contraction coupling and increases cell apoptosis. In addition, ethanol decreases myocyte protective and repair mechanisms and their regeneration. Although there are diverse different strategies to directly target alcohol-induced heart damage, they are partially effective, and can only be used as support medication in a multidisciplinary approach. Alcohol abstinence is the preferred goal, but control drinking is useful in alcohol-addicted subjects not able to abstain. Correction of nutrition, ionic and vitamin deficiencies and control of alcohol-related systemic organ damage are compulsory. Recently, several growth factors (myostatin, IGF-1, leptin, ghrelin, miRNA, and ROCK inhibitors) and new cardiomyokines such as FGF21 have been described to regulate cardiac plasticity and decrease cardiac damage, improving cardiac repair mechanisms, and they are promising agents in this field. New potential therapeutic targets aim to control oxidative damage, myocyte hypertrophy, interstitial fibrosis and persistent apoptosis In addition, stem-cell therapy may improve myocyte regeneration. However, these strategies are not yet approved for clinical use.