Cytotoxic terpenoids and flavonoids from Artemisia annua

Artemisinic acid attenuates osteoclast formation and titanium particle-induced osteolysis via inhibition of RANKL-induced ROS accumulation and MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways

Periprosthetic osteolysis (PPO) is the most common cause of joint arthroplasty failure. Its progression involves both biological and mechanical factors. Osteoclastogenesis induced by wear from debris-cell interactions, ultimately leading to excessive bone erosion, is considered the primary cause of PPO; therefore, targeting osteoclasts is a promising treatment approach. Currently available drugs have various side effects and limitations. Artemisinic acid (ArA) is a sesquiterpene isolated from the traditional herb Artemisia annua L. that has various pharmacological effects, such as antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Therefore, this study was aimed at investigating the effect of ArA on osteoclast formation and bone resorption function in vitro, as well as wear particle-induced osteolysis in vivo, and to explore its molecular mechanism of action. Here, we report that ArA inhibits RANKL-stimulated osteoclast formation and function. Mechanistically, ArA suppresses intracellular reactive oxygen species levels by activating the antioxidant response via nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway upregulation. It also inhibits the mitogen-activated kinases (MAPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathways, as well as the transcription and expression of NFATc1 and c-Fos. In vivo experiments demonstrated that ArA reduces osteoclast formation and alleviates titanium particle-induced calvarial osteolysis. Collectively, our study highlights that ArA, with its osteoprotective and antioxidant effects, is a promising therapeutic agent for preventing and treating PPO and other osteoclast-mediated osteolytic diseases.

Artesunate-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles resist esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by inducing Ferroptosis through inhibiting the AKT/mTOR signaling

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a severe malignancy with high incidence and mortality rate in China, while the application of standard chemotherapeutic drugs for ESCC meets the barriers of high toxicity and multiple drug resistance (MDR). In recent years, the anticancer effects of artesunate (ART), a Chinese medicine monomer have gained extensive attentions due to its characteristics of low toxicity, high potency, and reversal of MDR. In this study, we develop the artesunate-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNART) to overcome the poor water solubility and bioavailability of ART, further improving the efficiency of ART on ESCC treatment. Especially mentioned, SLNART is shown to present marked inhibitory effects on ESCC development based on the induction of ferroptosis by two pathways included upregulating TFR to increase Fe2+ ions and inhibiting the AKT/mTOR signaling to downregulate GPX4. Collectively, this study is the first to pave a promising approach for ESCC therapy based on a strategy of developing SLNART to induce ferroptosis by mediating Fe2+ ions and AKT/mTOR signaling.

Stigmasterol alleviates allergic airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma mice through inhibiting substance-P receptor

CONTEXT

Stigmasterol has significant anti-arthritis and anti-inflammatory effects, but its role in immune and inflammatory diseases is still unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The potential advantages of stigmasterol in asthma were explored in IL-13-induced BEAS-2B cells and asthmatic mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The optimal target of stigmasterol was confirmed in asthma. After detecting the cytotoxicity of stigmasterol in BEAS-2B cells, 10 μg/mL and 20 μg/mL stigmasterol were incubated with the BEAS-2B cell model for 48 h, and anti-inflammation and antioxidative stress were verified. Asthmatic mice were induced by OVA and received 100 mg/kg stigmasterol for 7 consecutive days. After 28 days, lung tissues and BAL fluid were collected for the following study. To further verify the role of NK1-R, 0.1 μM WIN62577 (NK1-R specific antagonist), and 1 μM recombinant human NK1-R protein were applied.

RESULTS

NK1-R was the potential target of stigmasterol. When the concentration of stigmasterol is 20 μg/mL, the survival rate of BEAS-2B cells is about 98.4%, which is non-toxic. Stigmasterol exerted anti-inflammation and antioxidant stress in a dose-dependent manner and decreased NK1-R expression in IL-13-induced BEAS-2B. Meanwhile, in vivo assay also indicated the anti-inflammation and antioxidant stress of stigmasterol after OVA challenge. Stigmasterol inhibited inflammation infiltration and mucus hypersecretion, and NK1-R expression.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The protective effect of stigmaterol on asthma and its underlying mechanism have been discussed in depth, providing a theoretical basis and more possibilities for its treatment of asthma.

Secondary Metabolites Isolated from Artemisia afra and Artemisia annua and Their Anti-Malarial, Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulating Properties-Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics: A Review

There are over 500 species of the genus Artemisia in the Asteraceae family distributed over the globe, with varying potentials to treat different ailments. Following the isolation of artemisinin (a potent anti-malarial compound with a sesquiterpene backbone) from Artemisia annua, the phytochemical composition of this species has been of interest over recent decades. Additionally, the number of phytochemical investigations of other species, including those of Artemisia afra in a search for new molecules with pharmacological potentials, has increased in recent years. This has led to the isolation of several compounds from both species, including a majority of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and polyphenols with varying pharmacological activities. This review aims to discuss the most important compounds present in both plant species with anti-malarial properties, anti-inflammatory potentials, and immunomodulating properties, with an emphasis on their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics properties. Additionally, the toxicity of both plants and their anti-malaria properties, including those of other species in the genus Artemisia, is discussed. As such, data were collected via a thorough literature search in web databases, such as ResearchGate, ScienceDirect, Google scholar, PubMed, Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical databases, up to 2022. A distinction was made between compounds involved in a direct anti-plasmodial activity and those expressing anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating activities or anti-fever properties. For pharmacokinetics activities, a distinction was made between compounds influencing bioavailability (CYP effect or P-Glycoprotein effect) and those affecting the stability of pharmacodynamic active components.

Phytochemical analysis of Artemisia kopetdaghensis: Sesquiterpene lactones with proapoptotic activity against prostate cancer cells

Phytochemical investigation of the aerial parts of Artemisia kopetdaghensis resulted in the isolation and characterization of three undescribed eudesmane-type sesquiterpene lactones, persianolide A, 4-epi-persianolide A, and 3α,4-epoxypersianolide A, together with three previously described eudesmane-type sesquiterpene lactones, 11-epi-artapshin, 1β,8α-dihydroxy-11α,13-dihydrobalchanin, and 1β-hydroxy-11-epi-colartin. The abundantly obtained 11-epi-artapshin was oxidized to undescribed 11α,13-dihydroeudesma-12,6α-olide-1,8-dione and 8β-hydroxy-11α,13-dihydroeudesma-12,6α-olide-1-one and acetylated to the undescribed 1,8-O-diacetyl-11α,13-dihydroeudesma-12,6α-olide. Structures were elucidated based on extensive spectral data analyses, including 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS. The absolute configuration was determined using calculated and experimental ECD spectral data. Compounds were subsequently subjected to the MTT assay to evaluate their cytotoxicity against prostate cancer cells (DU-145 and LNCaP). Related factors associated with the sequence of apoptosis were tested by ELISA, western blotting, and biochemical assay. Results suggested that 11-epi-artapshin hinders the growth of DU-145 cells through mitochondria-mediated apoptosis initiated by stimulation of ROS build-up, ΔΨm depletion, regulation of the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and activation of caspase 3, respectively.

Global assessment of the distribution and conservation status of a key medicinal plant (Artemisia annua L.): The roles of climate and anthropogenic activities

As a medicinal plant, Artemisia annua L. is the main source of artemisinin in malaria drugs, but the lack of understanding of its distribution, environmental conditions and protection status limits the mass acquisition of artemisinin. Therefore, we used the ensemble forecast method to model the current and future global distribution areas of A. annua, evaluated the changes in suitable distribution areas on each continent under impacts of human activities and climate change, and its protection status on each continent in the corresponding period. The results showed that the main distribution areas of A. annua were concentrated in mid-latitudes in western and central Europe, southeastern Asia, southeastern North America and southeastern South America. Under the current climate scenario, human modifications have greatly reduced the suitable distribution area of A. annua, which was projected to expand inland with climate change and human socioeconomic impacts of CMIP6 in the future, but the effects of increasing temperature were different in different periods. Among all continents, the suitable distribution area in Europe was the most affected. However, at present and in the future, A. annua needs high priority protection on all continents. Asia and Europe have slightly better protection status scores than other continents, but the protection status scores of all continents are still very low. Our findings can be useful to guide development of protective measures for medicinal plants such as A. annua to further support drug production and disease treatment.

Absinthe against multi-drug resistant bacterial pathogens? A recent update on the antibacterial effects of Artemisia compounds

The widespread misuse of antibiotics leads to a rapid development of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens all over the globe, resulting in serious difficulties when treating infectious diseases. Possible solutions are not limited to the development of novel synthetic antibiotics but extend to application of plant-derived products either alone or in combination with common antibiotics. The aim of this actual review was to survey the literature from the past 10 years regarding the antibacterial effects of distinct Artemisia species including Artemisia absinthiae constituting an integral component of the Absinthe drink. We further explored the synergistic antibacterial effects of the Artemisia plant products with established antibiotics. The survey portrays the Artemisia derived compounds as potent antibacterial agents that can even restore the efficacy of antibiotics against MDR bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and MDR Escherichia coli. This, in turn, is presumably triggered in part by the interaction of the Artemisia ingredients with the efflux pumps of MDR bacteria. In conclusion, biologically active molecules in Artemisia plants enhance the antibiotic susceptibility of resistant bacteria, which provide promising future therapeutic strategies to combat MDR bacterial pathogens.

Bioinspired Microenvironment Responsive Nanoprodrug as an Efficient Hydrophobic Drug Self-Delivery System for Cancer Therapy

Artemisinin compounds have shown satisfactory safety records in anti-malarial clinical practice over decades and have revealed value as inexpensive anti-tumor adjuvant chemotherapeutic drugs. However, the rational design and precise preparation of nanomedicines based on the artemisinin drugs are still limited due to their non-aromatic and fragile chemical structure. Herein, a bioinspired coordination-driven self-assembly strategy was developed to manufacture the artemisinin-based nanoprodrug with a significantly increased drug loading efficacy (∼70 wt %) and decreased preparation complexity compared to conventional nanodrugs. The nanoprodrug has suitable size distribution and robust colloidal stability for cancer targeting in vivo. The nanoprodrug was able to quickly disassemble in the tumor microenvironment with weak acidity and a high glutathione concentration, which guarantees a better tumor inhibitory effect than direct administration and fewer side effects on normal tissues in vivo. This work highlights a new strategy to harness a robust, simplified, organic solvent-free, and highly repeatable route for nanoprodrug manufacturing, which may offer opportunities to develop cost-effective, safe, and clinically available nanomedicines.

Biological Activity of Selected Natural and Synthetic Terpenoid Lactones

Terpenoids with lactone moieties have been indicated to possess high bioactivity. Certain terpenoid lactones exist in nature, in plants and animals, but they can also be obtained by chemical synthesis. Terpenoids possessing lactone moieties are known for their cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antimalarial activities. Moreover, one terpenoid lactone, artemisinin, is used as a drug against malaria. Because of these abilities, there is constant interest in new terpenoid lactones that are both isolated and synthesized, and their biological activities have been verified. In some cases, the activity of the terpenoid lactone is specifically connected to the lactone moiety. Recent works have revealed that new terpenoid lactones can demonstrate such functions and are thus considered to be potential active agents against many diseases.

Biotransformation of artemisinic acid to bioactive derivatives by endophytic Penicillium oxalicum B4 from Artemisia annua L

As a biosynthetic precursor of the antimalarial drug artemisinin, artemisinic acid (AA) is abundant in Artemisia annua L. with a content of 8-10-fold higher than artemisinin, but less effective. In this study, the biotransformation of AA was carried out with an endophytic fungus Penicillium oxalicum B4 to extend its utility. After 10-day-culture of the endophyte with AA at 2 mg/mL, eight biotransformation metabolites were isolated from the culture broth, including five undescribed metabolites, namely 3α,14-dihydroxyartemisinic acid, 14-hydroxy-3-oxo-artemisinic acid, 15-hydroxy-3-oxo-artemisinic acid, 12, 15-artemisindioic acid and 1,2,3,6-tetradehydro-12, 15-artemisindioic acid. The fungal enzymes possess the selective capacity to hydroxylate, carbonylate and ketonize the allyl group of AA. The major biotransformation metabolite was the hydroxylated product 3-α-hydroxyartemisinic acid (33.3%) in the cultures of early stage (day 1-6), whereas most of the other biotransformation products were synthesized in the later stage (day 8-10). Compared with AA, some metabolites (3α,14-dihydroxyartemisinic acid, 15-hydroxy-3-oxo-artemisinic acid and 1,2,3,6-tetradehydro-12, 15-artemisindioic acid) possessed stronger cytotoxic activity to the human colon carcinoma cell line (LS174T) and promyelocytic leukemia cell line (HL-60). The metabolites 12, 15-artemisindioic acid and 3-α-hydroxyartemisinic acid exhibited significant inhibitory activity to the lipopolysaccharide-induced nitrite production of RAW 264.7 cells at 10.00 μM and 2.50 μM, respectively. The results demonstrated the potential of fungal endophytes on biotransforming AA to its bioactive derivatives.

Repositioning of Antiparasitic Drugs for Tumor Treatment

Drug repositioning is a strategy for identifying new antitumor drugs; this strategy allows existing and approved clinical drugs to be innovatively repurposed to treat tumors. Based on the similarities between parasitic diseases and cancer, recent studies aimed to investigate the efficacy of existing antiparasitic drugs in cancer. In this review, we selected two antihelminthic drugs (macrolides and benzimidazoles) and two antiprotozoal drugs (artemisinin and its derivatives, and quinolines) and summarized the research progresses made to date on the role of these drugs in cancer. Overall, these drugs regulate tumor growth via multiple targets, pathways, and modes of action. These antiparasitic drugs are good candidates for comprehensive, in-depth analyses of tumor occurrence and development. In-depth studies may improve the current tumor diagnoses and treatment regimens. However, for clinical application, current investigations are still insufficient, warranting more comprehensive analyses.

Artemisinin-type drugs for the treatment of hematological malignancies

Qinghaosu, known as artemisinin (ARS), has been for over two millennia, one of the most common herbs prescribed in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). ARS was developed as an antimalarial drug and currently belongs to the established standard treatments of malaria as a combination therapy worldwide. In addition to the antimalarial bioactivity of ARS, anticancer activities have been shown both in vitro and in vivo. Like other natural products, ARS acts in a multi-specific manner also against hematological malignancies. The chemical structure of ARS is a sesquiterpene lactone, which contains an endoperoxide bridge essential for activity. The main mechanism of action of ARS and its derivatives (artesunate, dihydroartemisinin, artemether) toward leukemia, multiple myeloma, and lymphoma cells comprises oxidative stress response, inhibition of proliferation, induction of various types of cell death as apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, and signal transducers, as NF-κB, MYC, amongst others. Therefore, new pharmaceutically active compounds, dimers, trimers, and hybrid molecules, could enhance the existing therapeutic alternatives in combating hematologic malignancies. Owing to the high potency and good tolerance without side effects of ARS-type drugs, combination therapies with standard chemotherapies could be applied in the future after further clinical trials in hematological malignancies.

Medicinal plants used in managing diseases of the respiratory system among the Luo community: an appraisal of Kisumu East Sub-County, Kenya

BACKGROUND

Poor access to healthcare in rural communities causes many people to seek herbalists who use medicinal plants for the treatment of various disease conditions. Most knowledge of traditional herbal medicine makes use of indigenous remedies which are often undocumented and are at risk of being lost. The preservation of this knowledge may facilitate scientific inquiry into promising new therapeutic molecules.

METHODS

Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect the sociodemographic information of 30 herbalists in Kisumu East Sub County. The local names of medicinal plants used in managing illnesses of the respiratory system, their habit, active parts, indications, methods of preparation, routes of administration, scientific identity, and conservation status were also recorded. Other reported traditional uses, pharmacological activities, and toxicological data were identified via a literature search.

RESULTS

Most herbalists were female (86.7%), aged between 61 and 70 years (43.3%) with no formal education (56.7%), and had 21-30 years of practice (30%). 44 plant species, belonging to 43 genera and 28 families were identified. Leguminosae and Rutaceae plant families were predominant, leaves were frequently used (33%), and trees were the most common habit (44.4%). Most plants were collected in the wild (79.2%), preparation was mainly by decoction (68.8%), and the administration was mainly orally. The main indication was cough and 79.5% of all documented plant species had previously been reported to have a pharmacological activity relevant to the mitigation of respiratory illnesses. Toxicological data was available for 84.1% of the plant species identified.

CONCLUSIONS

The predominant use of roots, root barks, and root tubers by herbalists in Kisumu East Sub County threatens to negatively impact the ecological survival of some plant species. The preservation of herbalists' knowledge of medicinal plants in the study area is a pressing concern considering their advanced age and little formal education. There is a need to conserve some of the medicinal plants documented in this study. The medicinal claims made by herbalists also warrant scientific scrutiny.

Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants Used by Traditional Healers to Treat Cancer-Like Symptoms in Eleven Districts, Ethiopia

There is no ethnobotanical study conducted specifically on medicinal plants traditionally used to treat cancer in Ethiopia. Yet, traditional herbalists in different parts of the country claim that they have been treating cancer-like symptoms using herbal remedies. The objective of this study was to document medicinal plants traditionally used to treat cancer-like symptoms in eleven districts, Ethiopia. Traditional herbalists were interviewed using semistructured questionnaires, and field visits were also carried out to collect claimed plants for identification purpose. Seventy-four traditional herbalists, who claimed that they knew about and/or had used medicinal plants to treat cancer-like symptoms, were selected using the snowball method and interviewed. Herbalists used their intuition and relied on the chronicity, growth of external mass, and spreading of the disease to other parts of the body, as a means to characterize cancer symptoms. Furthermore, in some of the study districts, herbalists reported that they treat patients who had already been diagnosed in modern healthcare institutions prior to seeking help from them. The inventory of medicinal plants is summarized in a synoptic table, which contains the scientific and vernacular names of the plants, their geographical location, the parts of the plants, and the methods used to prepare the remedies. A total of 53 traditionally used anticancer plants, belonging to 30 families, were identified during the survey. The most frequently reported anticancer plants were Acmella caulirhiza Del (Asteraceae), Clematis simensis Fresen. (Ranunculaceae), Croton macrostachyus Del. (Euphorbiaceae), and Dorstenia barnimiana Schweinf. (Moraceae). Organizing traditional healers, documenting their indigenous knowledge, and scientifically validating it for the development of better cancer therapeutic agents constitute an urgent and important task for policymakers and scientists.

Synthesis of artemisinic acid derived glycoconjugates and their anticancer studies

Twenty-four artemisinic acid glycoconjugate hybrids were synthesized using click reaction and evaluated for their anticancer activities against the MCF7 cell line.

Enhanced extracellular matrix synthesis using collagen dressings loaded with Artemisia absinthium plant extract

The aim of this study was to develop three-dimensional porous composites of collagen (Col) incorporating polyphenolic-rich wormwood extract and to investigate their interaction with human skin cells, in order to optimize wound healing treatments. The scaffolds’ ultrastructure was observed by scanning electron microscopy, and biodegradability and bioactive compounds release were investigated in physiologic environment. Interaction of composites in direct and indirect contact with human skin cells was evaluated using two in vitro experimental models. ColWE scaffolds presented high porosity, swelling degree, and increased stability against enzymatic degradation, compared to Col scaffold. Composite scaffolds incorporating higher quantities of wormwood extract allowed better control of polyphenolics release. ColWE 0.5 variant favored the attachment and proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts and keratinocyte cells. In addition, the composite scaffold stimulated the synthesis of skin extracellular matrix components. All these results demonstrated that ColWE composites with improved physico-chemical and biological properties could be used in advanced wound healing applications.

Antioxidant properties of Artemisia absinthium accelerate healing of experimental Achilles tendon injury in rabbits

Introduction: Delayed tendon healing is still found to be among the complications that occur most often after tendon repair.

Objective: The role of local injection of Artemisia absinthium was evaluated in healing of experimental Achilles tendon injury in rabbits.

Methods:. In nine adult New Zealand rabbits a partial thickness tenotomy was created on both hindlimbs.

A. absinthium extract and normal saline were respectively injected daily to treatment and control groups for three days.

Results: On the day 7 after injury, the tendon sections showed that healing rate in A. absinthium treated group was higher than that in control group. Furthermore, at days 14 and 28, comparison between A. absinthium treated group and control group demonstrated that A. absinthium increased the healing rate but with no significance.

Conclusions: Results of this study have showed that application of A. absinthium extract can improve healing process of damaged Achilles tendon.

Cannabis Roots: A Traditional Therapy with Future Potential for Treating Inflammation and Pain

Introduction: The roots of the cannabis plant have a long history of medical use stretching back millennia. However, the therapeutic potential of cannabis roots has been largely ignored in modern times. Discussion: In the first century, Pliny the Elder described in Natural Histories that a decoction of the root in water could be used to relieve stiffness in the joints, gout, and related conditions. By the 17th century, various herbalists were recommending cannabis root to treat inflammation, joint pain, gout, and other conditions. There has been a subsequent paucity of research in this area, with only a few studies examining the composition of cannabis root and its medical potential. Active compounds identified and measured in cannabis roots include triterpenoids, friedelin (12.8 mg/kg) and epifriedelanol (21.3 mg/kg); alkaloids, cannabisativine (2.5 mg/kg) and anhydrocannabisativine (0.3 mg/kg); carvone and dihydrocarvone; N-(p-hydroxy-β-phenylethyl)-p-hydroxy-trans-cinnamamide (1.6 mg/kg); various sterols such as sitosterol (1.5%), campesterol (0.78%), and stigmasterol (0.56%); and other minor compounds, including choline. Of note, cannabis roots are not a significant source of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol, or other known phytocannabinoids. Conclusion: The current available data on the pharmacology of cannabis root components provide significant support to the historical and ethnobotanical claims of clinical efficacy. Certainly, this suggests the need for reexamination of whole root preparations on inflammatory and malignant conditions employing modern scientific techniques.

Stigmasterol Modulates Allergic Airway Inflammation in Guinea Pig Model of Ovalbumin-Induced Asthma

We explored the potential benefits of stigmasterol in the treatment of asthma, an airway disorder characterized by immune pathophysiology and with an ever-increasing worldwide prevalence. We assessed the modulatory effect of the intraperitoneal administration of stigmasterol on experimentally induced airway inflammation in guinea pigs. The effect of stigmasterol on inflammatory cell proliferation, oxidative stress, lung histopathology, and remodeling was investigated. The results showed significant suppressive effects on ovalbumin-induced airway inflammatory damage. Stigmasterol at 10–100 mg/kg reduced proliferation of eosinophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes while reducing peribronchiolar, perivascular, and alveolar infiltration of inflammatory cells. Histopathology revealed stigmasterol maintained lung architecture and reversed collagen deposition, an index of lung remodeling. Overexpression of serum vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and ovalbumin-specific immunoglobulin E (OVA sIgE) elicited by ovalbumin sensitization and challenge was significantly controlled with stigmasterol. Taken together, stigmasterol possessed significant antiasthmatic properties and had suppressive effects on key features of allergen-induced asthma.

Inhibition of Cytochrome P450 (CYP3A4) Activity by Extracts from 57 Plants Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Background:

Herbal medicine is widely used all over the world for treating various health disorders. It is employed either alone or in combination with synthetic drugs or plants to be more effective.

Objective:

The assessment of the effect of both water and methanol extracts of 57 widely used plants from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) against the main phase I metabolizing enzyme CYP3A4 in vitro for the first time.

Materials and Methods:

The inhibition of cytochrome P450 activity was evaluated using a luminescence assay. The principal component analysis (PCA) was used to correlate the inhibitory activity with the main secondary metabolites present in the plant extracts. Molecular modeling studies on CYP3A4 (PDB ID 4NY4) were carried out with 38 major compounds present in the most active plant extracts to validate the observed inhibitory effect.

Results:

Aqueous extracts of Acacia catechu, Andrographis paniculata, Arctium lappa, Areca catechu, Bupleurum marginatum, Chrysanthemum indicum, Dysosma versipellis, and Spatholobus suberectus inhibited CYP3A4 is more than 85% (at a dose of 100 μg/mL). The corresponding methanol extracts of A. catechu, A. paniculata, A. catechu, Mahonia bealei, and Sanguisorba officinalis inhibited the enzyme by more than 50%. Molecular modeling studies revealed that two polyphenols, namely hesperidin and rutin, revealed the highest fitting scores in the active sites of the CYP3A4 with binding energies equal to -74.09 and -71.34 kcal/mol, respectively.

Conclusion:

These results provide evidence that many TCM plants can inhibit CYP3A4, which might cause a potential interference with the metabolism of other concomitantly administered herbs or drugs.

SUMMARY

In this study, the inhibitory activity of the aqueous and methanol extracts of 57 widely used plants from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) against the main phase I metabolizing enzyme CYP3A4 was tested in vitro for the first time.

Aqueous extracts of Acacia catechu, Andrographis paniculata, Arctium lappa, Areca catechu, Bupleurum marginatum, Dysosma versipellis, and Spatholobus suberectus inhibited CYP3A4 by more than 85% (at a dose of 100 μg/mL).

The activity could be attributed to the presence of polyphenolics as revealed from the multivariate chemometric analysis and molecular modeling study.

These results provide evidence that many TCM plants can inhibit CYP3A4, which might cause a potential interference with the metabolism of other concomitantly administered herbs or drugs.

Abbreviation used: CHARMm: Chemistry at HARvard Macromolecular Mechanics, CYP: Cytochrome P450, DMSO: Dimethyl Sulfoxide, PCA: Principal Component Analysis, PDB: Protein Data Bank, TCM: Traditional Chinese Medicine

Antiviral activities of aerial subsets of Artemisia species against Herpes Simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) in vitro

Background: Drug resistance to current anti-herpetic drugs has been increasingly reported. Therefore, there is a need for finding new antiviral agents, in particular from natural sources.

Objective: In the present study, antiviral activity of subset extracts obtained from aerial parts of Artemisia including A. incana, A. chamaemelifolia, A. campesteris, A. fragrans, A. annua, A. vulgaris, and A. persica were investigated against Herpes Simplex type I (HSV1).

Methods: Different concentrations of extracts (400, 200, 100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25, and 3.125 μg/mL) were obtained from subset of each plant separately, and used against KOS strain of HSV1 in HeLa cells. After 24 hours incubation, tetrazolium dye (MTT), was added. The dye absorption by viable cells was measured and compared to the positive control (extract-untreated cells) and acyclovir (as anti-viral agent).

Results: The extracts obtained from A. annua had the highest antiviral activity while those of A. chamaemelifolia showed the lowest activity.

Conclusion: Subset extracts of A. annua may be an appropriate candidate for further development of anti HSV1 infection.

The Potential Therapeutic Effects of Artesunate on Stroke and Other Central Nervous System Diseases

Artesunate is an important agent for cerebral malaria and all kinds of other severe malaria because it is highly efficient, lowly toxic, and well-tolerated. Loads of research pointed out that it had widespread pharmacological activities such as antiparasites, antitumor, anti-inflammation, antimicrobes activities. As we know, the occurrence and development of neurological disorders usually refer to intricate pathophysiologic mechanisms and multiple etiopathogenesis. Recent progress has also demonstrated that drugs with single mechanism and serious side-effects are not likely the candidates for treatment of the neurological disorders. Therefore, the pluripotent action of artesunate may result in it playing an important role in the prevention and treatment of these neurological disorders. This review provides an overview of primary pharmacological mechanism of artesunate and its potential therapeutic effects on neurological disorders. Meanwhile, we also briefly summarize the primary mechanisms of artemisinin and its derivatives. We hope that, with the evidence presented in this review, the effect of artesunate in prevention and curing for neurological disorders can be further explored and studied in the foreseeable future.

Artemisia annua Leaf Extract Attenuates Hepatic Steatosis and Inflammation in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice

Artemisia annua L. (AA) is a well-known source of the antimalarial drug artemisinin. AA also has an antibacterial and antioxidant activity. However, the effect of AA extract on hepatic steatosis induced by obesity is unclear. We investigated whether AA extract prevents obesity-induced insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Mice were randomly divided into groups that received a normal chow diet or HFD with or without AA for 12 weeks. We found that AA extract reduced insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in HFD-fed mice. Western blot analysis showed that HFD-induced expression of nuclear sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 and carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein in the livers was decreased by AA extract. In particular, dietary administration of AA extract decreased hepatic high-mobility group box 1 and cyclooxygenase-2 expression in HFD-fed mice. AA extract also attenuated HFD-induced collagen deposition and fibrosis-related transforming growth factor-β1 and connective tissue growth factor. These data indicate that dietary AA extract has beneficial effects on hepatic steatosis and inflammation in HFD-fed mice.

Preliminary Case Series of Artemisinin for Prostate Cancer in a Naturopathic Practice

Objective

To determine if oral artemisinin is safe and has a short-term effect on prostate specific antigen (PSA) kinetics in patients with prostate cancer (CaP).

Design

Retrospective case series.

Setting

A private naturopathic urology clinic in Seattle, WA.

Patients

All artemisinin-treated CaP patients were identified retrospectively between 2005 and 2008. A total of 15 patients were identified who had taken artemisinin and included in the study, comprising 5 patients who had previously undergone radical prostatectomy (RP) and were having biochemical recurrences as well as 10 patients with no prior conventional therapy for CaP.

Interventions

High-dose, pulsed oral artemisinin 300-400 mg three times a day every other week for 3-24 months (median 9.5 months, IQR 5-12 months). All patients were treated with an array of other naturopathic therapies.

Outcome measures

The primary outcomes were the PSA doubling time and velocity; secondary outcome measures were signs and symptoms of metastasis and survival.

Results

Of those patients who have previously undergone RP, 2/5 (40%) had improved PSA kinetics after artemisinin therapy. Of those with no prior RP, 5/10 (50%) had improved PSA kinetics. No patient developed signs of metastasis and no patients died. There were no reported adverse effects.

Conclusions

This pilot study provides preliminary evidence to suggest that high-dose, pulsed oral artemisinin therapy may have activity in patients with CaP. A larger controlled trial is warranted to confirm these preliminary beneficial effects.

Trichome differentiation on leaf primordia of Helianthus annuus (Asteraceae): morphology, gene expression and metabolite profile

Sunflower trichomes fully develop on embryonic plumula within 3 days after start of germination. Toxic sesquiterpene lactones are produced immediately thereafter thus protecting the apical bud of the seedling against herbivory. Helianthus annuus harbors non-glandular and two different types of multicellular glandular trichomes, namely the biseriate capitate glandular trichomes and the uniseriate linear glandular trichomes. The development of capitate glandular trichomes is well known from anther tips on sunflower disk florets, but not from leaves and no information is yet available on the development of the linear glandular trichomes. Scanning electron microscopy of sunflower seedlings unravelled that within the first 40 h of seed germination all three types of trichomes started to emerge on primordia of the first true leaves. Within the following 20-30 h trichomes developed from trichoblasts to fully differentiated hairs. Gene expression studies showed that genes involved in the trichome-based sesquiterpene lactone formation were up-regulated between 72 and 96 h after start of germination. Metabolite profiling with HPLC confirmed the synthesis of sesquiterpene lactones which may contribute to protect the germinating seedlings from herbivory. The study has shown that sunflower leaf primordia can serve as a fast and easy to handle model system for the investigation of trichome development in Asteraceae.

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Wormwood (Artemisia absinthiumL.) Essential Oils and Phenolics

The aim of this study was to determine the chemical variability of wormwood extracts as affected by the growing region. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were also investigated. The essential oil composition variability ofA. absinthiumL. aerial parts collected from four different Tunisian regions was assessed by gas chromatography (GC/FID) and by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS). In addition, total polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins as well as antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities of methanolic extract and essential oils were undertaken. Chromatographic analysis of wormwood essential oils showed the predominance of monoterpene hydrocarbons represented mainly by chamazulene. RP-HPLC analysis of wormwood methanolic extract revealed the predominance of phenolic acids. Antiradical activity was region-dependant and the methanolic extract of Bou Salem region has the strongest activity (CI50=9.38±0.82 µg/mL). Concerning the reducing power, the methanolic extract of Bou Salem, Jérissa, and Boukornine regions was more active than the positive control. Obtained results of antimicrobial activities showed that wormwood essential oil is endowed with important antibacterial activity which was strongly related to the organoleptic quality of oil which appeared strongly region-dependant.A. absinthiumL. EOs investigated are quite interesting from a pharmaceutical standpoint because of their biological activities.

Preparation of Au and Ag nanoparticles using Artemisia annua and their in vitro antibacterial and tyrosinase inhibitory activities

This work describes a plant-mediated approach to the preparation of metal nanoparticles using leaf extract of Artemisia annua (A. annua), an ethno-medicinal plant widely found in Asia, which was used as reducing and stabilizing agent. A. annua is used in traditional Chinese medicine to alleviate fever. Au and Ag nanoparticles were prepared using a one-step aqueous method at room temperature without any toxic chemicals. The formation of Au and Ag nanoparticles was monitored by UV-vis spectroscopy. Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). TEM analysis of Au nanoparticles showed that they had triangular and spherical shapes with sizes ranging from 15 to 40 nm. The silver nanoparticles were predominantly spherical and uniformly sized (30-50 nm). The Au and Ag nanoparticles produced showed significant tyrosinase inhibitory and antibacterial effects. These results suggest that the synthesized nanoparticles provide good alternatives in varied medical and industrial applications.

Protective effect of Artemisia annua L. extract against galactose-induced oxidative stress in mice

Artemisia annua L. (also called qinghao) has been well known as a source of antimalarial drug artemisinins. In addition, the herb was reported to have in vitro antioxidative activity. The present study investigated the protective effect of aqueous ethanol extract of Qinghao (AA extract) against D-galactose-induced oxidative stress in C57BL/6J mice. Feeding AA extract-containing diet lowered serum levels of malondialdehyde and 8-OH-dG that are biomarkers for lipid peroxidation and DNA damage, respectively. Furthermore, AA extract feeding enhanced the activity of NQO1, a typical antioxidant marker enzyme, in tissues such as kidney, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. In conclusion, AA extract was found to have antioxidative activity in mouse model.

Treatment of Iron-Loaded Veterinary Sarcoma by Artemisia annua

Artemisinin, a constituent of Artemisia annua L., is a well-known antimalarial drug. Artemisinin-type drugs also inhibit cancer growth in vitro and in vivo. Herbal extracts of A. annua inhibit the growth of cancer cell lines. Here, we report on the use of capsules containing powder of Herba Artemisiae annuae to treat pet sarcoma. The surgical tumor removal as standard treatment was supplemented by adjuvant therapy with A. annua. One cat and one dog with fibrosarcoma survived 40 and 37 months, respectively, without tumor relapse. Two other dogs suffering from fibrosarcoma and hemangioendothelial sarcoma also showed complete remission and are still alive after 39 and 26 months, respectively. A. annua was well tolerated without noticeable side effects. These four cases indicate that A. annua may be a promising herbal drug for cancer therapy.

Evaluation of the In Vitro Efficacy of Artemisia annua, Rumex abyssinicus, and Catha edulis Forsk Extracts in Cancer and Trypanosoma brucei Cells

The current drugs against sleeping sickness are derived from cancer chemotherapeutic approaches. Herein, we aimed at evaluating the in vitro effect of alcoholic extracts of Artemisia annua (AMR), Rumex abyssinicus (RMA), and Catha edulis Forsk (CEF) on proliferation/viability of 1321N1 astrocytoma, MCF-7 breast cancer, THP-1 leukemia, and LNCaP, Du-145, and PC-3 prostate cancer cells and on Trypanosoma brucei cells. Proliferation of tumor cells was evaluated by WST-1 assay and viability/behaviour of T. brucei by cell counting and light microscopy. CEF was the most efficient growth inhibitor in comparison to AMR and RMA. Nevertheless, in LNCaP and THP-1 cells, all extracts significantly inhibited tumor growth at 3 μg/mL. All extracts inhibited proliferation of T. brucei cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Microscopic analysis revealed that 95% of the T. brucei cells died when exposed to 33 μg/mL CEF for 3 hrs. Similar results were obtained using 33 μg/mL AMR for 6 hrs. In case of RMA, however, higher concentrations were necessary to obtain similar effects on T. brucei. This demonstrates the antitumor efficacy of these extracts as well as their ability to dampen viability and proliferation of T. brucei, suggesting a common mechanism of action on highly proliferative cells, most probably by targeting cell metabolism.

Inhibition of P-glycoprotein by two artemisinin derivatives

P-Glycoprotein/MDR1 represents an important component of the blood brain barrier and contributes to multidrug resistance. We investigated two derivatives of the anti-malarial artemisinin, SM616 and GHP-AJM-3/23, concerning their ability to interact with P-glycoprotein. The ability of the two compounds to inhibit P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity was examined in sensitive CCRF-CEM and P-gp over-expressing and multidrug-resistant CEM/ADR5000 cells as well as in porcine brain capillary endothelial cells (PBCEC) by means of calcein-AM assays. Verapamil as well-known P-gp inhibitor was used as control drug. CEM/ADR5000 cells exhibited cross-resistance to GHP-AJM-3/23, but slight collateral sensitivity to SM616. Furthermore, SM616 inhibited calcein efflux both in CEM/ADR5000 and PBCEC, whereas GHP-AJM-3/23 did only increase calcein fluorescence in PBCEC, but not CEM/ADR5000. This may be explained by the fact that CEM/ADR5000 only express P-gp but not other ATP-binding cassette transporters, whereas PBCEC are known to express several ABC transporters and calcein is transported by more than one ABC transporter. Hence, SM616 may be the more specific P-gp inhibitor. In conclusion, the collateral sensitivity of SM616 as well as the inhibition of calcein efflux in both CEM/ADR5000 cells and PBCEC indicate that this compound may be a promising P-gp inhibitor to treat cancer therapy and to overcome the blood brain barrier.

Evaluation of antioxidant and free-radical scavenging potential of Artemisia absinthium

CONTEXT

Currently there has been an increased global interest to identify antioxidant compounds for use in preventive medicine and the food-industry that are pharmacologically potent and have low or no side effects. As plants produce significant amount of antioxidants to prevent oxidative stress, they represent a potential source of new compounds with antioxidant activity.

OBJECTIVE

The current study was designed to evaluate the methanol extract of Artemisia absinthium Linn. (Asteraceae; MAB) for its in vitro free-radical scavenging effects using different classical assays, and in vivo antioxidant activity using global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion (I/R)-induced oxidative stress in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The in vitro scavenging activity was studied on the superoxide anions, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl, nitric oxide radical, and reducing power. Further, in the in vivo studies, the animal model of global cerebral I/R was established by occluding the bilateral carotid artery for 15 min followed by 24-h reperfusion. The thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentration, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione (GSH) content were determined by colorimetric assays.

RESULTS

In the in vitro assays, methanol extract of A. absinthium showed significant (p<0.05) superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl and nitric oxide radical scavenging activities, and significant reducing power. Furthermore, in the in vivo studies, oral administration of MAB (100 or 200 mg/kg) inhibited cerebral I/R-induced oxidative stress by decreasing TBARS, and restoring levels of SOD and GSH.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that A. absinthium possess potent antioxidant properties, and may be used as a protective agent against disorders associated with oxidative stress.

Antiproliferative effects of extracts from Iranian Artemisia species on cancer cell lines

OBJECTIVE

Different species of Artemisia (Asteraceae) have shown to exhibit antitumor activity. The aim of this study was to identify the antiproliferative effect of some Artemisia species from Iran on cultured human cancer cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Methanol, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane and n-hexane extracts from aerial parts of seven species of Artemisia were prepared and their antiproliferative effects on four cancer (AGS, HeLa, HT-29 and MCF-7) and normal cell line (L929) were determined. Different concentrations of extracts were added to cultured cells and incubated for 72 h. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was employed to assess the cell viability.

RESULTS

Different extracts exert various growth inhibitory effects. In case of AGS cells, dichloromethane and methanol extracts of A. ciniformis Krasch. & Popov ex Poljak. (IC(50) values: 35 and 60 µg/ml, respectively) showed the highest growth inhibitory effects. HeLa cells were more sensitive to both A. diffusa Krasch. ex Poljak. dichloromethane (IC(50) value: 71 µg/ml) and A. ciniformis ethylacetate (IC(50) value: 73 µg/ml) extracts. Dichloromethane extracts of A. diffusa, A. santolina Schrenk and A. ciniformis (IC(50) values: 42, 91 and 94 µg/ml, respectively) exhibited more inhibition on HT-29 cells in comparison to other extracts. MCF-7 cells were best inhibited by A. ciniformis dichloromethane (IC(50) value: 29 µg/ml) and A. vulgaris L. ethyl acetate (IC(50) value: 57 µg/ml) extracts.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

This study shows the antiproliferative effects of Artemisia extracts on malignant cell lines. Artemisia could be also considered as a promising chemotherapeutic agent in cancer treatment.