Genotoxicity evaluation of Oryeong-san water extract using in vitro and in vivo tests

Herbal medicine (Oryeongsan) for fluid and sodium balance in renal cortex of spontaneously hypertensive rats

Background

Herbal medicine Oryeongsan (ORS), also known as Wulingsan in Chinesehas been used for the treatment of impaired body fluid balance. However, the mechanisms involved are not clearly defined. The purpose of the present study was to identify the actions of ORS on the renal excretory function and blood pressure (BP) and to define the mechanisms involved in association with renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and natriuretic peptide system (NPS) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), an animal model of human essential hypertension.

Methods

Changes in urine volume (UV), excretion of electrolytes including Na+ (urinary excretion of Na+ (UNaV)) were measured. RT-PCR was performed to trace the changes in expression of RAS, NPS and sodium (Na+)-hydrogen (H+) exchanger 3 (NHE3) in the renal cortex.

Results

In the SHR treated with vehicle (SHR-V) group, UV and UNaV were suppressed and the Na+ balance was maintained at the higher levels leading to an increase in BP compared to WKY-V group. These were accompanied by an increase in NHE3 expression with an accentuation of angiotensin I converting enzyme-angiotensin II type 1 (ACE-AT1) receptor and concurrent suppression of angiotensin II type 2 (AT2) receptor/ACE2-Mas receptor expression in the renal cortex. Chronic treatment with ORS increased UV and UNaV, and decreased the Na+ and water balance with a decrease in BP in the ORS-treated SHR-ORS group compared to SHR-V. These were accompanied by a decrease in NHE3 expression with a suppression of ACE-AT1 receptor and concurrent accentuation of AT2/ACE2-Mas receptor.

Conclusion

The present study shows that ORS reduced BP with a decrease in Na+ and water retention by a suppression of NHE3 expression via modulation of RAS and NPS in SHR. The present study provides pharmacological rationale for the treatment of hypertension with ORS in SHR.

Chemical Profile Determination and Quantitative Analysis of Components in Oryeong-san Using UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS and UPLC-TQ-MS/MS

In this study, a method to both qualitatively and quantitively analyze the components of Oryeong-san (ORS), which is composed of five herbal medicines (Alisma orientale Juzepzuk, Polyporus umbellatus Fries, Atractylodes japonica Koidzumi, Poria cocos Wolf, and Cinnamomum cassia Presl) and is prescribed in traditional Oriental medicine practices, was established for the first time. First, ORS components were profiled using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometry, and 19 compounds were clearly identified via comparison against reference standard compounds. Subsequently, a quantitative method based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry was established to simultaneously measure the identified compounds. Nineteen compounds were accurately quantified using the multiple-reaction-monitoring mode and used to analyze the sample; we confirmed that coumarin was the most abundant compound. The method was validated, achieving good linearity (R2 ≤ 0.9991), recovery (RSD, 0.11-3.15%), and precision (RSD, 0.35-9.44%). The results suggest that this method offers a strategy for accurately and effectively determining the components of ORS, and it can be used for quality assessment and management.

Amelioration of Hypertension by Oryeongsan through Improvements of Body Fluid and Sodium Balance: Roles of the Renin-Angiotensin System and Atrial Natriuretic Peptide System

Oryeongsan (Wulingsan in China and Goreisan in Japan), a formula composed of five herbal medicines, has long been used for the treatment of imbalance of the body fluid homeostasis in Asian countries. However, the mechanism by which Oryeongsan (ORS) improves the impaired body fluid and salt metabolism is not clearly defined. The present study was performed to define the role of the cardiorenal humoral system in the ORS-induced changes in blood pressure and renal function in hypertension. Experiments were performed in normotensive and two-kidney, one-clip hypertensive rats. Changes in the fluid and salt balance were measured in rats individually housed in metabolic cages. Changes in the systemic and local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and cardiac natriuretic peptide hormone system (NPS) were evaluated. ORS water extract was administered by oral gavage (100 mg/kg daily) for 3 weeks. ORS induced diuresis and natriuresis along with an increase in glomerular filtration rate and downregulation of the Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger 3 (NHE3) and aquaporin 2 expression in the renal cortex and medulla, respectively. Furthermore, treatment with ORS significantly decreased systolic blood pressure with contraction of body sodium and water accumulation in hypertensive rats. ORS-induced changes were accompanied by modulation of the RAS and NPS, downregulation of the systemic RAS and cardiorenal expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin II subtype 1 (AT₁) receptor, and upregulation of the plasma ANP concentration and cardiorenal expression of ANP, ACE2, Mas receptor, and AT₂ receptor. These findings indicate that ORS induces beneficial effects on the high blood pressure through modulation of the RAS and NPS of the cardiorenal system, suppression of the prohypertensive ACE-AT₁ receptor pathway and NHE3, accentuation of the antihypertensive ACE2-Mas axis/AT₂ receptor pathway in the kidney, suppression of the systemic RAS, and elevation of the plasma ANP levels and its synthesis in the heart. The present study provides a biological basis for the use of ORS in the treatment of impaired volume and pressure homeostasis.

Oryeongsan (Wulingsan) ameliorates impaired ANP secretion of atria from spontaneously hypertensive rats

Oryeongsan (ORS), a herbal medicine formula, has long been used for the treatment of impaired body water balance in Asian countries. Recently, it was shown that ORS administration modulates the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Purpose of the present study was to determine characteristics of atrial ANP secretion and effects of ORS on the secretion in the atria from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Normotensive WKY groups (WKY-V, WKY-ORS, WKY-LOS) and hypertensive SHR groups (SHR-V, SHR-ORS, SHR-LOS) treated with vehicle, ORS, and losartan as a positive control group, respectively, were used. Experiments were performed in perfused beating atria (1.3 Hz) allowing atrial distension, acetylcholine (ACh) stimulation, and serial collection of atrial perfusates. The secreted ANP concentration was measured using radioimmunoassay. Interstitial fluid (ISF) translocation was measured using [³H]inulin clearance. Stepwise increase in atrial distension by 1.1, 2.0, and 2.7 cmH₂O above basal distension further increased ANP secretion proportionally in the atria from WKY-V, but the response was significantly suppressed in the atria from SHR-V. Cardiomyocyte ANP release, the first step of atrial ANP secretion, was suppressed in the atria from SHR-V compared to those from WKY-V (-8.02 ± 2.86, -15.86 ± 2.27, and -20.09 ± 3.62%; n = 8, for SHR-V vs. 8.59 ± 2.81, 15.65 ± 7.14, and 38.12 ± 8.28%; n = 8, for WKY-V; p < 0.001 for all stepwise distension, respectively). Chronic treatment with ORS reversed the suppressed ANP release in atria from SHR-ORS group (6.76 ± 3.92, 9.12 ± 2.85, and 28.79 ± 1.79% for SHR-ORS; n = 5 vs. SHR-V; n = 8; p = 0.01, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). The effects of ORS were comparable to those of losartan. Trans-endocardial translocation of ISF, the second step of atrial ANP secretion was similar in the atria from the hypertensive SHR-V and normotensive WKY-V. ACh-induced ANP secretion and cardiomyocyte ANP release were also suppressed in the atria from SHR-V compared to WKY-V and ORS reversed the suppression. These findings were accompanied with accentuation of the AT₁ receptor expression and suppression of the AT₂/Mas receptor, M₂ mACh receptor and GIRK4, a molecular component of K_ACh channel, expression in the atria from SHR-V. Further, treatment with ORS or losartan reversed the expressions in the groups of SHR-ORS and SHR-LOS. These results show that ANP secretion is suppressed in the atria from SHR in association with accentuation of AT₁ receptor and suppression of AT₂/Mas receptor and K_ACh channel expression. Treatment with ORS ameliorates impaired ANP secretion through improving cardiomyocyte ANP release with modulation of the cardiac RAS and muscarinic signaling. These findings provide experimental evidence which supports the effect of ORS on the regulation of atrial ANP secretion in the atria from SHR.

Genotoxicity of Asiasari Radix et Rhizoma (Aristolochiaceae) ethanolic extract in vitro and in vivo

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional herbal medicines have diverse efficacy and are increasingly used worldwide. However, some of these herbal medicines have toxicities or side effects, but the scientific understanding of traditional herbal medicine toxicity has not yet been established. Asiasari Radix et Rhizoma (ARE) is known as a herbal medicine used to relieve pain, and recent studies have shown that ARE has anticancer and antimelanogenesis efficacy.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Current study was conducted to assess the potential genotoxicity of an ethanolic extract of ARE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The genotoxixity of ARE was confirmed by the bacterial reverse mutation assay (Ames test), a mammalian chromosomal aberration test, and a micronucleus test in vivo using ICR mice and comet assay using Sprague-Dawley rats.

RESULTS

ARE showed no genotoxicity in a micronucleus test up to 2000 mg/kg body weight in vivo. By contrast, the chromosomal aberration test showed that ARE induced an increase in the number of chromosomal aberrations after treatment for 6 h with a metabolic activation system and for 6 and 22 h without the metabolic activation system when compared with vehicle control. In the Ames test, all strains except TA1535, with or without a metabolic activation system, showed an increase in the number of revertant mutant colonies in the ARE-treated group. In comet assay, DNA damage was observed in the stomach when ARE was administered.

CONCLUSION

ARE potentially shows genotoxicity by inducing DNA damage.

A 90-Day Repeated Oral Dose Toxicity Study of Alismatis Rhizoma Aqueous Extract in Rats

Alismatis rhizoma (AR), the dried rhizome of Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juzep, is a well-known, traditional medicine that is used for the various biological activities including as a diuretic, to lower cholesterol and as an anti-inflammatory agent. The present study was carried out to investigate the potential toxicity of the Alismatis rhizoma aqueous extract (ARAE) following 90-day repeated oral administration to Sprague-Dawley rats. ARAE was administered orally to male and female rats for 90 days at 0 (control), 500, 1,000 and 2,000 mg/kg/day (n = 10 for male and female rats for each dose). Additional recovery groups from the control group and high dose group were observed for a 28-day recovery period. Chromatograms of ARAE detected main compounds with four peaks. Treatment-related effects including an increase in the red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, albumin, total protein, and urine volume were observed in males of the 2,000 mg/kg/day group (p < 0.05). However, the diuretic effect of ARAE was considered, a major cause of hematological and serum biochemical changes. The oral no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of the ARAE was > 2,000 mg/kg/day in both genders, and no target organs were identified.

Genotoxicity Evaluation of an Ethanol Extract Mixture of Astragali Radix and Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix

Myelophil, a combination of Astragali Radix and Salviae Radix, is one of the most commonly used remedies for disorders of Qi and blood in traditional Chinese medicine. Based on the clinical applications of these plants, in particular to pregnant woman, this study aimed to evaluate the genotoxic potential of an ethanol extract mixture of the above two herbs, called Myelophil. Following the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Guideline methods, a genotoxicity test was conducted using a bacterial reverse mutation test with Salmonella typhimurium (TA98, TA100, TA1535, and TA1537) and Escherichia coli (WP2μvrA), an in vitro mammalian chromosome aberration test using a Chinese hamster ovary cell line (CHO-K1), and an in vivo mammalian erythrocyte micronucleus test using ICR mouse bone marrow. In the Ames test, for both types of mutations (base substitution and frameshift) under conditions with/without an S9 mix up to 5,000 μg/plate, Myelophil did not increase the number of revertant colonies of all S. typhimurium strains as well as E. coli strain. For both short (6 h) and long tests with/without S9 mix, the chromosome aberration test did not show any significant increase in the number of structural or numerical chromosome aberrations by Myelophil. In addition, no significant change in the number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes or polychromatic erythrocytes was observed in the bone marrow of an ICR mouse administered Myelophil orally at 2,000 mg/kg/day for 2 days, respectively. These results are the first to provide experimental evidence that Myelophil, an ethanol extract mixture of Astragali Radix and Salviae Radix, has no risk of genotoxicity.

Safety assessment of Oryeong-san, a traditional herbal formula: Study of subacute toxicity and influence of cytochrome P450s and UDP-glucuronosyltransferases

Oryeong-san is a traditional herbal formula that is used for the treatment of common genitourinary diseases in Korea and other Asian countries. However, little is known about its safety and influence on drug metabolism. In the present study, we investigated the subacute toxicity of an Oryeong-san water extract (OSWE) in rats and its effects on activities of drug-metabolizing enzymes. Subacute toxicity was modeled in animals exposed to treatment with the extract at multiple doses. Rats were given OSWE by oral gavage at 0, 1000, 2000 and 5000 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. We checked general observations and investigated any changes of body/organ weight, food consumption, hematology, serum biochemistry, and urinalysis in vivo; and the activities of human microsomal cytochrome P450s (CYP450s) and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) isozymes in vitro. We found that OSWE caused no significant toxicological changes at the doses tested. Therefore, the no observed adverse effect level of OSWE was more than 5000 mg/kg/day for male and female rats. OSWE inhibited the activities of CYP2C19 (IC₅₀: 737.69 μg/mL) and CYP2E1 (IC₅₀: 177.77 μg/mL). These results indicate that OSWE may be safe with no drug-related toxicity for up to 4 weeks and provide useful information concerning its potential to interact with conventional drugs or other herbal medicines.

Genotoxicity evaluation of Hwanglyeonhaedok-tang, an herbal formula

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Hwanglyeonhaedok-tang (Huanglianjiedu-tang, Orengedoku-to), a traditional herbal formula, is used for the treatment of inflammatory, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular diseases.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic potential of Hwanglyeonhaedok-tang water extract (HLHDT).

METHODS

A genotoxicity test was conducted using a bacterial reverse mutation test (Ames test), an in vitro chromosome aberration test using Chinese hamster lung cells, and an in vivo micronucleus test using ICR mouse bone marrow.

RESULTS

In the Ames test, which used different Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains, HLHDT did not increase the number of revertant colonies of S. typhimurium strains TA98, TA100 and TA1535 as well as E. coli strains with or without S9 mix. However, the number of revertant colonies with the S. typhimurium TA1537 strain and S9 mix increased in a dose-dependent manner. The chromosome aberration test showed that HLHDT did not increase the number of structural or numerical chromosome aberrations in a short-period test (6h) with S9 mix. By contrast, HLHDT significantly increased the number of structural chromosome aberrations in a short-period (6h) or continuous (22h) test without S9 mix. In the micronucleus test, no significant increase was observed in micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes, and no significant decrease was observed in polychromatic to total erythrocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that HLHDT might be genotoxic, based on both the Ames and chromosome aberration tests. Therefore, further in vivo studies will be needed to define the mechanism of this genotoxicity.

Safety evaluation and antihyperlipidemia effect of aqueous extracts from fermented puerh tea

Fermented puerh tea, having undergone a long period of secondary oxidization and fermentation, has become more and more popular in recent years. In the present paper, a safety evaluation of aqueous extracts from fermented puerh tea (EFPT) was performed, including an oral acute toxicity study in rats and mice, mutation tests, a mouse micronucleus test, mouse sperm abnormality test and a 30 day feeding study in rats. Meanwhile, the antihyperlipidemia effect of EFPT was investigated as well. It was found that the oral maximum tolerated dose of EFPT was more than 10.0 g per kg body weight both in rats and mice. And it had no mutagenicity as judged by negative experimental results of the mutation test. No abnormal symptoms, clinical signs or deaths have been found in rats in each group throughout the experiments. In addition, EFPT in this study showed certain effects on hyperlipidemia.