Involvement of the nitric oxide/soluble guanylate cyclase pathway in the anti-oedematogenic action of Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng) Pedersen in mice

Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activities, and Toxicology of the Subfamily Gomphrenoideae (Amaranthaceae): A Comprehensive Review

The subfamily Gomphrenoideae is composed of about 480 accepted species, many of which have been historically used as medicinal plants, reason why they have been studied in terms of chemical profile, biological activity, and safety. This review consolidates the advances in research on this subfamily over the past 47 years, emphasizing its promising biotechnological potential and justifying the development of research in species that remain unstudied; additionally, it presents new perspectives based on the current knowledge, including the study of in vitro cultures and co-cultures of the members of this subfamily as a sustainable approach to standardizing their chemical profiles and, consequently, enhancing their biotechnological potential. The information was collected from scientific databases such as Wiley Online Library, PubMed, Springer Link, Scielo, and Nature Research for 4 years. Verification of the scientific names and affiliations of the plants was carried out using the databases Global Biodiversity Information Facility (www.gbif.org), Plants of the World Online (www.plantsoftheworldonline.org), and The Plant List (www.theplantlist.org). To date, 512 chemical compounds have been reported for this subfamily, evidencing a wide diversity of chemical structures. It was also shown that the extracts, fractions, isolated pure compounds, and nanoparticles of this subfamily present antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antihyperglycemic activity, among others. Likewise, it is evident that the members of this subfamily do not present toxicity.

A comprehensive review of Pfaffia glomerata botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, biological activities, and biotechnology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen, Amaranthaceae, is found in South America, mainly in Brazil, where it is considered a species of great medicinal interest owing to its popular use as a tonic, aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic. These properties can be attributed to the presence of the phytosteroid, 20-Hydroxyecdysone (β-ecdysone), the main compound found in its roots.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review aims to provide information about the botanical characteristics, ethnomedicinal uses, the phytochemistry, the biological activities, and the biotechnology of P. glomerata, an important species to local communities and groups researching medicinal plants of South America.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The information available on P. glomerata was collected from scientific databases (ScienceDirect, PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, and Scopus) until June 7, 2023, using the search terms "Pfaffia glomerata", "Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen", and "Brazilian ginseng". The review includes studies that evaluated the botanical, ethnopharmacological, and phytochemical aspects, biological properties, nutraceutical uses, and the application of biotechnology for improving the biosynthesis of metabolites of interest.

RESULTS

A total of 207 studies were identified, with 81 articles read in full. Seventy-six studies were included for qualitative synthesis. Overall, 40 compounds belonging to different classes are presented in this review, including ecdysteroids, triterpenes, saponins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, tannins, coumarins, alkaloids, and polysaccharides. Among them, flavonoids, anthraquinones, tannins, coumarins, and alkaloids were only putatively identified. β-Ecdysone, triterpenes, saponins, and polysaccharides are the chemical components most frequently identified and isolated from P. glomerata and possibly responsible for ethnopharmacological use and the biological activities of this species, with important in vitro and in vivo activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, analgesic, gastroprotective, antioxidant, and prebiotic.

CONCLUSIONS

This review summarizes discussions about the P. glomerata species, highlighting its ethnopharmacological, chemical, biotechnological, and nutraceutical importance. New scientific studies on this species are encouraged in the search for new therapeutic molecules with pharmaceutical potential and nutraceutical applications.

Pfaffia glomerata hydroalcoholic extract stimulates penile tissue in adult Swiss mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Roots of Pfaffia glomerata are used in traditional medicine as aphrodisiacs and sexual stimulants.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to evaluate the action of the hydroalcoholic extract from the roots of Pfaffia glomerata on the Leydig cells, cavernous bodies and other penile constituents, as well as on serum testosterone and 17β-estradiol levels of adult mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mature male Swiss mice were divided into 6 groups: control (water), sildenafil citrate, 3 groups receiving daily doses of P. glomerata extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) and one group receiving intermittent doses of P. glomerata (200 mg/kg/3-3d).

RESULTS

The proportions of blood vessels, lymphatic space and estradiol levels were increased. On the other hand, reduction of testosterone levels due to Leydig cells death was observed. As for penile parameters, volumetric proportions of cavernous bodies, collagen and nitric oxide were increased, while smooth muscle content was decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite that the long term intake of P. glomerata extract was related to a stimulant action, reduction on Leydig cell viability induced decreased testosterone production.

How bad is brazilian ginseng extract for reproductive parameters in mice?

Properties attributed to the Panax ginseng are also attributed to the Brazilian ginseng, such as adaptogenic and aphrodisiac effects. There are studies demonstrating that the Brazilian ginseng (BGE) possibly increases the serum levels of testosterone and nitric oxide in mice and rats. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of its extract on male fertility and sperm quality. Male Swiss mice (n = 60) were divided into six groups. The control animals were provided 0.5 mL of water, and 0.5 mL of water containing 7 mg/kg per day (d) sildenafil citrate. Other animals were treated with BGE at 100 mg/kg/d, 200 mg/kg/d, and 400 mg/kg/d by gavage for 42 days. Finally, animals from the last group received 200 mg/kg BGE every 3 days (3-3d) by gavage for 42 days. The results showed a reduction in the number of resistant spermatids in the testis and damage to daily sperm production, culminating in a reduction in the number of epididymal spermatozoa. Although the sperm quality decreased in all experimental animals, only males treated with BGE 100 mg/kg/d showed pre and post implantation embryo losses. We concluded that BGE alters sperm viability compromising the embryonic development after implantation.

Evaluation of the testis function of mice exposed in utero and during lactation to Pfaffia glomerata (Brazilian ginseng)

Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen, popularly known as "Brazilian ginseng," is used as medicinal plant in Brazil to treat inflammatory diseases in general. Previous studies showed that its extract increases the nitric oxide (NO) levels. Knowing that NO downregulates steroidogenesis and that alterations in the action/production of androgens during perinatal life could alter testis development, the present studies sought to investigate the reproductive toxicity of Pfaffia glomerata on male mice exposed to hydroalcoholic extract in utero and during lactation. The present study shows that P. glomerata extract does not alter body weight, tubular diameter and testis function in male mice. Although a reduction in the testis weight was observed in the animals that received the highest dose directly in early post-natal life, our findings show clearly that P. glomerata may not act as an endocrine disruptor, and it is not an "antiandrogenic" compound that could lead to testicular dysgenesis syndrome.

Database survey of anti-inflammatory plants in South America: a review

Inflammation is a complex event linked to tissue damage whether by bacteria, physical trauma, chemical, heat or any other phenomenon. This physiological response is coordinated largely by a variety of chemical mediators that are released from the epithelium, the immunocytes and nerves of the lamina propria. However, if the factor that triggers the inflammation persists, the inflammation can become relentless, leading to an intensification of the lesion. The present work is a literature survey of plant extracts from the South American continent that have been reported to show anti-inflammatory activity. This review refers to 63 bacterial families of which the following stood out: Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Apocynaceae and Celastraceae, with their countries, parts used, types of extract used, model bioassays, organisms tested and their activity.

A utilização da Pfaffia glomerata no processo de cicatrização de feridas da pele

RACIONAL: Quando ocorre perda tecidual na pele surge a necessidade de reconstituir-se o tecido lesionado e atualmente cada vez mais surgem artifícios que se propõem neoformá-lo. O uso de fitoterápicos, como a Pfaffia glomerata, tem a finalidade de buscar nestes produtos princípios ativos que desempenhem efetivo papel no processo de cicatrização. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados da utilização da Pfaffia glomerata na cicatrização de feridas cirúrgicas em ratos. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 40 ratos, nos quais realizaram-se feridas cirúrgicas com punch de 3 mm de diâmetro no dorso da parte superior direita onde nenhuma substância foi aplicada e nesses mesmos animais foram também realizadas feridas cirúrgicas na região inferior, onde foi aplicado o extrato do fitoterápico. Foram divididos em quatro subgrupos de 48 horas, uma, duas e três semanas em relação ao sacrifício. Foram tomadas as medidas na circunferência para analisar a contração da ferida macroscopicamente. Microscopicamente os resultados foram analisados utilizando-se a coloração de Hematoxilina-Eosina, para verificar o processo inflamatório; imunohistoquímica, fator VIII, para observar a densidade vascular; e tricrômio de Masson para estudar a fibrose. RESULTADOS: Macroscopicamente o grupo planta obteve resultados superiores ao grupo controle. A análise da variável fator VIII mostrou significância estatística no grupo de uma semana do fitoterápico. Na variável fibrose, constatou-se que no período de 48 horas o grupo controle apresentou 70% de casos com fibrose mínima, ao passo que o da planta, 90%. Em uma semana, o grupo controle apresentou 10% de casos com ausência de fibrose , 60% com fibrose mínima e 30% com fibrose moderada, enquanto que o grupo planta apresentou 70% de casos com fibrose mínima e 30% com fibrose moderada. Já no período de duas semanas, o grupo controle manteve 60% dos casos com fibrose mínima e aumentou para 40% os com fibrose moderada, enquanto que o grupo planta manteve sua média apresentada no grupo anterior. No período de três semanas ambos os grupos, controle e planta, mantiveram as porcentagens apresentadas no período anterior. CONCLUSÃO: Macroscopicamente em relação à contração da ferida o grupo planta apresentou resultados superiores ao grupo controle. Com relação à análise histológica: a coloração de HE mostrou que houve a maior presença de processo inflamatório nos animais do grupos controle. A técnica de imunohistoquímica avaliada mostrou densidade vascular superior no grupo planta no período de uma semana sendo que na coloração de tricromio de Masson as alterações estudadas não se apresentaram significativas.