Cardioprotective Effect of Crude Extract and Solvent Fractions of Urtica simensis Leaves on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Myocardial Injury in Rats

Embryo and Fetal Toxic Effects of the Hydroethanol Extract of Urtica simensis Hochst. Ex. A. Rich Leaves in Pregnant Rats

Introduction: Urtica simensis has been used to treat various diseases such as malaria, hypertension, diabetes, gonorrhea, gastritis, body swelling, and wound infections. However, the safety of consuming U. simensis leaves during pregnancy has not been evaluated yet. Therefore, this experimental study was conducted to evaluate the toxic effects of U. simensis leaf extract on the prenatal development of embryos and fetuses in pregnant rats. Methods: Fifty pregnant Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned to five groups of 10 gravid rats for each experiment. Groups I-III were given 70% ethanol leaf extract of U. simensis at doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg daily from 6th to 12th days of gestation. Groups IV-V were kept as pair-fed and ad libitum controls. The developing embryos and fetuses were retrieved on 12 days and 20 days of gestation, respectively. Embryos were evaluated for growth and developmental delays. Fetuses were also assessed for growth retardation and external and visceral anomalies. Results: In the embryonic experiment, somite numbers (p=0.001) and morphological scores (p=0.029) were significantly decreased in pregnant rats given 1000 mg/kg of U. simensis leaf extract. Embryonic developments of the caudal neural tube (CNT) (p=0.001), otic system (p=0.025), olfactory system (p=0.013), and limb buds (p=0.026) were significantly delayed in pregnant rats given 1000 mg/kg of extract. Oral administration of 500 mg/kg of U. simensis leaf extract also caused significant developmental delays in the CNT (p=0.021) and olfactory system (p=0.032). In the fetal experiment, fetal resorption (p=0.015) was significantly increased whereas crown rump length (p=0.012) and fetal weight (p=0.019) were significantly decreased in pregnant rats given 1000 mg/kg of U. simensis leaf extract. Conclusions: The embryotoxic effects of U. simensis leaf extract were evidenced by significant developmental delays. The fetal toxic effects of U. simensis leaf extract were also shown by significant decreases in fetal growth indices. Therefore, pregnant women should be well informed of the possible toxic effects of consuming U. simensis leaf during pregnancy.

Artesunate attenuates isoprenaline induced cardiac hypertrophy in rats via SIRT1 inhibiting NF-κB activation

Cardiac Hypertrophy is an adaptive response of the body to physiological and pathological stimuli, which increases cardiomyocyte size, thickening of cardiac muscles and progresses to heart failure. Downregulation of SIRT1 in cardiomyocytes has been linked with the pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Artesunate against isoprenaline induced cardiac hypertrophy in rats via SIRT1 inhibiting NF-κB activation. Experimental cardiac hypertrophy was induced in rats by subcutaneous administration of isoprenaline (5 mg/kg) for 14 days. Artesunate was administered simultaneously for 14 days at a dose of 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg. Artesunate administration showed significant dose dependent attenuation in mean arterial pressure, electrocardiogram, hypertrophy index and left ventricular wall thickness compared to the disease control group. It also alleviated cardiac injury biomarkers and oxidative stress. Histological observation showed amelioration of tissue injury in the artesunate treated groups compared to the disease control group. Further, artesunate treatment increased SIRT1 expression and decreased NF-kB expression in the heart. The results of the study show the cardioprotective effect of artesunate via SIRT1 inhibiting NF-κB activation in cardiomyocytes.

Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Myocardial Infarction Disease: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Myocardial infarction (MI), also referred to as a "heart attack," is brought on by a partial or total interruption of blood supply to the myocardium. Myocardial infarction can be "silent," go undiagnosed, or it can be a catastrophic occurrence that results in hemodynamic decline and untimely death. In recent years, herbal remedies for MI have become effective, secure, and readily accessible.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this review was to examine the medicinal plants and phytochemicals that have been used to treat MI in order to assess the potential contribution of natural substances to the development of herbal MI treatments.

METHODOLOGY

A literature search was employed to find information utilizing electronic databases, such as Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, Sci Finder, Reaxys, and Cochrane.

RESULTS

The identification of 140 plants from 12 families led to the abstraction of data on the plant families, parts of the plant employed, chemical contents, extracts, model used, and dose.

CONCLUSION

The majority of the MI plants, according to the data, belonged to the Fabaceae (11%) and Asteraceae (9%) families, and the most prevalent natural components in plants with MI were flavonoids (43%), glucosides (25%), alkaloids (23%), phenolic acid (19%), saponins (15%), and tannins (12%).

A Systematic Review of Ethnobotanical, Phytochemical, and Ethnopharmacological Studies of Urtica simensis (Stinging Nettle)

The Urticaceae family contains 54 genera and more than 2000 species that can be found in tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates all over the world. This family includes the largest genus in the world, Urtica, which is also known as stinging nettle. Stinging hairs are present on the lower surface of the leaves and beneath the stems of Urtica simensis, also known as the stinging nettle, herbal nettle that is dioecious, upright, and unbranched. For the treatment of conditions like gastritis, heart disease, diabetes, gonorrhea, and malaria, people employ various portions of Urtica simensis in a variety of ways in traditional medicine. The Urtica simensis leaves are rich in variety of active secondary phytochemical constituents including terpenoids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, polyphenols, sterols, oxalate, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). According to different reports, it possesses a variety of pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, antiproliferative, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, antiulcer, antibacterial, and antifungal actions. The current review summarizes published and unpublished information about the ethnobotanical, phytochemical, ethnopharmacological, and toxicological reports of Urtica simensis and summarizes all the research work carried out on this plant to provide updated information for future work.

Antidiabetic drug sitagliptin blocks cyclophosphamide cerebral neurotoxicity by activating Nrf2 and suppressing redox cycle imbalance, inflammatory iNOS/NO/NF-κB response and caspase-3/Bax activation in rats

Cyclophosphamide (CYP) is a classic DNA-interacting anticancer agent with broad application in chemotherapy. However, CYP cerebral neurotoxicity is a worrisome side effect for clinicians and patients. Strategies to mitigate the underlying oxidative inflammatory cascades and neuroapoptosis induced by CYP are urgently needed. Herein, we have repurposed an antidiabetic drug, sitagliptin (STG), for a possible abrogation of CYP-induced cerebral neurotoxicity in rats. Healthy rats were administered STG (20 mg/kg body weight) for 5 days prior to neurotoxicity induced by CYP (200 mg/kg body weight, ip) on day 5 only, and rats were sacrificed after 24 h post-CYP injection. CYP caused profound increases in the cerebral levels of nitric oxide (NO), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), caspase-3 and Bax protein compared to the control. Furthermore, CYP markedly depressed the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), along with levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor2 (Nrf2) compared to the control (p < 0.05). Interestingly, STG pretreatment inhibited the CYP-induced alterations in caspase-3, Bax, pro-inflammatory cytokines, NO, iNOS, AChE, NF-κB, and restored the cerebral antioxidant apparatus, including the Nrf2 and histopathological abrasions. Therefore, these findings show that STG could be repurposed to prevent CYP-induced cerebral toxicity in the brain.

Evaluation of Wound Healing Activity of 80% Hydromethanolic Crude Extract and Solvent Fractions of the Leaves of Urtica simensis in Mice

Background

Leaves of Urtica simensis (U. simensis) have been used traditionally for wound healing in different communities in Ethiopia. In spite of this, there were no scientific data documented regarding the wound healing activity of this plant. There is a need to investigate herbal remedies for the treatment of wounds in order to overcome the limitations of conventional drugs.

Aim of the Study

Aim of the study was to evaluate the wound healing activity of extract and solvent fractions of the leaves of U. simensis in mice.

Methods

Leaves of U. simensis were washed, dried under shade and ground into coarse powder and then extracted by 80% methanol with three consecutive macerations. Part of the extract was fractionated with n-hexane, chloroform and water. In excision and burn wounds, healing progress was measured by wound contraction, epithelialization period and histopathology investigation whereas incision wound healing was assessed by skin breaking strength.

Results

In excision wound model, the 5% and 10% crude extract ointments showed significant (p < 0.001) wound contractions during day 8 to day 16 evaluations. Similarly, in burn wound model, both 5% and 10% crude extract ointments produced significant (p < 0.001) wound contractions starting from day 12 and 10, respectively. In both models, the periods of epithelialization were also significantly reduced and favorable histopathologic changes were produced by the crude extract ointments. The solvent fractions of the crude extract as well produced significant wound contractions as evaluated in excision wound model. The fractions also significantly reduced the period of epithelialization in this model. The aqueous fraction found to be more active than either chloroform or n-hexane fraction in wound healing.

Conclusion

Results of this study indicated that methanol extract and aqueous fractions of the leaves of U. simensis possess dose-dependent wound healing activity, thus supporting traditional claims.

Endemic medicinal plants of Ethiopia: Ethnomedicinal uses, biological activities and chemical constituents

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Around 80% of Ethiopians rely on traditional medicinal plants to treat a variety of ailments, and the country is home to a number of endemic plants, making it part of East Africa's hotspot of biodiversity. Despite widespread acceptance of endemic medicinal plants among the local community, comprehensive documentation of their therapeutic uses and phytochemistry is lacking. This review thus provides the first comprehensive appraisal of traditional use, pharmacological properties and phytochemistry of Ethiopian endemic medicinal plants. By storing and preserving indigenous and scientific knowledge about the medicinal benefits of the plants, such documentation generates information database for the future. It also aids the conservation of key medicinal plants along with translational research to accelerate the development of pharmaceuticals.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

The aims of this review are to collect and document current information on the ethnopharmacological uses, phytochemistry, and biological activities of Ethiopian endemic medicinal plants, identify research gaps, and provide perspectives and suggestions for future research on the plants as potential sources of pharmaceuticals.

MATERIALS & METHODS

A comprehensive literature review using electronic databases such as Medline, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Wiley Online Library was conducted for collecting relevant information. The World Flora Online (WFO) database and the International Plant Names Index (IPNI) were utilized to authenticate the taxonomic information of the plants. Chemical structures were drawn using ChemBioDraw Ultra 12.1 and verified via PubChem.

RESULTS

The present review has identified 412 Ethiopian endemic plants. Out of the 412 endemic plants species recorded for Ethiopia 44 are medicinally valuable to mitigate a myriad of diseases, and nine (27.3%) of them are endangered. Our literature survey also found out that a total of 74 compounds were isolated and characterized from the endemic plants, with phenolics accounting for the majority of them (66.2%). The plants exhibited antimalarial, antimicrobial, anticancer, anthelmintic, mosquitocidal, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

CONCLUSION

The work has resulted in an up-to-date inventory of Ethiopia's endemic flora, as well as the identification of species with traditional medicinal uses. The pharmacological activity and phytochemistry of numerous endemic plants with various traditional therapeutic claims are yet to be researched scientifically. Scientific validation of the herbal remedies, including evidence-based safety and efficacy studies are, therefore, crucial. The endangered medicinal plants must be conserved in order for local communities to have access to them in the future.

Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor Sitagliptin Exhibits Antioxidant Mechanism for Abrogation of Cyclophosphamide-Induced Cardiac Damage and Oxidative Hepatorenal Toxicity in Rats

Cyclophosphamide (CYP) is a potent DNA-interactive anticancer drug; however, its clinical drawbacks are chiefly associated with induction of oxidative multi-organ toxicity. Sitagliptin (STG) is an antidiabetic dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor drug with antioxidant efficacy. Herein, we have explored whether STG could abrogate the CYP-induced oxidative stress-mediated cardiac and hepatorenal toxicities in male rats. Sitagliptin (20 mg/kg, o.p) was administered to rats for 5 consecutive days against organ toxicities induced by CYP (200 mg/kg, i.p) on day 5 only. CYP induced marked injuries in the liver, kidney and heart underscored by prominent increases in serum activities of ALT, AST, LDH, creatine kinase and levels of urea, uric acid and creatinine, while albumin level significantly decreased compared to normal control rats. Further, CYP considerably reduced the activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, and levels of GSH, whereas MDA level increased significantly in comparison to control rats. These biochemical alterations were confirmed by multiple histopathological lesions in the tissues. Interestingly, the STG pretreatment abrogated the biochemical and histopathological changes induced by CYP. These results provide first evidence that repurposing STG may protect the liver, kidney and heart from the oxidative deterioration associated with CYP chemotherapy.

Comparison of Microbial Populations in the Blood of Patients With Myocardial Infarction and Healthy Individuals

Increased bacterial translocation in the gut and bloodstream infections are both major comorbidities of heart failure and myocardial infarction (MI). However, the alterations in the microbiome of the blood of patients with MI remain unclear. To test this hypothesis, we conducted this case-control study to explore the microbiota compositions in the blood of Chinese patients with MI. Using high-throughput Illumina HiSeq sequencing targeting the V3–V4 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene, the microbiota communities in the blood of 29 patients with MI and 29 healthy controls were examined. In addition, the relationship between the blood microbiome and clinical features of MI was investigated. This study revealed a significant reduction in alpha diversity (Shannon index) in the MI group compared with the healthy controls. Also, a significant difference was detected in the structure and richness between the patients with MI and healthy controls. The members of the phylum Actinobacteria, class Actinobacteria, order Bifdobacteriales, family Bifidobacteriaceae, and genus Bifidobacterium were significantly abundant in the MI group, while the members of the phylum Bacteroidetes, class Bacteroidia, and order Bacteroidales were significantly enriched in the healthy controls (p < 0.05). Moreover, the functional analysis revealed a significant variation between both groups. For instance, the enrichment of genes involved in the metabolism pathways of three amino acids decreased, that is, nucleotide transport and metabolism, coenzyme transport and metabolism, and lipid transport and metabolism, among others. Our study will contribute to a better knowledge of the microbiota of blood, which will further lead to improved MI diagnosis and therapy. Further study is needed to determine the role of the blood microbiota in human health and disease.

Antimalarial Efficacy of Hydromethanolic Root Extract and Solvent Fractions of Urtica simensis Hochst. ex. A. Rich. (Urticaceae): An Experimental Study on Plasmodium berghei-Infected Mice

Background

Despite modern therapeutic armamentariums, malaria remains a 21st century public health menace. The issue of combating malaria is the ever-growing resistance to high-tech medications in which novel phytomedicines are highly demanding, a rapidly expanding research avenue. In Ethiopian folklore medicine, Urtica simensis has been used to treat malaria by drinking its juice after the dry roots have been mashed and combined with water. Hitherto, no in vivo study has been reported in the literature so far. To substantiate this folkloric claim, the present work herein was done.

Methods

An acute oral toxicity study was conducted as per the standard protocol. To rule out, the extract's inherent potential effects on bodyweight, basal body To, and PCV changes were tracked for two weeks. A four-day suppressive model and a curative assay model were utilized to investigate the antimalarial activity of the plant. Percent parasitemia suppression, packed cell volume, mean survival date, bodyweight, and rectal body temperature were used to determine antimalarial activity.

Result

An acute toxicity study reveals that Urtica simensis was atoxic at a dose of 2000 mg/kg. It also affirms that U. simensis is free from intrinsic potential effects of interfering with bodyweight, temperature, and packed cell volume evolution. Both crude extract and its solvent fractions at all test doses exerted significant (P < 0.001) inhibition of parasitemia as compared to the control group. CF400 mg/kg provided the greatest chemosuppressive effect (79.24%). In a curative experiment, crude extract and CF were able to prevent the cardinal indications of P. berghei-induced malaria, such as weight loss, hypothermia, parasitemia, and anemia. Both crude extracts and their solvent fractions prolong survival dates.

Conclusion

The antimalarial activity of the crude extract and its solvent fractions was promising, confirming previous assertions. As a result, more research studies into chemical entities may be required.

Therapeutic Effects and Safe Uses of Plant-Derived Polyphenolic Compounds in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Review

Polyphenols have long been recognized as health-promoting entities, including beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease, but their reputation has been boosted recently following a number of encouraging clinical studies in multiple chronic pathologies, that seem to validate efficacy. Health benefits of polyphenols have been linked to their well-established powerful antioxidant activity. This review aims to provide comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge on the current therapeutic status of polyphenols having sufficient heed towards the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, data about the safety profile of highly efficacious polyphenols has also been investigated to further enhance their role in cardiac abnormalities. Evidence is presented to support the action of phenolic derivatives against cardiovascular pathologies by following receptors and signaling pathways which ultimately cause changes in endogenous antioxidant, antiplatelet, vasodilatory, and anti-inflammatory activities. In addition, in vitro antioxidant and pre-clinical and clinical experiments on anti-inflammatory as well as immunomodulatory attributes of polyphenols have revealed their role as cardioprotective agents. However, an obvious shortage of in vivo studies related to dose selection and toxicity of polyphenols makes these compounds a suitable target for clinical investigations. Further studies are needed for the development of safe and potent herbal products against cardiovascular diseases. The novelty of this review is to provide comprehensive knowledge on polyphenols safety and their health claims. It will help researchers to identify those moieties which likely exert protective and therapeutic effects towards cardiovascular diseases.

Protective effect of Apelin-13 in a cyclophosphamide-induced cardiorenal toxicity model in rats

Cyclophosphamide is a chemotherapeutic drug that is widely used in the clinic and can cause multi-organ toxicity. Apelin-13 is an endogenous adipocytokine with antioxidant properties. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the possibility of apelin-13 being a potential therapeutic agent on cardiac toxicity and nephrotoxicity caused by cyclophosphamide. In this study, a total of 4 groups were formed, including 8 rats in each group. Group 1: The control group was administered only saline (ip). Group 2: Cyclophosphamide, a single dose of 200 mg/kg (ip) on day 7. Group 3: Apelin-13 (15 μg/kg), for 7 days (ip). Group 4: Administering apelin-13 (15 μg/kg) (ip) for 7 days and a single dose of cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg) (ip) on day 7, the rats were sacrificed on day 8. LDH, cTn1, cK-Mb, AST, ALT, ALP, MDA, creatinine, and BUN were found to be high in the cyclophosphamide group, however, these values were reduced with apelin-13 administration. Antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, GPx, CAT, and GSH decreased in the cyclophosphamide group, apelin-13 increased these enzyme activities. In addition, histopathological examinations also supported the results obtained. The findings of this study showed that apelin-13 has a protective effect against cardiorenal toxicity caused by cyclophosphamide.

Antinociceptive, Anti-Hyperalgesia and Antiallodynic Activities of Polyphenol Rich Extract from Shorea roxburghii against Cyclophosphamide Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Cyclophosphamide (CYP) is a widely used antineoplastic and immunosuppressive drug, however, despite its efficacy, it has shown extensive multiple organ toxicities, including peripheral neuropathy which significantly affects the quality of life of cancer patients. This study elucidated the protective properties of Shorea roxburghii polyphenol extract (SLPE) in CYP-induced peripheral neuropathy. Rats were treated with SLPE (100 and 400 mg/kg) for five weeks plus CYP once a week from the second week of SLPE treatment. Using UHPLC-QTOF-MS, 54 polyphenolic compounds were identified in SLPE extract. After the treatment period the antinociceptive, anti-hyperalgesia and antiallodynic effects was evaluated using formalin paw edema, acetic acid abdominal writhing, hot plate, tail immersion and von Frey filament tests. While the locomotive and motor coordination effects were evaluated by open field and rotarod tests. The administration of CYP led to significant increases in mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, in addition to hyper-nociceptive responses in the formalin and acetic acid writhing tests. CYP also significantly reduced locomotive activity and motor coordination. SLPE significantly protected against CYP-induced mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. Furthermore, SLPE displayed robust antinociceptive effect by counteracting formalin and acetic acid induced hyper-nociception. In addition, SLPE increased the locomotive activity as well as the grip and motor coordination of the CYP treated rats. In conclusion, these results revealed the protective effects of SLPE against CYP-induced peripheral neuropathy and could be an effective therapeutic remedy for chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy.

Hydromethanolic Crude Extract of the Leaf of Urtica simensis Hochst. ex. A. Rich. (Urticaceae) Acquires Appreciable Antiulcer Effect: Validation for In Vivo Antiulcer Activity

BACKGROUND

Urtica simensis has been used for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease in Ethiopian folkloric medicine by drinking its juice after boiling the semicrushed leaf. To our latest understanding, no in vivo study was available regarding its antiulcer activity. The present study was done to appraise the ulcer-protective and ulcer healing activity of hydromethanolic crude extract of leaf of U. simensis in rats.

METHODS

Preliminary qualitative phytochemical screening and oral acute toxicity were carried out using a standard protocol. To validate U. simensis in vivo antiulcer potential pyloric ligature, cold restraint stress and acetic acid-induced ulcer models were employed. The extracts (100, 200, and 400 mg per kg of body weight per day), standard treatment (omeprazole 20 mg/kg/day), and vehicle (distilled water 10 ml/kg/day) were given to treatment, positive, and negative controls by oral gavage, respectively. Parameters were then evaluated accordingly after the humane scarification of rats.

RESULTS

Any sign of toxicity was not observed in the oral acute toxicity test. The crude extracts exerted a significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of ulcer risk compared to the negative control. In the pylorus ligation-induced ulcer model, its antisecretory activity was in a dose-dependent manner. The highest gastroprotective effect (67.68%) was exhibited by the 400 mg/kg/day dose of 80% methanolic crude extract. Regarding the chronic ulcer model, treatment at a dosage of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day cures ulcers by 33.54%, 58.33%, and 67.07%, respectively, as compared to the negative control groups remarkably.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study confirmed the safety and a promising in vivo ulcer healing and antiulcerogenic activity of U. simensis, thus supporting the traditional claim. In-depth investigations on the plant, however, are highly recommended.