Negundoside, an iridiod glycoside from leaves of Vitex negundo, protects human liver cells against calcium-mediated toxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride

Vitex Genus as a Source of Antimicrobial Agents

Vitex L. is the largest genus of the Lamiaceae family, and most of its species are used in the traditional medicinal systems of different countries. A systematic review was conducted, according to the PRISMA methodology, to determine the potential of Vitex plants as sources of antimicrobial agents, resulting in 2610 scientific publications from which 141 articles were selected. Data analysis confirmed that Vitex species are used in traditional medicine for symptoms of possible infectious diseases. Conducted studies showed that these medicinal plants exhibited in vitro antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Vitex agnus-castus L. and Vitex negundo L. have been the most studied species, not only against bacterial strains but also against fungi such as Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans, viruses such as HIV-1, and parasites such as Plasmodium falciparum. Natural products like agnucastoside, negundol, negundoside, and vitegnoside have been identified in Vitex extracts and their antimicrobial activity against a wide range of microbial strains has been determined. Negundoside showed significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 12.5 µg/mL). Our results show that Vitex species are potential sources of new natural antimicrobial agents. However, further experimental studies need to be conducted.

Traditional Medicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, Biological Properties, and Health Applications of Vitex sp

The genus Vitex is also known as a chaste tree, in which it is a large shrub native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. A diverse range of species is distributed throughout Southern Europe, the Mediterranean, and Central Asia. The Vitex tree, including its leaves and fruits, has been used for herbal remedies in the form of pastes, decoctions, and dried fruits since ancient times. This article aimed to prepare a comprehensive review of traditional uses and secondary metabolites derived from Vitex sp., including the chemical compounds, biological activities, application of Vitex in human clinical trials, toxicology and safety, marketed products, and patents. The scientific findings were obtained using a number of search engines and databases, including Google Scholar, PMC, and ScienceDirect. Vitex species are well known in pharmacology to have medicinal values, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Previous studies reported that some species are proven to be effective in treating diseases, such as diabetes, and improving female health. A total of 161 compounds from different Vitex species are reported, covering the literature from 1982 to 2022. A chemical analysis report of various studies identified that Vitex exhibited a wide range of phytoconstituents, such as iridoid, diterpenoid, ecdysteroid, and flavonoid and phenolic compounds. Apart from that, the review will also discuss the application of Vitex in human clinical trials, toxicology and safety, marketed products, and patents of the genus. While the extracts of the genus have been made into many commercial products, including supplements and essential oils, most of them are made to be used by women to improve menstrual conditions and relieve premenstrual syndrome. Among the species, Vitex agnus-castus L. is the only one that has been reported to undergo clinical trials, mainly related to the use of the genus for the treatment of mastalgia, menstrual bleeding problems, amenorrhea, menorrhagia, luteal insufficiency, and premenstrual syndrome. Overall, the review addresses recent therapeutic breakthroughs and identifies research gaps that should be explored for prospective research work.

Vitex negundo protects against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in mouse via attenuating behavioral deficits and oxidative damage

Global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I-R) injury often results in an irreparable brain damage like behavioral impairment and neuronal death. This neurological complication involves diverse intricate pathological mechanisms like oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Recently, the therapeutic value of plant-based polyphenols has gained researcher's attention. The present study focused on the putative neuroprotective role of negundoside on behavioral and oxidative stress status in an experimental model of global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion-induced brain injury. Negundoside was isolated from the leaves of Vitex negundo Linn. by chromatography for investigating its possible neurobehavioral and neuropharmacological implications. Healthy Balb/C mice of either sex were subjected to 10 min of global cerebral ischemia (GCI) followed by 24-h reperfusion. Mice were pre-treated intraperitoneally with negundoside at varying doses (1, 3, 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg) 60 min before the induction of GCI. Mice were later subjected to a battery of behavioral tests for evaluating memory-related and motor abilities. Elevated plus maze (EPM) was used to determine the anxiety levels and short-term memory whereas motor abilities were evaluated by inclined beam-walking test, rotarod, and lateral push test. TBARS and reduced glutathione (GSH) content in brains were analyzed spectrophotometrically as oxidative stress markers. Behavioral study revealed enhanced anxiety-related responses and motor deficits in I-R injured mice. Additionally, GSH and TBARS levels were found to be altered following I-R-induced neuronal injury. Contrastingly, negundoside administration was able to alleviate the behavioral and biochemical alterations to the normal levels. Together, our findings provide preliminary evidence of neuroprotective role of negundoside against global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion-induced behavioral dysfunction and oxidative damage in mice brain.

Inhibitory activity of acteoside in melanoma via regulation of the ERβ-Ras/Raf1-STAT3 pathway

BACKGROUND

Melanoma is an aggressive cancer with a rapidly increasing incidence rate worldwide. Acteoside has been shown to have antitumor effects in multiple human cancers; however, the underlying function and mechanisms of acteoside in melanoma remain unclear.

PURPOSE

This study explored the inhibitory effect of acteoside on melanoma and the possible mechanisms.

METHODS

Acteoside (15 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg) was administered to mice daily for 21 days. ICI182,780 (0.5 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected 30 min before acteoside administration three times a week to evaluate whether the effects elicited by acteoside were mediated via the estrogen receptor. Tumor growth and metabolism, cardiac function, ROS and apoptosis levels in the spleen, serum inflammatory factors, and immune cells in the spleen were monitored. STAT3, p-STAT3, CD31, and survivin levels in tumor tissues were measured via immunofluorescence. Ras, Raf1, STAT3, p-STAT3, Bcl-2, Bax, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved caspase-9 levels in tumor tissues were determined via Western Blotting.

RESULTS

The results showed that acteoside inhibited melanoma growth, alleviated inflammation levels in mice, attenuated ROS and apoptosis levels in the spleen, downregulated the levels of CD31, survivin, Ras, Raf1, p-STAT3, and Bcl-2, and upregulated the levels of ERβ, Bax, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved caspase-9. Moreover, the effect of acteoside was blocked by ICI182,780.

CONCLUSION

Acteoside may promote the apoptosis of tumor cells by regulating the ERβ-Ras/Raf1-STAT3 signaling axis, thus inhibiting the occurrence and development of melanoma.

A Prospective Review on Phyto-pharmacological Aspects of Vitex negundo Linn

Background:

Vitex negundo Linn. commonly known as five leave chase tree is an ethnobotanically important drug in traditional system of medicine. The plant is widely distributed in India, China and other Asian and American countries.

Objective:

The review aims at presenting comprehensive information with respect to ethnopharmacological relevance and recent findings on phytochemical and biological activities of Vitex negundo.

Method:

Literature was collected from various sources such as pubmed, scopus, science direct, and others.

Results:

Extracts and secondary metabolites of this plant, particularly those from roots and leaves, possess useful pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antioxidant, antimicrobial, galactagogue, antigastric, antiflatulant, antiparasitic, analgesic, hepatoprotective and antihypertensive, some of which have been validated scientifically. All parts of the plant especially leave and roots contain a large number of bioactive phytoconstituents including flavonoids, iridoids, lignans, volatile oil, terpenes, coumarins, phenolic and steroidal compounds which impart multiple medicinal properties. Vitexin, isovitexin, viridifol, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and isochlorogenic acid are the main components.

Conclusion:

The review emphasizes the medicinal importance of Vitex negundo and its bioactive constituents in the traditional system of medicine.

Gant61 ameliorates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis by inhibition of Hedgehog signaling activity

As an intercellular signaling molecule, Hedgehog (Hh) plays a critical role in liver fibrosis/regeneration. Transcription effectors Gli1 and Gli2 are key components of the Hh signaling pathway. However, whether inhibition of Gli1/2 activity can affect liver fibrogenesis is largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effect of Gant61 (a Gli1/2 transcription factor inhibitor) on liver fibrosis and its possible mechanism. Wild-type and Shh-EGFP-Cre male mice were exposed to CCl₄, and then treated with or without Gant61 for four weeks. The level of liver injury/fibrosis and expression levels of mRNA and protein related to the Hh ligand/pathway were assessed. In our study, CCl₄ treatment induced liver injury/fibrosis and promoted activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In addition, CCl₄ induced the expression of Shh ligands in and around the fibrotic lesion, accompanied by induction of mRNA and protein expression of Hh components (Smo, Gli1 and Gli2). However, administration of Gant61 decreased liver fibrosis by reduction in HSC number, down-regulation of mRNA and protein expression of Hh components (Smo, Gli1 and Gli2), and cell-cycle arrest of HSCs. Our data highlight the importance of the Shh pathway for the development of liver fibrosis, and also suggest Glis as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

Antioxidant and cytoprotective properties of loganic acid isolated from seeds of Strychnos potatorum L. against heavy metal induced toxicity in PBMC model

Present work carried out with the objectives to isolate active component of S. potatorum and also to evaluate its free radical scavenging activity and preventing capacity against heavy metal toxicity. Solvents of different polarity were used to prepare crude extracts of S. potatorum seeds and screened for antioxidant activity. Among the crude extracts, methanolic extract was found to exhibit higher antioxidant activity (81.22%) which was fractionated by liquid-liquid partitioning method. Among the different fractions (LF1-LF4), LF-2 showed higher antioxidant activity (98.24%) as compared to other three liquid fractions and hence LF-2 was further purified by column chromatography. Among nine column fractions (CF1-CF9), fraction CF-7 was found to have higher antioxidant activity (92.14%), which was further analyzed using LC-MS and NMR and identified as loganic acid. In vitro radical scavenging assays showed remarkable antioxidant activity of loganic acid in terms of DPPH scavenging (IC₅₀ 149 µg/ml), superoxide radical scavenging (IC₅₀ 632.43 µg/ml) and hydroxyl radical scavenging (IC₅₀ 29.78 µg/ml). Loganic acid exhibited 81% prevention of heavy metal toxicity through the mechanism of inhibiting ROS generation (2046 AU vs. 5264 AU in control) and lipid peroxidation (95.01%). Thus, the active compound (loganic acid) isolated from S. potatorum has strong free radical scavenging activity and remarkable cyto-protective effect against heavy metal mediated toxicity.

NMR-Based Metabolomics Profiling for Radical Scavenging and Anti-Aging Properties of Selected Herbs

Herbs that are usually recognized as medicinal plants are well known for their therapeutic effects and are traditionally used to treat numerous diseases, including aging. This study aimed to evaluate the metabolite variations among six selected herbs namely Curcurma longa, Oenanthe javanica, Vitex negundo, Pluchea indica, Cosmos caudatus and Persicaria minus using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) coupled with multivariate data analysis (MVDA). The free radical scavenging activity of the extract was measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azinobis(3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. The anti-aging property was characterized by anti-elastase and anti-collagenase inhibitory activities. The results revealed that P. minus showed the highest radical scavenging activities and anti-aging properties. The partial least squares (PLS) biplot indicated the presence of potent metabolites in P. minus such as quercetin, quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside (quercitrin), myricetin derivatives, catechin, isorhamnetin, astragalin and apigenin. It can be concluded that P. minus can be considered as a potential source for an anti-aging ingredient and also a good free radical eradicator. Therefore, P. minus could be used in future development in anti-aging researches and medicinal ingredient preparations.

A Review on the Terpenes from Genus Vitex

The genus Vitex, which belongs to the Verbenaceae family, includes approximately 250 species. Some species of the genus Vitex have traditionally been used for the treatment of headaches, ophthalmodynia, coughs, asthma, premenopausal syndrome, etc. Chemical investigations indicate that the characteristic constituents of the genus Vitex are terpenes, and 210 of these compounds, including monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids and triterpenoids, have been obtained from 12 species. Pharmacological studies had shown that these terpenes possess anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antibacterial, antioxidant activities, and so on. In this paper, the identity of these terpenes and their pharmacological effects are reviewed, which can provide references for further research regarding the chemistry and utilization of the Vitex species.

Acteoside-mediates chemoprevention of experimental liver carcinogenesis through STAT-3 regulated oxidative stress and apoptosis

In the absence of an effective therapy against Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), chemoprevention remains an important strategy to circumvent morbidity and mortality. Here, we examined chemopreventive potential of Acteoside (ACT), a plant derived phenylethanoid glycoside against an environmental and dietary carcinogen, diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced rat hepatocarcinogenesis. ACT treatment (0.1 and 0.3% supplemented with diet) started 2 weeks before DEN challenge and continued for 18 weeks thereafter, showed a remarkable chemopreventive activity. ACT treatment resulted in reduced HCC nodules. Histopathology showed progressive tissue damage, necrosis (5 weeks), hepatocytic injury (10 weeks), anisonucleosis with presence of prominent nucleoli, sinusidal dilations, and lymphomono nuclear inflammation (18 weeks). Biochemical analysis showed hepatocytic injury (raised ALT, p < 0.001), inflammation [IL-6, IFN-γ (p < 0.05), and TNF-α (p < 0.001)], apoptosis [elevated Caspase-3 (p < 0.001)]. ACT at 0.1 and 0.3% ameliorated DEN-induced pre-hepatocarcinogenic manifestations. Mechanistic studies of ACT chemoprevention was elucidated using Hep3B cells with an aim to develop an in vitro DEN-induced toxicity model. Hep3B was found to be a reliable and more sensitive towards DEN toxicity compared to HepG2 and HuH7 cells. ACT prevented DEN-induced cytotoxicity (p < 0.001), DNA damage, and genotoxicity (micronuclei test, DNA ladder test, Hoechst staining, cell cycle analysis). ACT significantly (p < 0.001) scavenged DEN-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and prevented mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) loss. Immunoblotting showed ACT treatment reversed DEN-induced NF-κB, Bax, Cytochrome C, Bcl-2, and Stat-3 levels. We conclude that chemoprotective effect of ACT is mediated by STAT-3 dependent regulation of oxidative stress and apoptosis and ACT has potential to be developed as a chemopreventive agent. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 782-798, 2016.

Isolation, cytotoxic evaluation, and simultaneous quantification of eight bioactive secondary metabolites from Cicer microphyllum by high-performance thin-layer chromatography

Chemical investigation of Cicer microphyllum resulted in the isolation and characterization of eight natural products viz. Stigmasterol, Oleanolic acid-3-acetate, Oleanolic acid, Biochanin A, Genistein, Pratensein, Chrysoeriol, and Luteolin. Herein, we report a novel, accurate, and cost-effective high-performance thin-layer chromatography method for the simultaneous quantification of the isolated natural products on silica-gel 60F254 plates using the solvent system n-hexane/ethyl acetate/formic acid (9.0:6.5:0.8, v/v/v). Natural products were quantified after postchromatographic derivatization with ceric ammonium sulfate. The method was validated as per the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. All calibration curves showed a good linear relationship (r > 0.9943) within the test range. Precision was assessed by intra- and interday tests with relative standard deviations <1.82%, accuracy validation recovery 98.38-99.57% with relative standard deviations <1.00%. On quantification, Pratensein was a major constituent (0.921%). The screening for cytotoxic activity using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay resulted into identification of Luteolin as potent molecule with IC50 3.5 and 25.6 μg/mL against murine melanoma and human epidermoid carcinoma cell lines, respectively.

Vitex agnus-castus L. (Verbenaceae) Improves the Liver Lipid Metabolism and Redox State of Ovariectomized Rats

Vitex agnus-castus (VAC) is a plant that has recently been used to treat the symptoms of menopause, by its actions on the central nervous system. However, little is known about its actions on disturbances in lipid metabolism and nonalcoholic fat liver disease (NAFLD), frequently associated with menopause. Ovariectomized (OVX) rats exhibit increased adiposity and NAFLD 13 weeks after ovary removal and were used as animal models of estrogen deficiency. The rats were treated with crude extract (CE) and a butanolic fraction of VAC (ButF) and displayed the beneficial effects of a reduction in the adiposity index and a complete reversion of NAFLD. NAFLD reversion was accompanied by a general improvement in the liver redox status. The activities of some antioxidant enzymes were restored and the mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide production was significantly reduced in animals treated with CE and the ButF. It can be concluded that the CE and ButF from Vitex agnus-castus were effective in preventing NAFLD and oxidative stress, which are frequent causes of abnormal liver functions in the postmenopausal period.

PASS-predicted Vitex negundo activity: antioxidant and antiproliferative properties on human hepatoma cells--an in vitro study

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a common type of tumour worldwide with a high mortality rate and with low response to current cytotoxic and chemotherapeutic drugs. The prediction of activity spectra for the substances (PASS) software, which predicted that more than 300 pharmacological effects, biological and biochemical mechanisms based on the structural formula of the substance was efficiently used in this study to reveal new multitalented actions for Vitex negundo (VN) constituents.

Methods

Experimental studies based on antioxidant and antiproliferative assays verified the predictions obtained by the PASS-predicted design strategy. Antioxidant activity of VN extract was studied using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric reducing or antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The antiproliferative activity of VN extract against WRL68 and HepG2 was investigated based on methylthiazol tetrazolium (MTT) spectrophotometric assay.

Results

VN extract showed 79.43% inhibition of DPPH stable radical with IC₅₀ 13.31 ± 0.18 μg/ml. This inhibition was too closed to butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT) 82.53% (IC₅₀13.8 ± 0.14) and gallic acid 89.51% (IC₅₀ 3.1 ± 0.08). VN extract exhibited the strongest free radical scavenging power compared with two commercial antioxidants, BHT and ascorbic acid. VN increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes in normal embryonic liver cells (WRL68) including, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) compared with to H₂O₂ group. The ethanolic extract of VN showed cytotoxicity to HepG2 cells in a dose and time-dependent manner with IC₅₀ 66.46 μg/ml, 57.36 μg/ml and 65.12 μg/ml at 24, 48, and 72-hours incubation respectively, with no sensitivity in WRL68 cells. This was associated with significant elevation in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release in HepG2 cells. In addition, the activation of caspase-3 enzyme suggesting that the observed cytotoxicity was mediated via an intrinsic apoptosis pathway.

Conclusions

PASS-predicted plant activity could efficiently help in selecting a promising pharmaceutical leads with high accuracy and required antioxidant and antiproliferative properties. This is the first report on PASS-predicted VN activity.

Hepatoprotective Role of Ethanolic Extract of Vitex negundo in Thioacetamide-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Male Rats

The hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic extract from the leaves of Vitex negundo (VN) was conducted against thioacetamide- (TAA-) induced hepatic injury in Sprague Dawley rats. The therapeutic effect of the extract was investigated on adult male rats. Rats were divided into seven groups: control, TAA, Silymarin (SY), and VN high dose and low dose groups. Rats were administered with VN extract at two different doses, 100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg body weight. After 12 weeks, the rats administered with VN showed a significantly lower liver to body weight ratio. Their abnormal levels of biochemical parameters and liver malondialdehyde were restored closer to the normal levels and were comparable to the levels in animals treated with the standard drug, SY. Gross necropsy and histopathological examination further confirmed the results. Progression of liver fibrosis induced by TAA in rats was intervened by VN extract administration, and these effects were similar to those administered with SY. This is the first report on hepatoprotective effect of VN against TAA-induced liver fibrosis.

Ethnobotanical survey of Purulia district, West Bengal, India for medicinal plants used against gastrointestinal disorders

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in the remote hills, forests and rural areas of Purulia, one of the tribal rich districts of the West Bengal state of eastern India. Purulia is a part of the biogeographic zone Deccan Peninsula Chhotonagpur. The authors have reported the use of medicinal plants by nine tribes of the district against various gastrointestinal disorders.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Semi structured questionnaire was used during the interview with the informants having traditional botanical knowledge. Bhumijs, Birhor, Gond, Ho, Kharia, Mal Pahariya, Mundas, Oraon and Santhali represent the various aboriginal groups present in the district. The use of medicinal plants were documented using an interview data sheet mentioning the names, age, profession and gender of the informants and scientific and vernacular names, families, part(s) used, disease(s) treated, method of preparation, mode of administration of the botanicals and the preparations.

RESULTS

A total number of 56 plants belonging to 29 families have been reported to be used against different types of gastrointestinal disorders viz. indigestion, stomach pain, vomiting tendency, constipation, piles, diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, loss of appetite, liver complaints, intestinal worms etc. Fabaceae and Apocynaceae were found to be the dominant families of medicinal plants used to treat such ailments.

CONCLUSION

Age, gender, literacy and profession of the aboriginals were found to be the significant factors when the traditional knowledge of medicinal botanicals was concerned. Due to urbanization and loss of biodiversity, the authors have noted a significant decrease in the ethnic knowledge as well as the botanicals. Preservation of folklore should be given utmost importance in this region to prevent the rapid loss of ethnobotanical wealth.

The treatment of jaundice with medicinal plants in indigenous communities of the Sub-Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Inspite of tremendous advances made in allopathic medical practices, herbs still play an important role in the management of various liver diseases. A large number of plants and formulations have been claimed to have hepatoprotective activity. Jaundice is a symptom, indicative of the malfunctioning of the liver. This paper provides ethnomedicinal information on the plants used to treat jaundice by three important indigenous communities, i.e., nomadic Gujjars, Tharu and Bhoxa of Sub-Himalayan region, Uttarakhand, India.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

To record herbal preparations used by the studied indigenous communities in treatment of jaundice and discuss hepatoprotective properties of the recorded plants.

RESEARCH STRATEGY AND METHODS

The traditional knowledge of the studied indigenous communities on herbal preparations used for treating jaundice was collected through structured questionnaire and personal interviews. The interviews were conducted with 91 traditional healers (29 Bhoxa, 35 Tharu and 27 nomadic Gujjars) in Sub-Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India. More than 250 research papers reporting ethnomedicinal information on the hepatoprotective plants used by various communities from different parts of India were extensively reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 40 medicinal plants belonging to 31 families and 38 genera were recorded to be used by the studied communities in 45 formulations as a remedy of jaundice. Bhoxa, nomadic Gujjars and Tharu communities used 15, 23 and 9 plants, respectively. To our knowledge eight plants reported in the present survey viz., Amaranthus spinosus L., Cissampelos pareira L., Ehretia laevis Roxb., Holarrhena pubescens Wall., Ocimum americanum L., Physalis divaricata D. Don, Solanum incanum L. and Trichosanthes cucumerina L. have not been reported earlier as remedy of jaundice in India. Literature review revealed that a total of 214 (belonging to 181 genus and 78 families), 19 (belonging to 18 genus and 12 families) and 14 (belonging to 14 genus and 11 families) plant species are used as internal, external and magico-religious remedies for jaundice, respectively by various communities in different parts of India. Most widely used hepatoprotective plant species for treatment of jaundice in India is Boerhavia diffusa L. followed by Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers, Saccharum officinarum L., Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Thonn., Ricinus communis L., Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees., Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz, Lawsonia inermis L. and Eclipta prostrata (L.) L.

CONCLUSIONS

The plants recorded in the present survey have also been discussed in relation to pharmacological studies and hepatoprotective phytoconstituents present in them. Most of the recorded plants have shown hepatoprotective effects on experimental animals in earlier studies but more studies are needed to assess hepatoprotective properties of some recorded medicinal plants viz., Averrhoa carambola L., Ehretia laevis Roxb., Holarrhena pubescens Wall., Mangifera indica L., Ocimum americanum L., Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz, Physalis divaricata D. Don, Solanum incanum L., Sphaeranthus senegalensis DC. and Tribulus terrestris L.. The plants enumerated in this study with high number of citations and wider distributions have given some useful leads for further biomedical research. Nevertheless more phytochemical, pharmaceutical and clinical studies are needed to evaluate hepatoprotective properties, efficacy and safety of all the claimed medicinal plants.

Glycyrrhizic acid (GA), a triterpenoid saponin glycoside alleviates ultraviolet-B irradiation-induced photoaging in human dermal fibroblasts

Glycyrrhizic acid (GA), a triterpenoid saponin glycoside from the roots and rhizomes of licorice is used in traditional and modern medicine for the treatment of numerous medical conditions including skin diseases and beauty care product. In the present study, we investigated the effect of GA against ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation-induced photoaging in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and its possible mechanism of action. HDFs were subjected to photoaging by sub-toxic dose of UVB (10 mj/cm(2)) irradiation. Cell viability, matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1), pro-collagen 1, cellular and nuclear morphology, cell cycle, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), caspase 3 and hyaluronidase inhibition assays were performed. Western blotting was used to evaluate the expression of NF-kappa B (NF-κB) and cytochrome-C proteins. GA treatment significantly inhibited photoaging. It achieved this by reducing ROS, NF-κB, cytochrome c, caspase 3 levels and inhibiting hyaluronidase enzyme. The main mechanism seems to be, most likely by blocking MMP1 activation by modulating NF-κB signaling. These findings may be useful for development of natural and safe photoprotective agents against UVB irradiation.

Effect of iridoid glucoside on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats and its role in regulating carbohydrate metabolic enzymes

Vitex negundo is a medicinal plant used to treat many ailments. An active compound of iridoid glucoside was isolated from V. negundo leaves and its efficacy was investigated in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats with special reference to carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes. The optimum dose of iridoid glucoside was determined by oral glucose tolerance test. The effects of iridoid glucoside were compared with glibenclamide Administration of iridoid glucoside (50mg/kg body weight) to diabetic rats for 30 days resulted in significant reduction in the levels of plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and increase in the levels of insulin and hemoglobin. Administration of iridoid glucoside showed a significant increase in the levels of glycolytic enzymes and glycogen content and decrease in the levels of gluconeogenic enzymes in the liver of diabetic treated rats. Further, iridoid glucoside showed antihyperlipidemic activity as evidenced by significant reduction in serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein coupled together with elevation of high density lipoprotein in diabetic rats. A significant decrease was observed in the activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and decrease in the levels of serum urea and creatinine in diabetic treated rats when compared to diabetic untreated rats. Treatment of iridoid glucoside alleviated body weight loss in diabetic rats. The effect produced by iridoid glucoside on various parameters was comparable to that of glibenclamide. These results indicate that iridoid glucoside possess antihyperlipidemic effect in addition to its antidiabetic effect.

Hepatoprotection in a rat model of acute liver damage through inhibition of CY2E1 activity by total alkaloids extracted from Rubus alceifolius Poir

We aimed to examine the effect of an alkaloid extract of the roots of Rubus alceifolius Poir on liver damage and cytochrome enzymes, and underlying mechanism. Hepatotoxicity was induced in rats by treatment with carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)). Rats were then treated with the hepatoprotective drug bifendate, or with low, medium, and high doses of an alkaloid extract from the roots of R alceifolius Poir. Both bifendate and alkaloid treatment decreased the increase in liver enzymes and cell damage caused by CCl(4). Carbon tetrachloride treatment alone caused a decrease in total cytochrome P450 content, an increase in CYP2E1 and CYP3A1 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels, and an increase in CYP2E1 and a decrease in CYP3A1 enzymatic activity. Alkaloid treatment brought these concentrations and activities back toward normal. In summary, these results suggest that alkaloids from R alceifolius Poir may act to protect the liver through decreasing CYP2E1 enzymatic activity through decreasing its mRNA.