Biological Importance and Therapeutic Potential of Calycopterin From Dracocephalum kotschyi: An Overview of Current Scientific Research Work

BACKGROUND

Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss is an important medicinal plant of Asia, Europe and Iran. The therapeutic potential of Dracocephalum kotschyi has been mentioned in traditional as well as in modern medicine, mainly due to its therapeutic effectiveness against different types of human disorders and associated secondary complications. Calycopterin is a flavonoid class phytochemical commonly called 5,4-dihydroxy-3,6,7,8- tetramethoxyflavone, which has been isolated from Dracocephalum kotschyi. It is widely used for the treatment of human disorders and associated secondary complications.

METHODS

Medicinal importance and therapeutic potential of calycopterin was investigated in the present work through scientific data analysis of different research works. Scientific data on calycopterin published in different research articles were collected from PubMed, Google, Google Scholar, Science Direct, SpringerLink, and Scopus and analyzed in the present work. Further, scientific data was collected from books and book chapters. Analytical data on calycopterin was also collected and analyzed in the present work.

RESULTS

Scientific data analysis of different research work revealed the biological importance and therapeutic potential of calycopterin. Calycopterin showed therapeutic effectiveness against different types of cancerous disorders, including human prostate cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, lymphocyte proliferation and hepatoblastoma cancer. Moreover, the biological effectiveness of calycopterin on neuroprotection and Pseudomonas aeruginosa has also been discussed in the present work with their pharmacokinetic parameters. Nevertheless, more scientific investigations must be conducted to explore the healthbeneficial aspects of calycopterin in medicine.

CONCLUSION

Present work signified the biological importance and therapeutic potential of calycopterin for the treatment of human disorders and complications, including different types of cancerous disorders.

in the patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome

Background and purpose

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disease that shows its impacts on many populations worldwide. It is known as a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract followed by diarrhea and fecal inconsistency. Due to the lack of treatment in the allopathic medicine system for IBS, people in the western world use different herbs as alternative medicine. In the present study, we evaluated the dried extract of Dracocephalum kotschyi against IBS.

Experimental approach

In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 76 diarrhea-predominant IBS patients were randomly assigned to two equal groups: the control group (given the placebo capsule containing 250 mg of dibasic calcium phosphate) and the treatment groups (given the capsule containing 75 mg of the dry extract of D. kotschyi and 175 mg of dibasic calcium phosphate as filler). The study was conducted based on Rome III criteria. We studied symptoms included in Rome III criteria and divided the study into the duration of drug administration and four weeks after drug administration. These groups were compared with those of the control group.

Findings/Results

Significant improvements were found in the quality of life, temperament, and IBS symptoms throughout the treatment duration. Quality of life, temperature, and IBS symptoms were slightly decreased in the treatment group 4 weeks after stopping the treatment. While concluding the study, we found D. kotschyi effective against IBS.

Conclusion and implications

Whole extract of D. kotschyi modulated symptoms of IBS patients and improved their quality of life.

Chitosan stimulates secondary metabolite production and nutrient uptake in medicinal plant Dracocephalum kotschyi

BACKGROUND

A wide variety of secondary metabolites are synthesized from primary metabolites by plants which have a vast range in pharmaceutical, food additive and industrial applications. In recent years, the use of elicitors has opened a novel approach for the production of secondary metabolite compounds. Dracocephalum kotschyi is a valuable herb due to pharmaceutical compounds like rosmarinic acid, quercetin and apigenin. In the current study, foliar application of chitosan (0, 100, 400 mg L-1 ) as an elicitor was used.

RESULTS

After chitosan treatment, the amounts of hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) increased and the plant was able to increase the activities of enzymatic (guaiacol peroxidase, catalase and phenylalanine ammonium lyase) and non-enzymatic (total phenols and flavonoids) defensive metabolites. Also, foliar spray of chitosan promoted nutrient absorption which led to the accumulation of macroelements in the plant.

CONCLUSIONS

Chitosan was found to be a very effective elicitor for improving rosmarinic acid and quercetin content (up to 13-fold). Also, the content of apigenin (anticancer flavonoid) showed 16-fold enhancement compared to the control. Therefore, the treatment of D. kotschyi leaves with chitosan caused a very large increase in the induction and production of important pharmaceutical compounds such as rosmarinic acid and quercetin. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Evaluation of the effect of hydroalcoholic and flavonoid-enriched extracts of Dracocephalum kotschyi on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats

Background and purpose:

Dracocephalum kotschyi (Zaringiah) is a fragrant wild medicinal plant found in Iran. Traditionally, it is used for the treatment of rheumatism, asthma, and gastrointestinal ailments. So far no investigation has been done on the beneficial or side effects of D. kotschyi on peptic ulcer. Therefore, this research was performed to find out whether D. kotschyi extract would induce peptic ulcer or could alleviate existing peptic ulcer.

Experimental approach:

Effect of hydroalcoholic (DKHE) and flavonoid extracts (DKFE) of D. kotschyi were determined in normal or indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer rats (n = 6) and compared with the vehicle and ranitidine treated controls. All the treatments were carried out orally and 24 h later the stomach mucus was visually examined for peptic ulcers. A section of the stomach was taken for microscopic histopathological examinations while another section of the stomach was used for measurement of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) activities.

Findings/Results:

Oral administration of the DKHE and DKFE alone, did not cause any sign of gastric ulcer induction. The D. kotschyi extracts not only didn’t aggravate the induced ulcer but also significantly prevented the severity of gastric ulcer induction by indomethacin. In addition, DKHE and DKFE inhibited MPO (up to 58.2%) and MDA (up to 44.2%) activities indicating their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential action on the stomach-induced ulcer.

Conclusion and implication:

Usage of D. kotschyi extracts is not associated with gastric ulcer induction and its co-administration with NSAIDs would be beneficial for controlling both the inflammation and preventing gastric ulcer in diseases such as rheumatism.

Biological and Catalytic Activities of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles from the Leaf Infusion of Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss

The discovery and development of active compounds to eliminate drug resistance and side effects is a crucial process. In this study, the leaf infusion of Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss as a novel green alternative is used to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Drac-AgNPs). Antibacterial, cytotoxicity effects, hemocompatibility, and the catalytic properties of these nanoparticles are evaluated. The synthesis of Drac-AgNPs is confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, where Drac-AgNPs are spherical, with a size range of 5-63 nm. Their IC50 values against H1299 and MCF-7 cell lines are above 50 and 100 μg mL-1, respectively. Drac-AgNPs are effective against an inclusive range of the gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, that is, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and a low hemolytic effect makes them an exceptional AgNP with a great hemocompatibility. They show a moderate catalytic-effect in terms of removing methylene blue, with 67% degradation. Altogether, Drac-AgNP, as a multi-tasker material, shows potential for the prevention and treatment of infections and photothermal/chemotherapy of cancers.

In vitro and in vivo Anti-Toxoplasma activity of Dracocephalum kotschyi essential oil

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite of worldwide importance, responsible for toxoplasmosis in homeotherms. Although treatment options are readily available, most drugs often cause serious side effects. Extracts of Dracocephalum kotschyi (D. kotschyi) have shown significant pharmacological activity against various parasites, viruses, and bacteria. In this study, we evaluated the anti-T. gondii activity in vitro and in vivo of D. kotschyi essential oil. The thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method was used to assess the anti-T. gondii activity and cytotoxicity of the essential oil. The presence of T. gondii was observed by Giemsa staining, and the viability was evaluated by the trypan blue staining method. Furthermore, the survival rate of acutely infected mice was evaluated by intraperitoneal injecting of the essential oil (50, 100, and 200 mg kg-1 day-1) for five days after infection with 2 × 104 tachyzoites. Essential oil, negative, and positive controls that showed the best toxoplasmacidal activity were assayed in triplicate at each concentration. The essential oil exhibited the highest anti-Toxoplasma activity with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 9.94 ± 0.38 µg, with a selectivity index of 2.463. On Vero cells, the CC50 of the oil was 24.49 ± 0.96 µg and exhibited a significant anti-Toxoplasma activity. Moreover, the treatment by essential oil significantly increased the survival rate compared to untreated infected control. In conclusion, the essential oil might be a useful compound, and with more testing, it may be an excellent alternative to standard chemical drugs in the treatment of toxoplasmosis.

Melatonin and calcium modulate the production of rosmarinic acid, luteolin, and apigenin in Dracocephalum kotschyi under salinity stress

Melatonin (Mel) and calcium (Ca2+) have a regulatory role in the induction of specialized metabolites production and defensive responses against stresses. Therefore, in this study, the effects of Mel and Ca2+ and the possible relationship between them in the increase of the production of phenolic compounds in Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. under both control and salinity stress conditions were investigated. The results showed that 75 mM NaCl reduced shoot dry biomass but elevated H2O2 content, electrolyte leakage (EL) level, total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC), and DPPH scavenging capacity. Salinity stress also upregulated gene expression of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and rosmarinic acid synthase (RAS), as well as the activities of PAL and tyrosine ammonia-lyase (TAL) enzymes. Pre-treatment of the plants with CaCl2 and Mel affected these attributes in a dose-dependent manner. Application of 5 mM Ca2+ and 100 μM Mel improved shoot dry biomass and reduced the level of EL and H2O2 content but enhanced TPC and TFC, DPPH scavenging capacity, PAL and TAL activities, PAL and RAS transcripts, and content of rosmarinic acid (RA), luteolin flavone (LF) and apigenin flavone (AF) under salinity stress. Pre-treatment of D. kotschyi with lanthanum chloride (LaCl3) as a plasma membrane channel blocker, ethylene glycol tetra-acetic acid (EGTA) as a Ca2+ chelator and trifluoperazine (TFP) as a calmodulin (CaM) antagonist, impaired Mel effects on the above attributes under salinity stress. In contrast, pre-treatment with p-chlorophenylalanine (p-CPA), as an inhibitor of Mel biosynthesis, did not impair the impacts of Ca2+ on the production of phenolic compounds in salt-exposed plants. These results suggested that the effect of Mel on the induction of phenolic compounds production requires the influx of extracellular Ca2+ into the cells and is dependent on Ca2+/CaM signaling.

Crosstalk between melatonin and Ca2+/CaM evokes systemic salt tolerance in Dracocephalum kotschyi

In this study, the role of calcium/calmodulin (Ca²⁺/CaM) and melatonin (Mel) as two signal molecules in inducing systemic salt tolerance of Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. was investigated. Salinity stress (100 mM NaCl) reduced plant growth and induced ionic, osmotic, and oxidative damages in D. kotschyi leaves. Detection of cytosolic free Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_cyt) by the Fura-2 method and the measurement of endogenous Mel by GC-MS demonstrated that salinity induced Ca²⁺ burst and increased endogenous Mel content in D. kotschyi leaves. Root pretreatment with 5 mM Ca²⁺ or 100 μM Mel recovered plant growth, reduced leaf electrolytic leakage, H₂O_2, and MDA contents and improved membrane integrity not only at the application site (roots), but also at the untreated distal parts (leaves) under salt stress. Rhizospheric treatment with Mel and Ca²⁺ triggered systemic tolerance in D. kotschyi, as judged from improving RWC, increasing proline content, modulating Na⁺, K⁺, and Ca²⁺ homeostasis, and enhancing the activities of SOD, CAT, APX, and POD in the leaves of salt-stressed plants. Mel augmented [Ca²⁺]_cyt, but the rhizospheric application of Ca²⁺ antagonists impaired the latter responses. Furthermore, root pretreatment with Ca²⁺ increased Mel content, but the application of p-chlorophenylalanine (as an inhibitor of Mel biosynthesis) decreased the above attributes in the leaves of Ca²⁺-treated plants, leading to an arrest in the Ca²⁺-induced systemic salt tolerance. These novel results suggest that interaction of Ca²⁺/CaM and Mel is involved in overcoming salt-induced ionic, osmotic, and oxidative damages and Ca²⁺ and Mel may act as long-distance signals for inducing systemic salt tolerance in D. kotschyi.

Iron oxide nanoparticles: a novel elicitor to enhance anticancer flavonoid production and gene expression in Dracocephalum kotschyi hairy-root cultures

BACKGROUND

Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. is a valuable source of rosmarinic acid (RA) and methoxylated hydroxyflavones (such as xanthomicrol and cirsimaritin) with antioxidative and antiplatelet effects and with antiproliferative potential against various cancer cells. The extensive application of nanotechnology in hairy root cultures is a new sustainable production platform for producing these active constituents. In the present study, hairy roots derived from 4-week-old leaves and Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain ATCC15834 were used to investigate the impact of various concentrations of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe NPs) in two elicitation time exposures (24 and 48 h) on growth, antioxidant enzyme activity, total phenolic and flavonoid content (TPC and TFC), and some polyphenols. Gene expression levels of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (pal) and rosmarinic acid synthase (ras) were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Iron nanoparticles enhanced biomass accumulation in hairy roots. The treatment time and Fe NP dosage largely improved the activity of antioxidant enzymes, TPC and TFC. The highest RA (1194 μg g^-1 FW) content (9.7-fold), compared to controls, was detected with 24 h of exposure to 75 mg L^-1 Fe NP, which was consistent with the expression of pal and ras genes under the influence of elicitation. The xanthomicrol, cirsimaritin, and isokaempferide content was increased 11.87, 3.85, and 2.27-fold, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Stimulation of D. kotschyi hairy roots by Fe NPs led to a significant increase in the induction and production of important pharmaceutical compounds such as rosmarinic acid and xanthomicrol. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Investigation of Dracocephalum kotschyi Plant Extract on the Effective Inflammatory Transcription Factors and Mediators in Activated Macrophages

BACKGROUND

Dracocephalum kotschyi is traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory effects. We aimed to investigate the effects of ethyl acetate extract of D. kotschyi on the expression of key inflammatory mediators and main signaling molecules involved in the regulation of inflammation.

METHODS

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated J774.1 mouse macrophages were cultured in the presence of the plant extract and examined by the real time-PCR for gene expressions of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. Cytokine levels and phosphorylated forms of stressactivated protein kinases/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK), signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3, p38, IκB-α and nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65 were determined using ELISA.

RESULTS

The extract significantly reduced the expression of key mediators of inflammation. iNOS expression level decreased from 138±8.5 fold in LPS-only treated cells to 6.5±2.6 fold after treatment with 25 µg/ml of the extract (p<0.001). Similarly, COX-2 expression decreased from 632 ±98.8 fold in control to 124 ±24.6 fold (p<0.01). Treatment of cells with the extract significantly reduced IL-1β and TNF-α cytokines at both gene and protein expression levels. The extract at 25 µg/ml caused significant decreases in phospho- SAPK/JNK and phospho-STAT3 levels in macrophages (p<0.01). Proteins of phospho-p38, NFκB-p65 and phospho-NF-κB p65 had a reduced level in treated cells (p<0.05). No significant change in phospho-IκB level was observed.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that D. kotschyi with inhibition of NF-κB, SAPK/JNK, STAT-3 and p-38 might have reduced the expression levels of key inflammatory mediators and thus possibly have potential beneficial impact on inflammatory diseases.

Biological applications of phytosynthesized gold nanoparticles using leaf extract of Dracocephalum kotschyi

In this work, biosynthesis potentials of Dracocephalum kotschyi leaf extract for the production of gold nanoparticle (AuNPs) were studied, and the biological (catalytic, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer) activities of studied AuNPs were evaluated. Different analytical techniques including UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used for the characterization of AuNPs. Moreover, Different testing methods were used for evaluating biological activities of biosynthesized AuNPs. The formation of AuNPs was confirmed by color change and UV-visible spectroscopic analysis. Field emission (FE)-SEM and TEM images were used to characterize phytosynthesized AuNPs which were predominantly spherical in shape with size in the range of 5-21 nm. These spherical NPs were found to be 39.79 ± 5 nm in size as determined by dynamic light scattering particle size analyzer. XRD pattern confirms the crystalline nature of the biosynthesized nanoparticles. The phytoconstituents involved in the reduction and stabilization of nanoparticles have been identified using FTIR spectra. The phytosynthesized AuNPs showed effective antioxidant, antibacterial and catalytic reduction activities. Furthermore, they have inhibited H1229 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. These results have supported that D. kotschyi leaf extract was very efficient for the synthesis of AuNPs, and synthesized NPs showed enhanced biological activities which make them suitable for biomedical applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 621-630, 2019.

Hypolipidemic activity of Dracocephalum kotschyi involves FOXO1 mediated modulation of PPARγ expression in adipocytes

BACKGROUND

Dracocephalum kotschyi, as a wild-growing flowering plant (from Lamiaceae family), is locally prescribed for its various health-promoting properties including hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects. To evaluate the scientific basis of the traditional use of Dracocephalum kotschyi extract (DKE), we aimed to disclose its mode of action with main focus on white adipose tissue of diabetic rats.

METHODS

Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were exposed to different doses of DKE for 28 days followed by the determination of the sera biochemical factors. The oxidative stress status of the diabetic versus nondiabetic rats' adipose tissue under the influence of DKE were also evaluated in terms of malondialdehyde (MDA) and some of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, SOD, and catalase). Furthermore, we exposed 3T3-L1 cells to DKE and then evaluated both the extent of cells differentiation to adipocytes and measured the expression levels of some of the key signaling elements involved in adipogenesis and lipogenesis with main focus on PPARγ.

RESULTS

Our results indicated that DKE administration attenuated the levels of TG (triglycerides), TC (total cholesterol), LDL and blood glucose by 54, 40, 54 and 25%, respectively and enhanced the levels of HDL, catalase and SOD by 45, 74 and 56%, respectively. In addition to profound adipogenic and lipogenic effects on 3T3-L1 cells, DKE significantly enhanced p-AKT, p-FOXO1, PPARγ and SREBP-1 expressions while that of p-JNK was quenched parallel to effect of pioglitazone, an antidiabetic agent, used in our investigation as the positive control drug.

CONCLUSIONS

Besides of confirming the hypolipidemic action of the plant, our results provided documents on at least one mode of action of DKE with profound effect on lipid metabolism in adipose tissue. Regarding our results, further investigation on DKE, as a new potential hypolipidemic alternative drug is warranted.

Anti-inflammatory effect of apigenin and hydroalcoholic extract of Dracocephalum kotschyi on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats

Colitis is an inflammatory disease of the intestine with unknown etiology involving multiple immune, genetic, and environmental factors. We were interested to examine the effect of total extract from Dracocephalum kotschyi (D. kotschyi) Boiss. on the experimental colitis. D. kotschyi hydroalcoholic extract (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) or apigenin (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) were administered orally 2 h prior to induction of colitis which was induced by intrarectal administration of acetic acid (4%) in rats. Prednisolone (4 m/kg) was used as the standard drug for comparison. Biochemical evaluation of inflamed colon was performed by measuring myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. After 5 days treatment, mucosal ulceration was evaluated. Intrarectal instillation of acetic acid caused significant inflammatory reactions as indicated by macroscopic and microscopic changes. The activity of MPO increased in vehicle treated groups while recovered to normal level by pretreatment of animals with D. kotschyi extract, apigenin, or prednisolone. D. kotschyi and apigenin-treated groups showed significantly lower score values of macroscopic and microscopic characters when compared with the vehicle-treated negative control group. The beneficial effect of apigenin was comparable with that of prednisolone. This research has shown the anti-inflammatory potential of D. kotschyi extract and apigenin in experimentally induced colitis.

Pharmacokinetics of calycopterin and xanthmicrol, two polymethoxylated hydroxyflavones with anti-angiogenic activities from Dracocephalum kotschyi Bioss

BACKGROUND

Recently flavonoids have attracted the attention of researchers in the fight against cancer. Calycopterin and xanthomicrol, are two polymethoxylated flavonoids found in the aerial parts of Dracocephalum kotschyi Bioss.. We have recently shown that these compounds possess antiangiogenic activity and may be of value as potential anticancer agents. In order to demonstrate putative in vivo antitumor effect of these compounds we needed preliminary information on both pharmacokinetics and toxicological properties of these two agents.

METHOD

A new online SPE HPLC method for measurement of calycopterin and xanthomicrol in rat plasma was developed. Pharmacokinetic parameters of calycopterin and xanthomicrol, after i.v. administration in rats, were determined.

RESULTS

The plasma half-life for both agents was around 4 h, however, the volume of distribution of calycopterin appeared to be about 8 times greater than xanthomicrol. This was probably due the greater hydrophobicity of the former which had other consequences such as much smaller maximum plasma concentration of calycopterin compared to its less methoxylated congener. Preliminary toxicological study of xanthomicrol failed to show any behavioral, histological and biochemical adverse effects after repeated administrations of high doses. Pharmacokinetics of xanthomicrol in rats.

in rat uterus and ileum

Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. is a traditional medicine with antispasmodic activities. The objective of this research was to study antispasmodic activities of hydroalcoholic extract of D. kotschyi on rat isolated uterus contractions for comparison with isolated ileum. Hydroalcoholic extract was obtained from aerial part of D. kotschyi using percolation method. A portion of rat ileum or uterus was suspended in Tyrode's solution at 37°C and gassed with O₂. Effect of D. kotschyi extract was assessed on ileum or uterus contractions induced by KCl (80 mM), acetylcholine (ACh, 500 nM), electrical field stimulation (EFS) or oxytocin (0.0005 IU/mL). The extract of D. kotschyi concentration-dependently inhibited ileum responses to KCl (IC₅₀ = 65 ± 18 μg/mL), ACh (IC₅₀ = 102 ± 18 μg/mL) and EFS (IC₅₀ = 117 ± 29 μg/mL). The extract of D. kotschyi also concentration-dependently inhibited uterus responses to KCl (IC₅₀ = 453 ± 64μg/mL), ACh (IC₅₀ = 58 ± 9 μg/mL), EFS (IC₅₀ = 22 ± 3 μg/mL) as well as oxytocin (IC₅₀ = 70 ± 11 μg/mL). From this experiment it was concluded that D. kotschyi extract possesses antispasmodic activities on both smooth muscle of ileum and uterus. In comparison, the extract was more effective inhibitor of ACh and EFS responses in rat uterus than on the ileum. On the other hand, the extract was a more potent inhibitor of KCl response on rat ileum. However, the extract was found to be a potent inhibitor of oxytocin-induced contraction of rat uterus. These results indicate that D. kotschyi extract may contain components that might be useful lead compounds for prevention of uterus spasm.

and apigenin in mice

Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss, a member of Labiatae family, is a native plant to Iran, which has been reported to have immunomodulatory, antihyperlipidemic and antispasmodic activities. The objective of this research was to study the antispasmodic and antidiarrhoeal activities of hydroalcoholic and hexane extracts of D. kotschyi in mice. Furthermore, the antidiarrhoeal and antispasmodic effect of apigenin, a flavonoid constituent of D. kotschyi, was also studied. Hydroalcoholic and hexane extracts were obtained from aerial part of D. kotschyi using percolation method. Antispasmodic effect of the test compounds was assessed by measurement of small intestine transit following oral administration of a charcoal meal. Diarrhoea was induced by administration of either castor oil (0.5 ml) or magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) (10% w/v solution). Both the hydroalcoholic and hexane extracts of D. kotschyi (10 and 20 mg/kg) reduced the intestinal charcoal meal transit. Loperamide (2 mg/kg) and apigenin (2 and 10 mg/kg) inhibited intestinal movement of the charcoal meal and also inhibited castor oil and MgSO4-induced diarrhoea. The hydroalcoholic and hexane extracts of D. kotschyi (10 and 20 mg/kg) also significantly inhibited the castor oil and MgSO4-induced diarrhoea in mice in comparison with the vehicle-treated control groups. This study confirms that both the hydroalcoholic and hexane extracts of D. kotschyi has antispasmodic and antidiarrhoeal properties in vivo and could be a suitable remedy for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in which smooth muscle spasm and/or diarrhoea plays a significant roles.

Antispasmodic effect of Dracocephalum kotschyi hydroalcoholic extract on rat ileum contraction

Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. (Labiatae) is a traditional medicine which is believed to have antispasmodic and analgesic activities. The antispasmodic action of D. kotschyi essential oil has been shown in a previous report. The objective of this research was to study antispasmodic activity of hydroalcoholic extract of D. kotschyi on ileum contractions. Hydroalcoholic extract was obtained from aerial part of D. kotschyi using percolation method. For antispasmodic studies, a portion of rat ileum was suspended under 1g tension in Tyrode's solution at 37 °C and gassed with O2. Effect of the D. kotschyi extract was assessed on ileum contractions induced by KCl (80 mM), acetylcholine (ACh, 500 nM) and electrical field stimulation (EFS). The D. kotschyi extract concentration dependently inhibited the response to KCl (IC50 =36 ± 5.1 μg/ml), ACh (IC50 =101 ± 9.5 μg/ml), EFS-1 (IC50 =96 ± 7.1 μg/ml) and EFS-2 (IC50 =53 ± 4.3 μg/ml). From this experiment it was concluded that D. kotschyi extract possessed potent antispasmodic activity. Therefore, identification of the active component(s) is (are) recommended in order to find the best lead compound for drug development.

Hairy root induction and plant regeneration of medicinal plant Dracocephalum kotschyi

An efficient hairy root induction system for an important endangered medicinal plant, Dracocephalum kotschyi, was developed through Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation by modifying the co-cultivation medium using five bacterial strains, A4, ATCC15834, LBA9402, MSU440, and A13 (MAFF-02-10266). A drastic increase in transformation frequency was observed when a Murashige and Skoog medium lacking NH4NO3 KH2PO4, KNO3 and CaCl2 was used, resulting in hairy root induction frequencies of 52.3 %, 69.6 %, 48.6 %, 89.0 %, and 80.0 % by A4, A13, LBA9402, MSU440, and ATCC15834 strains, respectively. For shoot induction, hairy roots and unorganized tumors induced by strain ATCC15834 were placed on an MS media supplemented with 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/l BA plus 0.1 mg/l NAA. The high frequency of shoot regeneration and number of shoot were obtained in the medium containing 0.25 mg/l BA and 0.1 mg/l NAA. Root induction occurred from the base of regenerated shoots on the MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l IBA after 10 days.