Research Journal of Pharmacognosy
Volume:11 Issue: 1, Winter 2024

Artemisia dracunculus (tarragon) essential oil has shown antinociceptive effect in some animal models. This study was aimed to find out its possible mechanism of action in formalin-induced pain behavior in mice.

Essential oil of the plant was prepared by hydro-distillation method. Male Swiss mice (25–30 g) and formalin test were used in the pain model. First, the antinociceptive activity of three doses of A. dracunculus essential oil (50, 100 and 200 μL/kg) were examined and then the dose of 100 μL/kg was selected for mechanistic experiments. Different groups of mice (n=6) were pretreated with naloxone, prazocin, yohimbine, propranolol, ondansetron, cyproheptadine, sulpiride and haloperidol to evaluate contribution of opioid, adrenergic, serotoninergic and dopaminergic receptors in the essential oil effect. Besides arginine, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), methylene blue, tadalafil and glibenclamide were used to find out the possible involvement of nitric oxide pathway for the essential oil effect.

Artemisia dracunculus essential oil significantly (p<0.001) and in a dose-dependent manner demonstrated antinociception in both acute and chronic phases of the formalin test. Prazocin, yohimbine, propranolol, naloxone, ondansetron and sulpiride were ineffective in prevention of the induced antinociceptive effect. Cyproheptadine, arginine and tadalafil partially inhibited A. dracunculus essential oil antinociception while methylene blue and glibenclamide potentiated the effect.

Artemisia dracunculus essential oil showed antinociceptive effect in formalin test and the observed effect was partially prevented by cyproheptadine, arginine and tadalafil indicating the possible role of serotoninergic and nitrergic pathways.

In some neurodegenerative diseases, an aberrant accumulation of quinolinic acid is frequently associated with the loss of nerve cells and a condition known as neuritis. This is typically caused by an excessive production of free radicals. Studies have shown that hesperidin has potent antioxidant effects, but nothing is known about how it protects against the neurotoxicity induced by quinolinic acid. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of hesperidin against quinolinic acid-induced neurotoxicity in the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line.

The MTT test was used to determine cell viability and protective dosage of hesperidin. Flow cytometry using propidium iodide (PI) staining was used to determine the cell cycle of SHSY5Y cells after exposure to quinolinic acid in combination with hesperidin. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels within cells were also measured using 2', 7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCFDA) in the mentioned groups.

Our results demonstrated that hesperidin had a protective effect against quinolinic acid-induced toxicity at nontoxic concentrations (p<0.001). Moreover, the percentage of apoptotic cells in the sub-G1 phase increased significantly (p<0.001). Hesperidin pretreatment significantly decreased sub-G1 arrest that was induced by quinolinic acid (p<0.001). Hesperidin significantly decreased ROS levels generated by quinolinic acid (p<0.001).

The current study showed that hesperidin exerts its effect through antioxidant activity and can be considered a promising neuroprotectant agent against quinolinic acid-induced neurotoxicity in neurodegenerative disorders; however, more research is necessary in this area for the treatment.

The plants with pharmacological potential host potential endophytic fungi having metabolic interaction. Adhatoda vasica Nees, a well-reputed medicinal plant in Asia, has very few investigations on the plant's endophytic fungi available. This study reports the isolation, identification, and bioactive potential determination of the endophytes from the leaf and stem of the plant growing in Bangladesh.

A protocol for fungus isolation was followed, including the significant steps: sample collection, surface sterilization, cultivation, preliminary selection, and purification. The fungal species were identified by morphological and molecular features, and then, small-scale cultivation followed solvent treatment (chloroform) to extract secondary metabolites. The extract's cytotoxic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities were determined by brine shrimp lethality bioassay, disc diffusion method, and DPPH free radical scavenging activity, respectively.

Eight endophytic fungi were isolated and identified: four Fusarium sp., two Colletotrichum sp., one Phacidiopycnis sp., one Lasiodiplodia sp. Genome sequence confirmed two novel fungi from the plant: Fusarium solani (OR414980) and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (OR420097). In bioactivity testing, the fungi from the stem exhibited better activity than the leaf fungi. Among the eight fungi, Lasiodiplodia sp. showed the highest and most significant potential in each bioactivity test. Its extract (100 μg/disc) was approximately 80% susceptible against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and a fungus A. flavus compared to references (30 μg/disc). The fungus's LC50 (4 h) was 0.45 μg/mL, whereas vincristin sulfate showed nearly half.

The study recorded uncommon fungi of four genera from A. vasica; some showed remarkable bioactivity.

Triple-negative breast cancer is a significant global health challenge, and there's growing interest in targeting multiple pathways for treatment. Umbelliprenin, derived from herbal sources, has shown anti-tumor potential. This study aimed to assess umbelliprenin's impact on key genes related to proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis.

Umbelliprenin, which was synthesized by the Pharmaceutical Research Center (PRC) at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in Iran, was utilized in this study. The study aimed to investigate the impact of umbelliprenin on EGF and CoCl2-induced signaling in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK pathways. Quantitative PCR was employed to assess the expression of EGFR, PI3K, AKT, mTOR, S6K, ERK1, ERK2, 4EBP1, HIF-1α, HIF-1β, VEGF, and VEGFR genes. Additionally, immunoblot assays were conducted to evaluate the levels of VEGF and HIF-1α in MDA-MB-468 cells.

The study found that umbelliprenin had cytotoxic effects, with an IC50 value of 152.5 μM. At concentrations of 10 μM and 20 μM, it upregulated genes like EGFR, VEGFR, HIF-1α, VEGF, PI3K, ERK2, and mTOR while downregulating 4EBP1. Umbelliprenin also increased VEGF protein levels. When used on EGF-stimulated cells, it enhanced VEGF and PI3K expression while inhibiting AKT, ERK2, mTOR, and antiproliferative 4EBP1 genes. Notably, VEGF and HIF-1α protein levels remained unchanged. Conversely, umbelliprenin downregulated EGFR, AKT, ERK1/2, HIF-1α, and VEGF in CoCl2-stimulated cells, while elevating 4EBP1 and reducing VEGF and HIF-1α protein levels.

Umbelliprenin inhibited MDA-MB-468 cell growth and impacted gene expression related to metastasis and angiogenesis, particularly under conditions of EGFR activation and hypoxia.

A tetrahydro anthraquinone derivative, 4-dehydroxyaltersolanol A, has been obtained from Nigrospora oryzae, which was isolated from Uncaria borneensis Havil as an endophytic fungus. This is a recently described compound whose stereochemistry was assumed from biogenetic considerations. However, using ECD spectral analysis in combination with TD-DFT calculations, its stereochemistry could be determined unambiguously.

In the current research, the selected TH1P45 culture was analysed using semi-preparative HPLC, which led to the isolation of six secondary metabolites, including 4-dehydroxyaltersolanol A (1). We have further presented full evidence of the stereochemistry of compound 1. With the help of quantum calculations, we also determined the mechanism by which this compound degrades in solution.

The analysis of TH1P45 culture led to the isolation of six secondary metabolites, including 4-dehydroxyaltersolanol A, three anthraquinone derivatives (macrosporin, bostrycin and altersolanol B), and two pyrones (pestalopyrone and hydroxypestalopyrone).

A full evidence of the stereochemistry of compound 1 with the help of the combination of X-ray crystallography, ECD, and TD-DFT quantum calculations, allowed unambiguously assigning the absolute stereochemistry of 4 dehydroxyaltersolanol A as 1S,2R,3S as correctly assumed by Proksh and collaborators from biogenetic considerations.

Asthma is an inflammatory chronic disease that has become prevalent internationally. Melissa officinalis L. as a medicinal plant has long been used in the European and the Iranian traditional medicine for the treatment of several diseases. The biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-tumour, antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects of M. officinalis have been reported. Therefore, the effect of Melissa officinalis L. extract on tracheal smooth muscle responsiveness, white blood cell (WBC) counts, and lung pathological changes of ovalbumin (OVA) induced asthma model rat was examined in the current study.

The hydroalcoholic extract of M. officinalis was prepared using 300 g of powdered leaves. Tracheal smooth muscle responsiveness, lung pathology, and WBC counts were evaluated in control, sensitized to OVA, and sensitized rats treated with dexamethasone and three doses of M. officinalis extract (50, 150 and 200 mg/kg).

Tracheal smooth muscle responsiveness to methacholine hydrochloride in all sensitized groups was greater than that of the control group (p<0.001). The treatment of asthma-induced rats with dexamethasone and M. officinalis extracts (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) remarkably reduced pathological alterations, including; inflammation, muscle hypertrophy and mucus plaques in the lung compared to the sensitized group (p<0.05 to p<0.001). Additionally, M. officinalis extract significantly improved total and differential WBC counts in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) (p<0.001 for all groups).

Results of the current study showed a preventive effect of M. officinalis extracts on the responsiveness of tracheal smooth muscle and lung inflammation in OVA-sensitized rats.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to idiopathic chronic and inflammatory bowel disorders such as ulcerative colitis. Considering the lack of definitive treatment and the side effects of existing drugs, finding efficient compounds is needed. Biochanin A has attracted the attention of researchers due to its wide range of medicinal activities. Until now, no study was conducted to evaluate its effects on colitis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of biochanin A on the nitrogen pathway in rats with acetic acid-induced colitis.

Male rats were divided into five groups: normal group, negative control group, positive control group, and groups receiving biochanin A (10 and 20 mg/kg). Colitis was induced with 4% acetic acid. Next, the samples were evaluated at different macroscopic and microscopic levels, and biochemical test of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitric oxide activity was investigated.

Macroscopic and microscopic investigations showed that treatment with biochanin A decreased mucosal damage in rats with acetic acid-induced colitis. Biochanin A reduced neutrophil infiltration in the intestinal tissue. It also led to the reduction in nitric oxide and enhancement of SOD in rats. The optimal dose of biochanin A was 20 mg/kg, which had the best effect on reducing inflammation and mucosal lesions in rats.

Biochanin A, due to its anti-inflammatory effects by reducing nitric oxide and enhancement of SOD and reducing mucosal damage in rats with acetic acid-induced colitis, can be a useful alternative drug for the prevention or treatment of IBD patients.

Potassium alum, called “Zaj-e-abyaz” in Iranian traditional medicine, is used vaginally in traditional clinics as an astringent agent for uterine fibroids. Before evaluating its efficacy, it is necessary to prepare a suitable dosage form and assess the possible irritation in animal model which was the aim of the current research.

Vaginal suppositories were prepared using 400 mg potassium alum, 200 mg honey and different proportions of poly ethylene glycol (PEG) 600, 1000 and 4000 in each suppository. The best formulation was used for evaluation of possible irritation in rabbit. The suppositories were used in rabbit’s perineum daily for 5 consecutive days in 3 albino rabbits and the appearance of the vaginal opening and perineum for signs of erythema and edema were recorded every day. The final results were calculated as the primary irritation index (PII).

The best formulation contained potassium alum 20%, honey 10%, PEG 600 18%, PEG 1000 12%, PEG 4000 30% and water 10%. According to the animal test, the irritation of the vaginal mucus membrane was considered moderate in rabbits.

Regarding the results, potassium alum could not be used in form of suppository in PEG vehicle and other formulations should be prepared for acquiring the least irritation.

Traditional plants have huge demand as medicines to treat a wide range of illnesses. Tylophora is an important genus of medicinal plant in India, used to treat asthma and other ailments. The plants of this genus have been studied in vivo and in vitro for various pharmacological properties. In this article, we have given information regarding ethnomedicinal importance, phytochemistry and pharmacological uses of 18 species of Tylophora. Comprehensive information regarding different species of Tylophora were collected using different keywords in various electronic databases such as ACS, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, SciFinder, Web of Science, Springer Link, library search, J gate, Wiley, Semantic Scholar and ResearchGate since 1960 to 2023. Additionally, data was collected from some textbooks and chapters like Flora of India and Indian medicinal plants. This article highlights the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of the few studied taxa of Tylophora that would serve as a reference for pharmaceutical research. More than 100 compounds have been isolated from selected species of the genus Tylophora. Among them, phenanthroindolizidine alkaloids have received the most attention and are the most abundant active constituents of the plant. Other types of active components of genus Tylophora include C21 glycosides, secoiridoids, triterpenes, and furano alkaloids. These compounds have shown a variety of therapeutic activities like antiasthmatic, antitumour, antimicrobial, antidiabetic and antiallergic properties. This review can be an important scientific resource for further research.

Chamomile or camomile (Matricaria chamomilla L. syn. Matricaria recutita L.) belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is native to Europe and West Asia and has spread to other parts of the world. The plant essential oils and extracts have been frequently used for thousands of years in traditional and folk medicines across the world, due to their valuable medicinal properties. Currently, it is widely applied in different industries such as pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and food industry. Herein, the literature was carefully reviewed via search engines such as Google Scholar, Pub Med, and Scopus using keywords including biological activity, chamomile, flavonoids, pharmacological activity, Matricaria chamomilla, and Matricaria recutita. Sesquiterpenes such as bisabolol oxide B, bisabolone oxide, and bisabolol oxide A have been identified as the major constituents of chamomile essential oil. Also, various phenolic compounds and flavonoids were mostly reported as active compounds in the plant extracts. Although there are various reports pinpointing the mechanisms of action of chamomile and its constituents, some points have remained ambiguous and further well-designed clinical trials are required. Focusing on the importance of valuable biological properties of chamomile, the present review precisely discussed the characterized chemical constituents of the plant along with their mechanisms of action.