Dereplication and quantification of the ethanol extract of Miconia albicans (Melastomaceae) by HPLC-DAD-ESI-/MS/MS, and assessment of its anti-hyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory profiles in a mice arthritis-like model: Evidence for involvement of TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Miconia albicans (Sw) Triana (Melastomataceae), a medicinal plant widely used by practitioners of folk medicine in the northeast of Brazil, has been used to treat chronic inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other joint conditions. Oddly, there is little research on the species. AIM OF THE STUDY: We aimed to evaluate the anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory profile of the ethanolic leaf extract of M. albicans (EEMA), as well as to perform dereplication and quantification by HPLC-DAD-ESI-/MS/MS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The compounds present in the extracts were identified by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS. The possible anti-inflammatory effect of EEMA (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o) was evaluated using the pleurisy model induced by carrageenan and its action on IL-1ß and TNF-α levels was also evaluated. The RA model was induced through the intra-articular injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). RESULTS: HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analysis identified 23 compounds, with glycoside flavonoids mainly derived from quercetin, and rutin being the main compounds. EEMA significantly reduced (p < 0.001) leukocyte migration in the pleurisy model and reduced TNF-α and IL-1ß levels in pleural lavage (p < 0.001). In the CFA animal model, EEMA significantly reduced the nociceptive and hyperalgesic behaviors demonstrated by the rearing test (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05) and decreased mechanical hyperalgesia (p < 0.001). EEMA produced a significant improvement in mobility in the open-field test (only at the higher dose, p < 0.05). EEMA significantly (p < 0.01) increased hindpaw grip strength. The diameter of CFA-induced ipsilateral knee edema was significantly reduced (p < 0.001) by EEMA, which was related to reduced levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the joint knee (p < 0.01). No indication of hepatic injury after chronic treatment was found. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these results contribute to the chemical and pharmacological knowledge of M. albicans and demonstrated that this medicinal plant appears to be able to mitigate deleterious symptoms of RA, which supports its use in folk medicine.

New perspectives for chronic pain treatment: a patent review (2010-2016).

INTRODUCTION: Chronic pain is a major problem of public health worldwide and is responsible for the increase in health costs. The therapeutic options available in the market for the treatment of chronic pain are often rather ineffective due to; the high number of adverse reactions, tolerance and dependence, reducing the quality of life, pharmacotherapy adherence and functional capacity. Hence, several studies have been conducted in the search for new treatment alternatives for chronic pain syndromes. Areas covered: This review brings together the therapeutic patents published over the past six years reporting the discovery of new drugs for the treatment of chronic pain, based on the perspective that these compounds are candidates for the management of chronic pain conditions. Expert opinion: Over the past 6 years, several pharmaceutical companies, as well as universities and researchers, have synthesized a series of compounds, which have been shown to be effective in controlling chronic pain in preclinical studies. These findings nurture the hope of discovering new therapeutic options for chronic pain. However, such studies are in early stages and there is a long and hard path to be followed until these compounds can become chemical entities available to the public.

A review of recent patents on the ASICs as a key drug target.

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are scattered various cells of human body. Drugs like amiloride has demonstrated nonspecific antagonism ASICs. Toxins, such as Psalmotoxin-1, have been used in animal models. There are no drugs available in the market whose action mechanism acts through these channels. We revised all patents relating to pharmaceutical formulations of applicability in ASICs. Drugs acting as antagonist in ASIC1 or ASIC3 channels seem to be the most promising targets. Patent data have suggested a variety of approaches for selective ASICs drugs, such as neuroprotective and analgesic. Studies analysis suggested that ASICs are promising targets for new drugs.

Natural compounds for solar photoprotection: a patent review.

INTRODUCTION: Ultraviolet irradiation has deleterious effects on human skin, including tanning, sunburn, cancer and connective tissue degradation (photoaging). Botanical antioxidants have been shown to be associated with reduced incidence of photocarcinogenesis and photoaging through their photoprotective profile. AREAS COVERED: Here, the authors summarized therapeutic patent applications concerning the employment of medicinal plants on the technological development of a formulation with photoprotective or photoaging application. So, the patent search was conducted in the databases WIPO, Espacenet, USPTO and Derwent, using the keywords - photoaging, photoprotection and the IPC A61K 8/97 (cosmetics or similar cleaning supplies obtained from vegetable origin, for example, plant extracts) and A61K 36/00 (medicinal preparations of undetermined constitution containing material from algae, lichens, fungi or plants, or derivatives thereof, for example, traditional herbal medicines). We found 180 patents, out of which 25 were evaluated using inclusion criteria as application of natural products with photoprotective or photoaging application. EXPERT OPINION: We found that some patents related to the cosmetic compositions for improving skin wrinkle and either preventing or reducing the signs of photoaging and sunburn. The cosmetic compositions are manufactured in the form of a lotion, gel, soluble liquid, cream, essence, oil-in-water-type or water-in-oil-type formulation, containing the vegetal extracts as an active ingredient.