Cnidoscolus aconitifolius: therapeutic use and phytochemical properties. Literature review / Cnidoscolus aconitifolius: usos terapéuticos y propiedades fitoquímicas. Revisión de la literatura

Abstract Introduction: Medicinal plants have been traditionally used to cure or alleviate infectious and non-infectious diseases. They are widely accepted due to their low cost and low toxicity indexes. These plants are frequently used in cases involving skin irritation, superficial wounds, insect bites, and snake bites. Objective: To compile available evidence on the main therapeutic uses and phytochemical components of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (popularly known as chaya), a plant that grows in tropical regions of Mexico and Central America. Materials and methods: A literature review of studies on C. aconitifolius published until 2017 was conducted in the BIREME, PubMed/Medline, Elsevier and SciELO databases. Descriptors "Cnidoscolus" and "aconitifolius" were used for the literature search, and no language restrictions were applied. Results: 82 articles were retrieved after completing the initial search. Once the studies were filtered by title (descriptors in the title) and duplicates were removed, 18 articles were reviewed. Based on the information found, it was possible to confirm that this plant has multiple health benefits. Conclusions: The traditional therapeutic use of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius is backed by scientific evidence. Therefore, further research aimed at identifying new phytochemical properties of this plant should be conducted to establish alternative therapies for treating different conditions.

Resumen Introducción. El uso tradicional de plantas medicinales para tratar diferentes enfermedades, ya sean infecciosas o no, es ampliamente aceptado debido a su bajo costo y sus bajos índices de toxicidad. Estas plantas son frecuentemente usadas en casos que involucran irritaciones de la piel, heridas superficiales, picaduras de insectos y mordeduras de víboras. Objetivo. Recopilar la información disponible sobre los principales usos terapéuticos y los componentes fitoquímicos de Cnidoscolus aconitifolius, una planta conocida popularmente como chaya y que crece en regiones tropicales de México y Centroamérica. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó una revisión de la literatura sobre C. aconitifolius publicada hasta 2017 en las bases de datos BIREME, PubMed/Medline, Elsevier y SciELO. Para la búsqueda se emplearon los descriptores "Cnidoscolus" y "aconitifolius", y no se aplicaron filtros de idioma. Resultados. Se identificaron 82 artículos luego de completar la búsqueda inicial. Después de filtrar los estudios por título (presencia de descriptores de búsqueda en el título) y remover duplicados, se incluyeron 18 artículos en la revisión. De acuerdo a la información encontrada, fue posible confirmar que esta planta ofrece diversos beneficios para la salud. Conclusiones. El uso terapéutico tradicional de la chaya está sustentado por evidencia científica, por lo que se sugiere realizar más investigaciones centradas en la identificación de nuevas propiedades fitoquímicas de esta planta y, así, establecer alternativas terapéuticas para distintas afecciones.

Anxiolytic and Antidepressant Effects of the Hydroethanolic Extract from the Leaves of Aloysia polystachya (Griseb.) Moldenke: A Study on Zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Medicinal plants such as Aloysia polystachya are often used in the treatment of psychiatric diseases, including anxiety- and depression-related humor disturbances. In folk medicine, A. polystachya is used to treat digestive and respiratory tract disturbances, as a sedative and antidepressant agent, and as a tonic for the nerves. This study aimed to evaluate the antidepressant and anxiolytic effect from the hydroethanolic extract from the leaves of Aloysia polystachya (HELAp) in zebrafish. The extract was analyzed through ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (UPLC-MS) and the main compound detected was acteoside. HELAp was administered orally (10 mg/kg) and through immersion (mg/L). The anxiolytic activity was evaluated through the scototaxis (light-dark) test using caffeine as an anxiogenic agent and buspirone as a positive control. The parameters assessed were: period spent in the white compartment (s), latency (s), alternations (n), erratic swims (n), period of freezing (s), thigmotaxis (s), and risk evaluation (n). The antidepressant effect was evaluated through the novel tank diving test using 1% ethanol, unpredictable chronic stress, and social isolation as depressors; fluoxetine was used as a positive control. The parameters assessed were: period spent at the top of the tank, latency, quadrants crossed, erratic swim, period of freezing, and distance of swam. The main chemical compound of HELAp was acteoside. The administration of the extract on zebrafish managed to revert the anxiogenic effect of caffeine without impairing their locomotion. Additionally, the treatment exerted antidepressant activity similarly to fluoxetine. Overall, the results suggest a significant anxiolytic and antidepressant activity to the extract, which is probably due to the presence of the major compound, acteoside.

Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil: A review of its phytochemistry, anti-inflammatory activity, and mechanisms of action involved.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Plant species Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae; Synonyms: Salvia rosmarinus Schleid. and Rosmarinus angustifolius Mill.) is a herb widely used worldwide. In local and traditional medicine, its used for inflammation-related diseases. Currently, studies report anti-inflammatory activity in its essential oil (EORO). However, to better understand EORO's anti-inflammatory activity its necessary to understand its phytochemistry and the signaling pathways affected by it. Hence, this review aimed to describe EORO phytochemical profile, ethnopharmacological uses, some biological activities of EORO will be described but emphasizing its anti-inflammatory potential and possible mechanisms of action involved. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research was performed using the databases Medline, Embase, BVS Regional Portal, Science Direct, CAPES Journals, and Scopus; using the keywords "Rosmarinus officinalis", "anti-inflammatory" and "essential oil". Additional information was gathered from related textbooks, reviews, and documents. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Until now about 150 chemical compounds were identified in EORO samples, more frequently reported molecules were 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, and camphor. Studies suggest that the anti-inflammatory activity of EORO occur mainly through inhibition of NF-κB transcription and suppression of arachidonic acid cascade. Its antioxidant activity also aids by preventing injury caused by the reactive species of inflammation; its smooth muscle relaxant activity contributes to ameliorating airway inflammatory diseases. Lastly, toxicity assessments indicate low toxicity to EORO. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence indicates anti-inflammatory activity in EORO, supporting its ethnopharmacological uses in inflammatory-related diseases, and potential future applications. However, although considerable acute inflammatory models were tested, more chronic inflammatory models are needed; clinical studies are still absent, this may be due to the high doses needed for essential oils to exert pharmacological effects, but recent studies show this issue can be bypassed using the oil formulated as nanoemulsions to improve its bioavailability.

Leaves of Spondias mombin L. a traditional anxiolytic and antidepressant: Pharmacological evaluation on zebrafish (Danio rerio).

ETHNOBOTANICAL RELEVANCE: Spondias mombin L. is a plant dispersed throughout the tropical regions of South America, Africa, and Asia, being found mainly in the North and Northeast of Brazil, where the leaves are used in preparations for neuropsychiatric disorders. Therefore, it is of great importance to carry out studies in different pharmacological models that can prove the traditional use of this plant species. MATERIALS AND METHODS: the hydroethanolic extract from S. mombin leaves (HELSm) was evaluated by oral administration (25 mg/kg) and by immersion (25 mg/l) in scototaxis test in zebrafish (Danio rerio). For this study, caffeine (100 mg/kg) and buspirone (25 mg/kg) were used as standard drugs. The antidepressant action of the HELSm was evaluated assessed in the novel tank diving test (NTDT). In this study, a group with 1% ethanol, one with unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS), and another with developmental, social isolation (DSI) were used as induction groups for depression-like behavior and fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) as a drug pattern. RESULTS: by the HPLC-UV fingerprint analysis, the HELSm presented several derivatives of polyphenolic compounds and flavonoids and identified ellagic acid and isoquercitrin, and by the gas-chromatographic, the majority of the identified compounds were fatty acids, esters, and alcohols. By immersion, the LC50 was 49.86 mg/l and by oral via the LD50 in 48 h, was 4.515 g/kg in zebrafish. For all spatiotemporal and behavioral variables (time spent, white compartment, latency, toggle, erratic swimming, freezing duration, thigmotaxis, and risk assessment), the treatment with HELSm produced a similar effect to buspirone and was significant when compared to the caffeine and control group (p < 0.01, Tukey-Kramer test). For all spatiotemporal and behavioral variables evaluated (time spent at the top of the apparatus, crossed quadrants, erratic swimming, and duration of freezing), treatment with HELSm produced a change in the depression-like behavior in the groups tested, with a similar effect to fluoxetine, both with a significant difference when compared to the control groups (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the acute administration of the HELSm in the scototaxis and NTDT tests in a zebrafish model (Danio rerio) produced anxiolytic and antidepressant effects, devoid of hypnotic and sedative actions by immersion, and this action was improved when administered by oral via. Possibly, the presence of isoquercitrin in the leaves of Spondias mombin participates in the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects.

Cassia grandis fruit extract reduces the blood glucose level in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

INTRODUCTION: Cassia grandis Lf fruits are ethnobotanically used for digestive disorders, anemia, and for reducing blood glucose. However, there are no studies about the antidiabetic activity nor the oral toxicity of the plant fruit-extracts. This paper aims to evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of C. grandis fruits extract in vivo, and assess the acute oral toxicity, and sub-acute oral toxicity. The antioxidant activity and the α-glycosidase inhibitor effect were also evaluated. METHODS: The extract was obtained by maceration of the fruit pulp with 70% hydroalcoholic solution (1:2, m:v). The extractive solution was concentrated in a vacuum rotary evaporator, up to a drug: solvent ratio of 2:1 (g/ml). Soluble solids, relative density, refractive index, pH, total phenolics, and flavonoids were determined. A preliminary phytochemical screening was made, followed by the quantitation of volatiles by GC/MS. The acute and sub-acute oral toxicity was evaluated in Sprague Dawley rats, by using biochemical and hematological parameters. The radical scavenging activity (DPPH, ABTS) and α-glycosidase inhibitory effect were tested. The hypoglycemic effect was assessed in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. RESULTS: The extract of C. grandis contains alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, free amino acids, amines, phenols, tannins, reduced sugars, resins, saponins, steroids, and triterpenes, plus 38 volatile compounds, being linalool the most abundant (1,66%). The extract exhibited an LD50 > 2000 mg/kg, and after a continuous administration (1000 mg/kg, 28-days), the hematological and biochemical parameters were normal. The extract showed hypoglycemic effect, being the dose 200 mg/kg no statistically different from glibenclamide at 25 mg/kg. Good antioxidant activity and a potent α-glycosidase inhibitory effect were also observed. CONCLUSION: C. grandis extract is an excellent hypoglycemic and non-toxic plant product. The hypoglycemic mechanism could be associated with the antioxidant effect and with the α-glycosidase inhibition. Up to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the hypoglycemic effect in vivo of C. grandis fruits extract.

Anti-inflammatory and antialgic actions of a nanoemulsion of Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil and a molecular docking study of its major chemical constituents.

We evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antialgic potency of a nanoemulsion (NEORO) containing the essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (EORO), which is composed primarily of limonene, camphor and 1,8-cineole. The EORO and NEORO were administered orally 30 min prior to starting the experiments. In a test of rat paw oedema induced by carrageenan, NEORO was effective in doses of 498 µg/kg, and it inhibited 46% of the maximum peak of the oedema; in a dose of 300 mg/kg, EORO inhibited 50% of the maximum peak of the oedema. In an acetic acid-induced writhing test, NEORO yielded a dose-dependent effect, and a dose of 830 µg/kg inhibited 84% of the algesic process; a dose of 100 mg/kg of EORO inhibited 55%. In an assay for H2S production in rat stomachs, a dose of 498 µg/kg of NEORO inhibited H2S production in all of the measurement phases, and a dose of 100 mg/kg EORO inhibited 60% and influenced the effect of the ethanol significantly, reducing the production of H2S. We suggest that NEORO potentiated the effect of EORO, demonstrating effectiveness in doses 600 times lower than those applied with EORO. Among the major compounds of EORO, the camphor molecule exhibited the largest number of interactions with the therapeutic targets related to the inflammatory process, suggesting that it is responsible for EORO's anti-inflammatory and antialgic effects. This work paves the way for future investigations related to the therapeutic role of NEORO in the inflammation process.

Effect of Euterpe oleracea Mart. (Açaí) Oil on Dyslipidemia Caused by Cocos nucifera L. Saturated Fat in Wistar Rats.

Dyslipidemia is caused by disturbances in lipid metabolism that lead to chronic elevations of serum lipids, especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and triglycerides, increasing the risk of metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, atherogenic processes, and cardiovascular diseases. The oil from the fruits of Euterpe oleracea (OFEO) is rich in unsaturated fatty acids with potential for treating alterations in lipid metabolism. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of OFEO on hyperlipidemia induced by Cocos nucifera L. saturated fat (GSC) in Wistar rats. Chromatographic profile showed that unsaturated fatty acids account for 66.08% in OFEO, predominately oleic acid (54.30%), and saturated fatty acids (palmitic acid 31.6%) account for 33.92%. GSC-induced dyslipidemia resulted in an increase in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and liver and abdominal fat, as well as atherogenic processes in the thoracic aorta. OFEO treatment did not reduce hypertriglyceridemia, but did reduce total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, thus contributing to the antiatherogenic action of OFEO. OFEO treatment inhibited the formation of atheromatous plaques in the vascular endothelium of the treated rats, as well as those who were treated with simvastatin. The results obtained suggest that OFEO has an antiatherogenic effect in a rat model of dyslipidemia.

Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Activity of a New Tablets Formulation from Tamarindus indica L.

Hepatotoxic chemicals damage liver cells primarily by producing reactive oxygen species. The decoction of the leaves of Tamarindus indica L. is used for liver disorders. In this work we evaluated the hepatoprotective activity of a tablet formulation of this plant. Thirty-five Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 7). First group (I) is control group, fed with standard diet. Groups II to V (hepatotoxic groups) were subjected to a subcutaneous injection of CCl4 (0.5 mL/kg). Group II was negative control, fed with standard diet; group III was subjected to administration of Silymarin 150 mg/kg and groups IV and V were treated with tablets in dose of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, respectively. Lipid peroxidation and the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and reduced glutathione were evaluated. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamine transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and a lipid profile were evaluated too. The tablets inhibit lipid peroxidation. The redox balance (SOD-CAT-GSH) remains normal in the experimental groups treated with tablets. The liver function using dose of 200 mg/kg of tablets was better than the other experimental groups. These results justify, scientifically, the ethnobotanical use of the leaves of Tamarindus indica L.

Toxicidad aguda oral e irritabilidad de la mucosa oral con una formulación de tabletas de Tamarindus indica L / Acute oral toxicity and irritability of the oral mucosa with a tablet formulation of Tamarindus indica L

In this study, the possible preclinical toxic effects of the Tamarindus indica L tablets were evaluated by the acute oral toxicity (AOT) and oral mucosa irritation (OMI), adapting guideline OECD 423 and ISO 10993-10, respectively. The AOT was evaluated, using the Class Toxocity Method in Sprague Dawley females rats and the OMI was assessed in sirian hamsters, according to the acute exposure method. Any sign of toxicity were not observed in the study. No animal death was occurring and the body weight increase in the two experimental groups was not statistically different. Slight irritation of the oral mucosa of the animals was observed, but this fact didn't impede them to feed appropriately and they body weight increase normally during the assay. Tamarind tablets were framed as non toxic substance and they produce a “light irritability” of the oral mucosa.

En este trabajo se evaluó a nivel preclínico, los posibles efectos tóxicos de las tabletas de Tamarindus indica L. Se ensayó la toxicidad aguda oral, por el método de las clases de toxicidad, en ratas hembras de la línea Sprague Dawley y la irritabilidad de la mucosa oral en Hamster sirio, según las normas OECD 423 y ISO 10993-10, respectivamente. Durante el estudio de toxicidad aguda, no se observaron signos de toxicidad, ni muerte. El peso corporal en ambos grupos experimentales aumentó y no fue diferente estadísticamente. En el estudio de irritabilidad, se observó una ligera irritación en la mucosa de los biomodelos. Esto no les impidió alimentarse adecuadamente y se observó un incremento del peso corporal de ambos grupos experimentales. Se determinó que las tabletas producen una irritabilidad “leve” de la mucosa oral y no clasifican como tóxicas según las normas internacionales de referencia.