Andrographolide: Regulating the Master Regulator NF-κB.

Natural product based medicines are being used in India since 12th century BC and their efficacies are well established in Indian traditional medicine system. However, the mechanism of action as per the modern medicinal system was not well reported. Plant-derived natural compounds are very useful for inflammatory disorders and other diseases such as cancer. Various medicines like artemisinin, vincristine, vinblastine, taxol, and so forth, are invaluable contributions of nature to modern medicine. The role of transcription factor NF-κB was well delineated in inflammatory processes. Binding of NF-κB to the promoter site of several inflammatory genes activate them to secrete proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Plant derived natural compounds like andrographolide could be useful in inflammatory disorders as it directly inhibit the binding of NF-κB with DNA at promoter site. Transcription factor NF-κB is a master regulator of the proinflammatory gene expression program and since it was suppressed by andrographolide, hence andrographolide is rightly termed as regulator of master regulator.

Andrographolide attenuates complete freund's adjuvant induced arthritis via suppression of inflammatory mediators and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Traditional plant-derived medicines have enabled the mankind in curing the wide spectrum of diseases throughout the ages. Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees, is one of the traditional plant used as a folk medicine for the management of inflammation, arthritis, viral-bacterial infections and other ailments in India, China, Malaysia and other South-East Asian countries. Its major bioactive compound; andrographolide, a diterpenoid, also exerts cytoprotective properties and is reported to be effective in neuroprotection, hepatoprotection, etc. AIM: The study is aimed to explore the role of andrographolide in treatment of complete freund's adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The influx of immune cells, release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and subsequent accumulation of synovial fluid (swelling) and pain manifest into the disease. The present study used CFA induced Balb/c mice model and treated them intraperitoneally with andrographolide and dexamethasone (used as a positive control) on alternate days for six days. After 6 days, blood and peritoneal macrophages were collected to evaluate the expression of various arthritic markers and paw edema was measured on all days. RESULTS: The in vitro and ex vivo experiments showed that andrographolide treated animal group had reduced paw edema, cell cytotoxicity and nitric oxide production than dexamethasone treated animal group. Further, the study revealed the mechanistic role of andrographolide in treatment of arthritis by suppressing battery of molecules like COX-2, NF-κB, p-p38, CD40, TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 involved in arthritis. CONCLUSION: The study showed the potent anti-arthritic effects of andrographolide and warrants further investigations on andrographolide for the development of safe and effective anti-arthritic drug.

Adjuvant activity of ethanol extract of Hippophae rhamnoides leaves with inactivated rabies virus antigen.

CONTEXT: Hippophae rhamnoides L. (Elaeagnaceae), commonly known as seabuckthorn (SBT), is known for its medicinal and nutritional properties. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of in vivo adjuvant activity of SBT leaf extract (SBTE) with inactivated rabies virus antigen (Rb). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Swiss albino mice were immunized with aqueous-alcoholic SBTE (100 mg/kg body weight) or algel (aluminium hydroxide gel) with or without Rb (5% v/v). After priming, booster was administered on day 14. Rabies virus neutralizing antibody (RVNA) titers were estimated by rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test in sera samples collected on days 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35. Effect of adjuvant administration on cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), memory T cells, plasma and CD11c+ cells was studied by flow cytometry. In vitro hemolysis was assayed in human RBC. RESULTS: RVNA titers were significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) after booster administration in mice immunized with SBTE + Rb as compared to the controls. In combination, SBTE, algel and Rb, enhanced the RVNA titers. CTLs significantly increased (p < 0.05) in SBTE + Rb immunized mice. Memory T cells and plasma cells were 27.9 and 15.9%, respectively, in SBTE + Rb immunized mice as compared to that of 20.3 and 11.3%, respectively, in Rb immunized group. SBTE + Rb enhanced peritoneal CD11c+ cells (25.8%) as compared to 9.4% cells in Rb immunized mice, showed 3.2-fold increment in LPS induced IL-1ß. No RBC hemolysis was observed with SBTE. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the potential adjuvant activity of SBTE with Rb by increasing RVNA titers and CTL response.

Andrographolide - A promising therapeutic agent, negatively regulates glial cell derived neurodegeneration of prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and working memory impairment.

Over activation of glial cell derived innate immune factors induces neuro-inflammation that results in neurodegenerative disease, like working memory impairment. In this study, we have investigated the role of andrographolide, a major constituent of Andrographis paniculata plant, in reduction of reactive glial cell derived working memory impairment. Real time PCR, Western bloting, flow cytometric and immunofluorescence studies demonstrated that andrographolide inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced overexpression of HMGB1, TLR4, NFκB, COX-2, iNOS, and release of inflammatory mediators in primary mix glial culture, adult mice prefrontal cortex and hippocampus region. Active microglial and reactive astrocytic makers were also downregulated after andrographolide treatment. Andrographolide suppressed overexpression of microglial MIP-1α, P2X7 receptor and its downstream signaling mediators including-inflammasome NLRP3, caspase1 and mature IL-1ß. Furthermore, in vivo maze studies suggested that andrographolide treatment reversed LPS-induced behavioural and working memory disturbances including regulation of expression of protein markers like PKC, p-CREB, amyloid beta, APP, p-tau, synapsin and PSD-95. Andrographolide, by lowering expression of pro apoptotic genes and enhancing the expression of anti-apoptotic gene showed its anti-apoptotic nature that in turn reduces neurodegeneration. Morphology studies using Nissl and FJB staining also showed the neuroprotective effect of andrographolide in the prefrontal cortex region. The above studies indicated that andrographolide prevented neuroinflammation-associated neurodegeneration and improved synaptic plasticity markers in cortical as well as hippocampal region which suggests that andrographolide could be a novel pharmacological countermeasure for the treatment of neuroinflammation and neurological disorders related to memory impairment.

Augmentation of humoral and cellular immunity in response to Tetanus and Diphtheria toxoids by supercritical carbon dioxide extracts of Hippophae rhamnoides L. leaves.

Hippophae rhamnoides L. commonly known as Seabuckthorn (SBT), a wild shrub of family Elaegnacea, has extensively used for treating various ailments like skin diseases, jaundice, asthma, lung troubles. SBT leaves have been reported to possess several pharmacological properties including immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and tissue regeneration etc. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the adjuvant property of supercritical carbon dioxide extracts (SCEs 300ET and 350ET) of SBT leaves in balb/c mice immunized with Tetanus and Diphtheria toxoids. The dynamic changes in the immune response were measured in terms of humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. We have seen the effect of SCEs on immunoglobulin subtypes and secondary immune response generation. In addition, the effect of SCEs on antigen specific cellular immunity was evaluated. Our results show that SCEs 300ET and 350ET significantly enhanced antibody titers in response to both TT and DT antigens. The secondary immune response generated was significantly increased in case of TT immunized animals. SCEs also enhanced cytokine levels (IFN-γ, IL-4, TNF-α and IL-1ß) and increased lymphoproliferation. Besides, both SCEs did not show any toxic effects. Therefore, the study suggests that SCEs are safe and have potent immunostimulatory activity and hence, seems to be a promising balanced Th1 and Th2 directing immunological adjuvant for various veterinary as well as human vaccines.

Golden root: A wholesome treat of immunity.

Rhodiola is native to the high altitude regions of Asia, Europe and Northern Hemisphere. It has a long history of use as a medicinal plant in various ailments, boosting immunity, increasing energy and mental capacity. It is also known as "Adaptogen" to help the body to adapt and resist stress. The part of the plant, which is used for medicinal values, is rhizome, which is an underground stem. The rhizome contains mainly salidroside, rosin, rosavin and p-tyrosol. There are many studies, which have reported the effects of Rhodiola spp. on different organs and health conditions. In this review, we have selected the articles from Pubmed and Google Scholar from year 1992-2016 to report the effects of Rhodiola spp. and their role in curtailing various diseases and stress. The present review emphasizes the medicinal and therapeutic applications of Rhodiola spp. on different experimental models. Overall conclusion is that Rhodiola spp. has immense therapeutic potential and hence, this review would give impetus to new research for the development of Rhodiola based herbal nutraceuticals as well as pharmaceuticals.

Broad-spectrum antiviral properties of andrographolide.

Andrographolide, a diterpenoid, is known for its anti-inflammatory effects. It can be isolated from various plants of the genus Andrographis, commonly known as 'creat'. This purified compound has been tested for its anti-inflammatory effects in various stressful conditions, such as ischemia, pyrogenesis, arthritis, hepatic or neural toxicity, carcinoma, and oxidative stress, Apart from its anti-inflammatory effects, andrographolide also exhibits immunomodulatory effects by effectively enhancing cytotoxic T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, phagocytosis, and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). All these properties of andrographolide form the foundation for the use of this miraculous compound to restrain virus replication and virus-induced pathogenesis. The present article covers antiviral properties of andrographolide in variety of viral infections, with the hope of developing of a new highly potent antiviral drug with multiple effects.

Supercritical extract of Seabuckthorn Leaves (SCE200ET) inhibited endotoxemia by reducing inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide synthase 2 expression.

Endotoxins from infectious organisms lead to sepsis, a systemic inflammatory response, and a major cause of death. Numerous studies have shown the potential role of plants and plant-derived compounds in the suppression of LPS induced endotoxemia in vivo. In the present study, we have identified a plant namely Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) as a potent agent for the treatment of endotoxemia. The objective of the study was to investigate the influence of Supercritical Extract of Seabuckthorn Leaves (SCE200ET) and its active component Isorhamnetin (IR) on the LPS induced endotoxemia in Balb/c mice by measuring the level of nitric oxide (NO), TNF-α and IL-6. Expression of COX-2 and iNOS was measured to understand the involvement of various pathways in the mechanism of action of SCE200ET and IR. The results indicated that SCE200ET and IR inhibited LPS induced NO production by peritoneal macrophages. Cytokines mediated effector functions were influenced by the reduction of IL-6 and TNF-α production and CD40 expression was also markedly diminished in the extract or IR treated groups. In addition, the anti-inflammatory properties were further characterized by decreased expression of COX-2 and iNOS proteins. Fractionation and phytochemical analysis of the extract by RP-HPLC led to identification of isorhamnetin, as bioactive component. Thus, SCE200ET extract and its active component Isorhamnetin could be potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of endotoxin induced sepsis.

Rhodiola inhibits dengue virus multiplication by inducing innate immune response genes RIG-I, MDA5 and ISG in human monocytes.

Recognition of virus infection by retinoic acid-inducible gene (RIG) I and melanoma differentiation-associated protein (MDA) 5, which are RNA helicases, and interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) 15 activates cascades of signal transduction pathways leading to production of type I interferons and proinflammatory cytokines that orchestrate the elimination of the viruses. However, it has been demonstrated that RNA-helicase-mediated innate immunity plays an essential role in defending the host from infection. In our efforts to identify plant-derived antivirals that selectively enhance ISG- and RNA-helicase-mediated antiviral immune responses, we identified a plant, rhodiola, that significantly promoted ISG, RIG-I and MDA 5 gene expression and an antiviral immune response against dengue virus (DENV) infection. Rhodiola induced interferon (IFN) ß and other cytokines, including IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8, in infected cells. It was also found that rhodiola upregulated phosphorylated eIF-2α, PKR and NF-kB in infected cells. In addition, the number of NK cells was also increased by rhodiola treatment in dengue-virus-infected human PBMCs. Treatment with a crude extract of rhodiola (RAE) resulted in effects in the 20 % range, which is similar to the magnitude of the same effects observed in DENV infections. Taken together, our results imply that rhodiola induces pharmacological modulation of RIG-I, MDA 5 and ISG signal transduction pathways in favor of the induction of a beneficial antiviral immune response against dengue virus, which can be a novel therapeutic strategy for management of infection.

A supercritical CO2 extract from seabuckthorn leaves inhibits pro-inflammatory mediators via inhibition of mitogen activated protein kinase p38 and transcription factor nuclear factor-κB.

In the present study, we have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory properties of supercritical CO2 extract of seabuckthorn leaves (SCE) on mouse alveolar macrophage cell line (MH-S), human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs) in-vitro and in-vivo. Treatment of MH-S cells with SCE (0.5-100 µg/ml) significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production. It also inhibited the release of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, which was further confirmed by suppression of LPS induced TNF-α in hPBMCs by ELISPOT assay. In addition, western blot analysis demonstrated that SCE decreased LPS-induced inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression in MH-S cells. Furthermore, SCE treatment also reduced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) translocation in nucleus induced by LPS in MH-S cells. To elucidate the molecular mechanism for inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators by SCE (100 µg/ml), we further studied the effect of SCE on LPS-induced p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). It was observed that the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in LPS-stimulated MH-S cells was significantly inhibited by SCE, which was further proven by suppression of LPS induced CD40 expression. The in-vivo model of AIA mice also showed a significant reduction in the inflammation of paw edema. These data collectively suggest that SCE suppressed the LPS-induced production of NO, IL-6, and TNF-α and expression of CD40, iNOS and COX-2 proteins by inhibiting NF-κB activation and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. Hence, the SCE has potent anti-inflammatory activity and might be useful in chronic inflammatory diseases.