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Real time monitoring of dopamine release evoked by mitragynine (Kratom): An insight through electrochemical sensor

Effendy MA, Yunusa S, Zain ZM, Hassan Z

Neurosci Lett, 2021 10 15;763:136183.
PMID: 34418508 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136183

BACKGROUND: Mitragynine, the major indole alkaloid from Mitragyna speciosa has been reported previously to possess abuse liability. However, there are insufficient data suggesting the mechanism through which this pharmacological agent causes addiction.
AIMS: In this study, we investigated the effects of mitragynine on dopamine (DA) level and dopamine transporter (DAT) expression from the rat's frontal cortex.
METHODS: DA level was recorded in the brain samples of animals treated with acute or repeated exposure for 4 consecutive days with either vehicle or mitragynine (1 and 30 mg/kg) using electrochemical sensor. Animals were then decapitated and the brain regions were removed, snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen and immediately stored at -80 °C. DA level was quantified using Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits and DAT gene expression was determined using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).
RESULTS/OUTCOME: Mitragynine (1 and 30 mg/kg) did not increase DA release following acute treatment, however, after repeated exposure at day 4, mitragynine significantly and dose dependently increased DA release in the frontal cortex. In this study, we also observed a significant increase in DAT mRNA expression at day 4 in group treated with mitragynine (30 mg/kg).
CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION: Data from this study indicates that mitragynine significantly increased DA release when administered repeatedly, increased in DAT mRNA expression with the highest tested dose (30 mg/kg). Therefore, the rewarding effects observed after mitragynine administration could be due to its ability to increase DA content in certain areas of the brain especially the frontal cortex.

Matched MeSH terms: Secologanin Tryptamine Alkaloids/adverse effects*
Baclofen blocks the acquisition and expression of mitragynine-induced conditioned place preference in rats

Yusoff NHM, Mansor SM, Müller CP, Hassan Z

Behav Brain Res, 2018 06 01;345:65-71.
PMID: 29499286 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.02.039

Mitragynine is the major alkaloid found in the leaves of M. speciosa Korth (Rubiaceae), a plant that is native to Southeast Asia. This compound has been used, either traditionally or recreationally, due to its psychostimulant and opioid-like effects. Recently, mitragynine has been shown to exert conditioned place preference (CPP), indicating the rewarding and motivational properties of M. speciosa. Here, the involvement of GABAB receptors in mediating mitragynine reward is studied using a CPP paradigm in rats. First, we examined the effects of GABAB receptor agonist baclofen (1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg) on the acquisition of mitragynine (10 mg/kg)-induced CPP. Second, the involvement of GABAB receptors in the expression of mitragynine-induced CPP was tested. We found that the acquisition of mitragynine-induced CPP could be blocked by higher doses (2.5 and 5 mg/kg) of baclofen. Baclofen at a high dose inhibited locomotor activity and caused a CPP. Furthermore, we found that baclofen (2.5 and 5 mg/kg) also blocked the expression of mitragynine-induced CPP. These findings suggest that both, the acquisition and expression of mitragynine's reinforcing properties is controlled by the GABAB receptor.

Matched MeSH terms: Secologanin Tryptamine Alkaloids/pharmacology*
Fulltext Potential role of marine species-derived bioactive agents in the management of SARS-CoV-2 infection

Asif M, Saleem M, Yaseen HS, Yehya AH, Saadullah M, Zubair HM, et al.

Future Microbiol, 2021 Nov;16(16):1289-1301.
PMID: 34689597 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2021-0024

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, has resulted in a massive global health crisis. Bioactive molecules extracted or synthesized using starting material obtained from marine species, including griffithsin, plitidepsin and fingolimod are in clinical trials to evaluate their anti-SARS-CoV-2 and anti-HIV efficacies. The current review highlights the anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential of marine-derived phytochemicals explored using in silico, in vitro and in vivo models. The current literature suggests that these molecules have the potential to bind with various key drug targets of SARS-CoV-2. In addition, many of these agents have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory potentials and thus could play a role in the attenuation of COVID-19 complications. Overall, these agents may play a role in the management of COVID-19, but further preclinical and clinical studies are still required to establish their role in the mitigation of the current viral pandemic.

Matched MeSH terms: Alkaloids/pharmacology
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia Jack): a review on its ethnobotany and pharmacological importance

Bhat R, Karim AA

Fitoterapia, 2010 Oct;81(7):669-79.
PMID: 20434529 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2010.04.006

Eurycoma longifolia Jack is an herbal medicinal plant of South-East Asian origin, popularly recognized as 'Tongkat Ali.' The plant parts have been traditionally used for its antimalarial, aphrodisiac, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial and anti-pyretic activities, which have also been proved scientifically. The plant parts are rich in various bioactive compounds (like eurycomaoside, eurycolactone, eurycomalactone, eurycomanone, and pasakbumin-B) among which the alkaloids and quassinoids form a major portion. Even though toxicity and safety evaluation studies have been pursued, still a major gap exists in providing scientific base for commercial utilization and clearance of the Tongkat Ali products with regard to consumer's safety. The present review aims at reviewing the research works undertaken till date, on this plant in order to provide sufficient baseline information for future works and for commercial exploitation.

Matched MeSH terms: Alkaloids
Fulltext Induction of cytotoxicity by Bruguiera gymnorrhiza in human breast carcinoma (MCF-7) cell line via activation of the intrinsic pathway

Chaudhry GE, Rahman NH, Sevakumaran V, Ahmad A, Mohamad H, Zafar MN, et al.

J Adv Pharm Technol Res, 2020 10 10;11(4):233-237.
PMID: 33425710 DOI: 10.4103/japtr.JAPTR_81_20

Breast cancer is among the frequently occurring cancer worldwide. The foremost underline aim of this study was to determine the growth inhibitory effect along with mechanistic study of a Bruguiera gymnorrhiza extract on MCF-7. The cytotoxicity activity was determined by using the MTS assay. Butanol extract exhibited the maximum cytotoxicity activity against the MCF-7 cells with IC50 of 3.39 μg/mL, followed by diethyl ether and methanol extract (IC50 at 16.22 μg/mL and 37.15 μg/mL, respectively) at 72 h. The DeadEndTM Colorimetric Apoptosis Detection System confirmed the induction of apoptosis (via DNA fragmentation) in MCF-7 cells. Both butanol and diethyl ether extracts of B. gymnorrhiza significantly increase the caspase-3 level. However, the diethyl ether extract induced higher caspase-9 levels compared to caspase-8, suggesting that the intrinsic pathway was the major route in the process of apoptosis. Thin-layer chromatography profiling demonstrated the presence of phenolic, terpene, and alkaloid compounds in crude methanol, diethyl ether, and butanol extracts. The phytochemicals present in the extracts of B. gymnorrhiza might have the potential to be a future therapeutic agent against breast cancer.

Matched MeSH terms: Alkaloids
Matrine enhances the inhibitory effect of 5-fu on sw480 cells in vitro and in vivo

Xu-hui Zhang, Lei Liang, Xiao-yan Wang, Li Zhang, Yan-xin Zheng, Hong-zhu Deng, et al.

Sains Malaysiana, 2016;45:109-113.

We investigated the antitumor effects of the combination of matrine-a purified alkaloid extracted from Sophora flavescence-and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on SW480 cells. This combination inhibited the growth of SW480 cells in a synergistic or additive manner by disrupting their progression through the cell cycle. Exposure of SW480 cells to matrine and 5-FU was followed by an increased rate of expression for caspase-3, caspase-9 and poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) and inhibited the subcutaneous transplantation of SW480 tumors into Balb/c nude mice. Histopathological analysis showed that this effect was most pronounced in the spleens of treated animals. Typical cytotoxic effects observed in 5-FU-treated mice included fibrosis and lymphopenia, whereas in mice treated with 5-FU combined with matrine, the spleen ultrastructure remained intact. These findings indicate that matrine may enhance the therapeutic effectiveness of 5-FU in SW480 tumors by enhancing apoptosis and overcome the threat to immunocompetence associated with 5-FU.

Matched MeSH terms: Alkaloids
Fulltext Decoding Antioxidant and Antibacterial Potentials of Malaysian Green Seaweeds: Caulerpa racemosa and Caulerpa lentillifera

Yap WF, Tay V, Tan SH, Yow YY, Chew J

Antibiotics (Basel), 2019 Sep 17;8(3).
PMID: 31533237 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics8030152

Seaweeds are gaining a considerable amount of attention for their antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Caulerpa racemosa and Caulerpa lentillifera, also known as 'sea grapes', are green seaweeds commonly found in different parts of the world, but the antioxidant and antibacterial potentials of Malaysian C. racemosa and C. lentillifera have not been thoroughly explored. In this study, crude extracts of the seaweeds were prepared using chloroform, methanol, and water. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were measured, followed by in vitro antioxidant activity determination using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Antibacterial activities of these extracts were tested against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and neuropathogenic Escherichia coli K1. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) analysis was then used to determine the possible compounds present in the extract with the most potent antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Results showed that C. racemosa chloroform extract had the highest TPC (13.41 ± 0.86 mg GAE/g), antioxidant effect (EC50 at 0.65 ± 0.03 mg/mL), and the strongest antibacterial effect (97.7 ± 0.30%) against MRSA. LCMS analysis proposed that the chloroform extracts of C. racemosa are mainly polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, terpenes, and alkaloids. In conclusion, C. racemosa can be a great source of novel antioxidant and antibacterial agents, but isolation and purification of the bioactive compounds are needed to study their mechanism of action.

Matched MeSH terms: Alkaloids
Fulltext The mobile-phone-based iCOTM Smokerlyzer®: Comparison with the piCO+ Smokerlyzer® among smokers undergoing methadone-maintained therapy

Wong HY, Subramaniyan M, Bullen C, Amer Siddiq AN, Danaee M, Yee A

Tob Induc Dis, 2019;17:65.
PMID: 31582954 DOI: 10.18332/tid/111355

INTRODUCTION: The mobile-phone-based Bedfont iCOTM Smokerlyzer® is of unknown validity and reproducibility compared to the widely-used piCO+ Smokerlyzer®. We aimed to compare the validity and reproducibility of the iCOTM Smokerlyzer® with the piCO+ Smokerlyzer® among patients reducing or quitting tobacco smoking.
METHODS: Methadone-maintained therapy (MMT) users from three centers in Malaysia had their exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO) levels recorded via the piCO+ and iCOTM Smokerlyzers®, their nicotine dependence assessed with the Malay version of the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND-M), and daily tobacco intake measured via the Opiate Treatment Index (OTI) Tobacco Q-score. Pearson partial correlations were used to compare the eCO results of both devices, as well as the corresponding FTND-M scores.
RESULTS: Among the 146 participants (mean age 47.9 years, 92.5% male, and 73.3% Malay ethnic group) most (55.5%) were moderate smokers (6-19 cigarettes/day). Mean eCO categories were significantly correlated between both devices (r=0.861, p<0.001), and the first and second readings were significantly correlated for each device (r=0.94 for the piCO+ Smokerlyzer®, p<0.001; r=0.91 for the iCOTM Smokerlyzer®, p<0.001). Exhaled CO correlated positively with FTND-M scores for both devices. The post hoc analysis revealed a significantly lower iCOTM Smokerlyzer® reading of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.69-0.94, p<0.001) compared to that of the piCO+ Smokerlyzer®, and a significant intercept of -0.34 (95% CI: -0.61 - -0.07, p=0.016) on linear regression analysis, suggesting that there may be a calibration error in one or more of the iCOTM Smokerlyzer® devices.
CONCLUSIONS: The iCOTM Smokerlyzer® readings are highly reproducible compared to those of the piCO+ Smokerlyzer®, but calibration guidelines are required for the mobile-phone-based device. Further research is required to assess interchangeability.

Matched MeSH terms: Opiate Alkaloids
Indole alkaloids and anti-nociceptive mechanisms of Tabernaemontana divaricata (L.) R. Br. flower methanolic extract

Ali Khan MS, Misbah, Ahmed N, Arifuddin M, Rehman A, Ling MP

Food Chem Toxicol, 2018 Jun 05.
PMID: 29883785 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.06.007

Flowers of Tabernaemontana divaricata (L.) R. Br., (Apocynaceae) are used in traditional medicine for analgesic property. The present study was performed to isolate the active principles and investigate the mechanisms involved in the anti-nociception caused by T. divaricata flower methanolic extract (TDFME). The extract in the doses of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o was subjected to various assays in acetic acid induced abdominal writhing and formalin induced paw licking test models. Naloxone, L-Arginine, Glibenclamide and Glutamate were used as inducers while Morphine, L-NAME, Methylene blue and Aspirin served as standard drugs. The phytochemical analysis led to the isolation of three indole alkaloids namely Voacangine, Catharanthine and O-acetyl Vallesamine. The anti-nociception produced by TDFME was attenuated significantly (p< 0.001) by the intra-peritoneal pretreatment of naloxone, L-Arginine and glibenclamide. The nociception produced by glutamate was inhibited by TDFME. TDFME also enhanced the antinociceptive activity of L-NAME when given in combination. However TDFME co-administration did not produce significant results with methylene blue indicating lack of cGMP involvement. These results indicate that TDFME produces anti-nociception action mediated by opioid, nitric oxide, K+-ATP and glutamate mechanisms and the effect is largely related to the indole alkaloids.

Matched MeSH terms: Vinca Alkaloids
Fulltext Qualitative dataset on UPLC-QTOF/MS tentative identification of phytochemicals from bioactive extract of Ipomoea mauritiana Jacq

Alam I, Forid MS, Roney M, Aluwi MFFM, Huq AM

Data Brief, 2021 Apr;35:106839.
PMID: 33659597 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2021.106839

The current data report describes the predictive identification of phytochemical constituents in the bioactive extract of Ipomoea mauritiana (IM) whole plant. For several formulations this plant was commonly used as 'Vidari' for Ayurvedic medicine. Traditionally, IM tubers are used to alleviate spinal cord pain, improve breast milk, as a tonic, increase sperm count and treating jaundice. The methanol extract can potentially scavenge free radicals and possess antibacterial activity that could be correlated with its chemical composition. So it is crucial to identify the major compounds of IM. An ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-QTOF/MS) method was adopted to detect the flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, terpenoids in IM methanol extract. Data presented here is related to a published work Antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Ipomoea mauritiana Jacq.: A traditionally used medicinal plant in Bangladesh (Alam et al., 2020). Secondary metabolites were analyzed by the comparison of the mass fragmentation arrangements with Waters UNIFI library that enables for positive identification of the compounds based on the spectral match.

Matched MeSH terms: Alkaloids
Fulltext Influence of DRD2 Polymorphisms on the Clinical Outcomes of Opioiddependent Patients on Methadone Maintenance Therapy

Zahari Z, Lee CS, Ibrahim MA, Musa N, Mohd Yasin MA, Lee YY, et al.

J Pharm Bioallied Sci, 2020 Nov;12(Suppl 2):S787-S803.
PMID: 33828379 DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.JPBS_248_19

Introduction: Dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) is one of the dopamine receptors that have been studied in relation to opioid dependence. It is possible, therefore, that DRD2 gene (DRD2) polymorphisms influence treatment outcomes of patients with opioid dependence. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of DRD2 polymorphisms on the clinical outcomes of opioid-dependent patients on methadone maintenance therapy (MMT).
Materials and Methods: Patients with opioid dependence (n = 148) were recruited from MMT clinics. Pain sensitivity, severity of the opiate withdrawal syndrome, and sleep quality were assessed using cold pressor test (CPT), Subjective Opiate Withdrawal Scale (SOWS-M), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)-Malay, respectively. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from whole blood, and then was used for genotyping of Val96Ala, Leu141Leu, Val154Ile, Pro310Ser, Ser311Cys, TaqI A, -141C Ins/Del, and A-241G polymorphisms.
Results: Among 148 patients, 8.1% (n = 12), 60.8% (n = 90), 27.7% (n = 41), and 29.1% (n = 43) had at least one risk allele for Ser311Cys, TaqI A, -141C Ins/Del, and A-241G polymorphisms, respectively. There were no significant differences in pain responses (pain threshold, tolerance, and intensity), SOWS, and PSQI scores between DRD2 polymorphisms.
Conclusion: The common DRD2 polymorphisms are not associated with pain sensitivity, severity of the opiate withdrawal syndrome, and sleep quality in patients with opioid dependence on MMT. However, this may be unique for Malays. Additional research should focus on investigating these findings in larger samples and different ethnicity.

Matched MeSH terms: Opiate Alkaloids
Fulltext Bioactive Compounds from the Bornean Endemic Plant Goniothalamus longistipetes

Teo SP, Bhakta S, Stapleton P, Gibbons S

Antibiotics (Basel), 2020 Dec 16;9(12).
PMID: 33339285 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9120913

The present study aimed to screen plants for bioactive compounds with potential antibacterial activities. In our efforts to evaluate plants from Borneo, we isolated and elucidated the structures of four natural products from the bioactive fraction of a chloroform extract of Goniothalamus longistipetes using various chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. The bioactive compounds were identified as a known styryllactone, (+)-altholactone ((2S,3R,3aS,7aS)-3-hydroxy-2-phenyl-2,3,3a,7a-tetrahydrobenzo-5(4H)-5-one) (1), a new styryllactone, (2S,3R,3aS,7aS)-3-hydroxy-2-phenyl-2,3,3a,7a-tetrahydrobenzo-5(4H)-5-one) (2) as well as a new alkaloid, 2,6-dimethoxyisonicotinaldehyde (3) and a new alkenyl-5-hydroxyl-phenyl benzoic acid (4). 1 and 4 showed broad-spectrum anti-bacterial activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as acid-fast model selected for this study. Compound 2 only demonstrated activities against Gram-positive bacteria whilst 3 displayed selective inhibitory activities against Gram-positive bacterial strains. Additionally, their mechanisms of anti-bacterial action were also investigated. Using Mycobacterium smegmatis as a fast-growing model of tubercle bacilli, compounds 1, 2 and 4 demonstrated inhibitory activities against whole-cell drug efflux and biofilm formation; two key intrinsic mechanisms of antibiotic resistance. Interestingly, the amphiphilic compound 4 exhibited inhibitory activity against the conjugation of plasmid pKM101 in Escherichia coli using a plate conjugation assay. Plasmid conjugation is a mechanism by which Gram-positive and Gram-negative-bacteria acquire drug resistance and virulence. These results indicated that bioactive compounds isolated from Goniothalamus longistipetes can be potential candidates as 'hits' for further optimisation.

Matched MeSH terms: Alkaloids
Naturally occurring immunomodulators with antitumor activity: An insight on their mechanisms of action

Mohamed SIA, Jantan I, Haque MA

Int Immunopharmacol, 2017 Sep;50:291-304.
PMID: 28734166 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2017.07.010

Natural products with immunomodulatory activity are widely used in treatment of many diseases including autoimmune diseases, inflammatory disorders in addition to cancer. They gained a great interest in the last decades as therapeutic agents since they provide inexpensive and less toxic products than the synthetic chemotherapeutic agents. Immunomodulators are the agents that have the ability to boost or suppress the host defense response that can be used as a prophylaxis as well as in combination with other therapeutic modalities. The anticancer activity of these immunomodulators is due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and induction of apoptosis, anti-angiogenesis, and anti-metastasis effect. These natural immunomodulators such as genistein, curcumin, and resveratrol can be used as prophylaxis against the initiation of cancer besides the inhibition of tumor growth and proliferation. Whereas, immunostimulants can elicit and activate humoral and cell-mediated immune responses against the tumor that facilitate the recognition and destruction of the already existing tumor. This review represents the recent studies on various natural immunomodulators with antitumor effects. We have focused on the relationship between their anticancer activity and immunomodulatory mechanisms. The mechanisms of action of various immunomodulators such as polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, organosulfur compounds, capsaicin, vinca alkaloids, bromelain, betulinic acid and zerumbone, the affected cancerous cell lines in addition to the targeted molecules and transcriptional pathways have been review and critically analyzed.

Matched MeSH terms: Vinca Alkaloids
Aqueous extract of Senecio candicans DC induce liver and kidney damage in a sub-chronic oral toxicity study in Wistar rats

Lakshmanan H, Raman J, Pandian A, Kuppamuthu K, Nanjian R, Sabaratam V, et al.

Regul Toxicol Pharmacol, 2016 Aug;79:25-34.
PMID: 27177820 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2016.05.010

Senecio candicans DC. (Asteraceae) is used as a remedy for gastric ulcer and stomach pain in the Nilgiris, district, Tamil Nadu. The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the sub-chronic toxicity of an aqueous extract of Senecio candicans (AESC) plant in Wistar albino rats. The study was conducted in consideration of the OECD 408 study design (Repeated Dose 90-Day Oral Toxicity Study in Rodents) and the extract was administered via gavage at doses of 250, 500 or 750 mg/kg body weight per day for 90-days. Hematological, biochemical parameters were determined on days 0, 30, 60 and 90 of administration. Animals were euthanized after 90 d treatment and its liver and kidney sections were taken for histological study. The results of sub-chronic study showed significant increase (P

Matched MeSH terms: Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids/administration & dosage; Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids/isolation & purification; Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids/toxicity*
Fulltext Preliminary phytochemical evaluation and vitamin c content of Tolidus (Hornstedtia havilandii (K. Schum) K. Schum) from Sabah

Nur Syafiqah Martang, Nadia Majitol, Farnidah Jasnie, Lo Chor-Wai

Borneo Akademika, 2020;4(4):15-20.
MyJurnal

Most of the plants in the ginger family Zingeberaceae are well-known for their medicinal properties. However, the genus Hornstedtia found in Sabah is less reported. This research aims to investigate the phytochemical constituent and vitamin C content of a fruit, locally known as the Tolidus fruit in Sabah. The dried fruit sample was extracted using three solvents which were water, ethanol and methanol. The phytochemical constituents were determined using standard Colour Test for the presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin and tannin. Then, the content of Vitamin C was determined using the standard Colorimetric Titration and ascorbic acid as standard. The phytochemical evaluation revealed that all three targeted constituents were present in all extracts except for the alkaloid. The vitamin C content was determined in both dried and fresh sample of fruits, where 52.84 mg was quantified in the fresh fruit aqueous extract and 23.93 mg in the dried fruit aqueous extract respectively. These results are comparable to the content of vitamin C in orange and lime fruits. The phytochemical evaluation and vitamin C content of Tolidus suggested the potential of this underutilised fruit to be the natural and affordable source of vitamin C. Additionally, may protect the body against harmful free radicals. However, further analysis is needed to determine other constructive natural contents and evaluate the efficacy of this fruit as a natural source of antioxidant

Matched MeSH terms: Alkaloids
High altitude species, high profits: Can the trade in wild harvested Fritillaria cirrhosa (Liliaceae) be sustained?

Cunningham AB, Brinckmann JA, Pei SJ, Luo P, Schippmann U, Long X, et al.

J Ethnopharmacol, 2018 Sep 15;223:142-151.
PMID: 29751123 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.05.004

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don bulbs contain alkaloids and are one of the most intensively exploited alpine Himalayan medicinal species. In terms of proprietary medicines, our study shows that 210 F. cirrhosa products are offered by 46 suppliers, most of which (44) are situated in China and two in Nepal. A widespread commercial use is as one of the main ingredients in cough syrups. A well known example is "Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa Herbal Cough & Throat Syrup", which typically contains more F. cirrhosa than any other herbal ingredient in the formulation. The biggest market for F. cirrhosa bulbs is China, where demand exceeds supply of this wild harvested species for use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Cross-border trade from Nepal to China occurs in significant quantities. Bhutan also imports F. cirrhosa bulbs from Nepal. In addition, F. cirrhosa is registered as an active ingredient in traditional herbal medicinal preparations in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong SAR, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Singapore and Taiwan. There is also an export trade in F. cirrhosa to Europe. Assessing how much F. cirrhosa is traded is complex, however, due to a "look-alike" challenge, as nine Chinese Fritillaria species are traded in Europe (Fritillaria cirrhosa, F. delavayi, F. hupehensis, F. pallidiflora, F. przewalskii, F. thunbergii, F. unibracteata, F. ussuriensis and F. walujewii).
AIMS OF THE STUDY: The aims of this review were to assess the scale of the global trade in F. cirrhosa, and to synthesise studies of the impacts of wild harvest on F. cirrhosa populations and on the extent of emerging cultivation initiatives as an alternative to wild harvest.
METHODS: Firstly, we reviewed published information on studies on impacts of wild F. cirrhosa harvest from across the geographic range of this species. Secondly, global trade data for F. cirrhosa were analysed.
RESULTS: The principal demand for F. cirrhosa bulbs is in China, where hundreds of different companies produce Fritillaria preparations. Trade data also show that in 2013, China exported over 44 tonnes of F. cirrhosa bulbs to Taiwan and 26.7 tonnes to the Republic of Korea. Extensive commercial use and limited wild stocks result in a high price (2000 - 3800 CNY per kg (around US$ 303 -560 per kg in 2017)) for F. cirrhosa bulbs. Prices of cultivated Fritillaria bulbs are much lower (600-680 CNY per kg in 2017) than wild harvested bulbs. But due to very specific growth requirements of F. cirrhosa, cultivation is not yet able to meet total demand. The consequence is continued exploitation of wild stocks. At the same time, however, an increasing proportion of the demand is met by cultivation of alternative Fritillaria species that are easier to grow than F. cirrhosa. The air-dry mass of F. cirrhosa bulbs varies between 0.0917 and 0.1116 g per bulb. This represents 8960 - 10,900 bulbs/kg or 8.9 - 10.9 million bulbs per tonne. Current demand therefore represents billions of bulbs per year.
CONCLUSIONS: Demand for F. cirrhosa bulbs, particularly from China, makes this species one of the most intensively harvested alpine Himalayan medicinal bulbs. Although F. cirrhosa is listed as a Class III protected species in China, billions of these tiny, wild harvested bulbs are sold per year. Due to demand exceeding supply, the price of F. cirrhosa bulbs has increased dramatically. Between 2002 and 2017, for example, the price of wild harvested F. cirrhosa bulbs increased over nine-fold, from the equivalent of US$60 in 2002 to US$560 per kg in 2017. To date, cultivation has been unable to meet the entire market demand for F. cirrhosa bulbs, although other Fritillaria species are successfully cultivated on a larger scale.

Matched MeSH terms: Alkaloids
Phytochemical and biological evaluation of Defatted seeds of Jatropha Curcas

Ul Haq MN, Wazir SM, Ullah F, Khan RA, Shah MS, Khatak A

Sains Malaysiana, 2016;45:1435-1442.

In this study, the antimicrobial, antioxidant, phytotoxic and phytochemical properties of defatted seeds of Jatropha curcas were evaluated. A crude methanolic extract of defatted seeds was tested against three fungal strains - Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus - and five bacteria: Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae (Gram negative) and Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive). The methanolic extract was diluted in dimethylsulfoxide to final concentrations of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mg/10 mL. The largest zones of inhibition against K. pneumoniae, M. luteus and B. subtilis were achieved using the concentration of 5 mg/10 mL. The concentration of 1 mg/10 mL was most effective against S. aureus and E. coli. In a 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylahydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, the 5 mg/10 mL concentration of the Jatropha seed extract showed the strongest activity. Higher concentrations of the Jatropha seed extract (10 mg/50 mL and 5 mg/50 mL) significantly inhibited the germination of radish seeds and had negative effects on radish seedling relative water content, shoot length, root length, seedling fresh weight and seedling dry weight (p<0.05). Phytochemical analyses of the defatted seeds detected alkaloids (7.3%), flavonoids (0.39%) and soluble phenolics (mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract). Based on these results, it was inferred that J. curcas seeds contain active ingredients that are effective against pathogenic microbes and therefore could be used to formulate drugs to treat various diseases.

Matched MeSH terms: Alkaloids
Evaluation of antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic potential of Nelumbo Nucifera seeds in diabetic rats

Khan SH, Ali F, Shah A, Kamran F, Jahan S

Sains Malaysiana, 2016;45:1517-1523.

The present study was aimed at evaluating antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activity of nuciferin and
norcoclaurine constituents of N. nucifera seeds, a well-known medicinal plant. The alloxan (100 mg/kg b.w) induced
diabetic rats (200-250 g) were divided into seven groups (n = 6). Group I; normal control, Group II; diabetic control,
Group III; standard, Group lV-VII were fed with methanolic crude extracts (100, 200 mg/kg), nuciferin and norcoclaurine
(10 mg/kg b.w.), received for 15 days in dose dependent manner. The study included different parameters; examination of
oral glucose, fasting blood glucose, serum lipid profile and checking for body weight changes. In oral glucose examination,
within 60 and 80 min of treatment, extracts, nuciferin and norcoclaurine significantly reduced blood glucose (p<0.05)
and restored body weight in diabetic rats. Alloxan- induced diabetic rats showed 30-50% reduction of blood glucose
level (p<0.05) and recovered 5-20% body weight at day 15 after ingestion of crude extracts (100-200 mg/kg b.w.); and
nuciferin and norcoclaurine (each at 10 mg/kg b.w.). It also recovered significantly elevated biochemical parameters such
as triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol (TC), serum urea and
creatinine. Our findings indicated that N. nucifera seeds possess significant antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic
activity in diabetic rats.

Matched MeSH terms: Alkaloids
Fulltext Molecular docking analysis of Carica papaya Linn constituents as antiviral agent

Radhakrishnan, N., Lam, K. W., Norhaizan, M. E.

International Food Research Journal, 2017;24(4):1819-1825.
MyJurnal

Carica papaya (papaya) fruits are available throughout the world and it is well accepted as food or as a quasi-drug. Aqueous papaya leaves extract have been used as treatment for dengue fever. This prompted us to carry out the docking study on these nine selected ligands (phyto-constituents of papaya) which are carpaine, dehydrocarpaine I and II, cardenolide, p-coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, caricaxanthin, violaxanthin and zeaxanthin. These phytoconstituents were evaluated on the docking behaviour of dengue serotype 3 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp); influenza A (H1N9) virus neuraminidase (NA); chikungunya virus glycoprotein (E3-E2-E1) and chikungunya virus non-structural protein2 (nsP2) protease using Discovery Studio Version 3.1. In addition, molecular physicochemical, drug-likeness, ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity) and TOPKAT (Toxicity Prediction by Komputer Assisted Technology) analyses were done. The molecular physicochemical analysis revealed that cardenolide and p-coumaric acid (2 ligands) complied with Lipinski’s rule of five. Dehydrocarpaine II, cardenolide, caricaxanthin, violaxanthin and zeaxanthin all the five ligands were predicted to have plasma protein binding (PPB) effect. Docking studies and binding free energy calculations revealed that p-coumaric acid exhibited very least binding energy irrespective of its target protein. Hence, the results of this present study exhibited the potential of these nine ligands as antiviral agent.

Matched MeSH terms: Alkaloids
Fulltext Alpinia calcarata Roscoe: A potential phytopharmacological source of natural medicine

Rahman MA, Islam MS

Pharmacogn Rev, 2015 Jan-Jun;9(17):55-62.
PMID: 26009694 DOI: 10.4103/0973-7847.156350

Alpinia calcarata Roscoe (Family: Zingiberaceae), is a rhizomatous perennial herb, which is commonly used in the traditional medicinal systems in Sri Lanka. Alpinia calcarata is cultivated in tropical countries, including Sri Lanka, India, and Malaysia. Experimentally, rhizomes of Alpinia calcarata are shown to possess antibacterial, antifungal, anthelmintic, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, aphrodisiac, gastroprotective, and antidiabetic activities. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, steroid glycosides and alkaloids in the extract and essential oil of this plant. Essential oil and extracts from this plant have been found to possess wide range of pharmacological and biological activities. This article provides a comprehensive review of its ethnomedical uses, chemical constituents and the pharmacological profile as a medicinal plant. Particular attention has been given to the pharmacological effects of the essential oil of Alpinia calcarata in this review so that the potential use of this plant either in pharmaceutics or as an agricultural resource can be evaluated.

Matched MeSH terms: Alkaloids

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