Antidepressant‐like effects of 20(S)‐protopanaxadiol in a mouse model of chronic social defeat stress and the related mechanisms

20(S)‐Protopanaxadiol (PPD) is a basic aglycone of the dammarane triterpenoid saponins and exerts antidepressant‐like effects on behaviour in the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) and in rat olfactory bulbectomy depression models. However, the antidepressant effects of PPD have not been studied thoroughly. The objective of the present study was first to investigate the effect of PPD on depression behaviours induced by chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) in mice. The results showed that CSDS was effective in producing depression‐like behaviours in mice, as indicated by decreased responses in the social interaction test, sucrose preference test, TST, and FST, and that this effect was accompanied by noticeable alterations in the levels of oxidative markers (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and lipid peroxidation) and monoamines (5‐HT and NE) in the hippocampus and serum corticosterone levels. Additionally, western blot analysis revealed that CSDS exposure significantly downregulated BDNF, p‐TrkB/TrkB, p‐Akt/Akt, and p‐mTOR/mTOR protein expression in the hippocampus. Remarkably, chronic PPD treatment significantly ameliorated these behavioral and biochemical alterations associated withCSDS‐induced depression. Our results suggest that PPD exerts antidepressant‐like effects in mice with CSDS‐induced depression and that this effect may be mediated by the normalization of neurotransmitter and corticosterone levels and the alleviation of oxidative stress, as well as the enhancement of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR‐mediated BDNF/TrkB pathway.     

Terpenoid content of Valeriana wallichii extracts and antidepressant‐like response profiles

Three extracts of Valeriana wallichii DC (Valerianaceae) rhizome and fluoxetine were studied for antidepressant‐like activity in two behavioral models, namely the forced swim test (FST) and the tail suspension test (TST). Fluoxetine as well as methanolic and aqueous extracts of V. wallichii induced monophasic dose‐related decrements in immobility times in both tests. However, the aqueous‐ethanolic fraction induced a biphasic dose‐response profile since it produced a graded effect up to 200 mg/kg but the highest dose (250 mg/kg) was inactive in the FST. This extract also exhibited significantly reduced activity at 200 mg/kg compared to lower doses in the TST. The highest doses of aqueous‐ethanolic extract also reduced locomotor activity which will have led to a negative functional interaction with antidepressant‐like effects. Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed that the aqueous‐ethanolic extract of V. wallichii was the only separated rhizome fraction containing terpenoids. Furthermore, since the methanolic and aqueous extracts were active in the tests, it is suggested that the antidepressant‐like action of this herbal plant is not contingent upon its terpenoid constituents. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sour Cherry Seed Kernel Extract Increases Heme Oxygenase‐1 Expression and Decreases Representation of CD3+ TNF‐α + and CD3 + IL‐8+ Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood Leukocyte Cultures from Type 2 Diabetes Patients

The present study evaluates a hypothesis that sour cherry (Prunus cerasus) seed extracts (SCE) modulate CD3+ T lymphocyte activity in ways predictive of potential for uses of SCE in management of inflammatory diseases. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 12 type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients and eight healthy control subjects were cultured 24 h with 100 ng/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to increase inflammatory signaling and co‐incubated with 0.5–100 µg/ml SCE. Cultures were evaluated by two‐color flow cytometry for percent representation of CD3+ IL8+ and CD3 + TNF‐α + cells which express interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), and tumor necrosis factor‐α, (TNF‐α+) respectively, and by enzyme‐linked immunoassay for lymphocyte‐associated heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1, known to be induced by SCE). SCE dosage ranges of 0.5–100 µg/ml in cell cultures significantly suppressed LPS‐increased CD3 + TNF‐α + and CD3 + IL8+ representation from all participants (p < 0.05), with greater pharmacological effect noted in suppression of CD3 + TNF‐α + noted in cells from T2DM patients versus healthy control subjects. These effects correlated with increased HO‐1 expression in SCE‐treated PBMC from all subjects (p < 0.05). Since TNF‐α and IL‐8 are diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers for many inflammatory syndromes, the capacity of SCE to down‐regulate representation of cells that express them suggests potential for therapeutic use of SCE in T2DM and other diseases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Inulin‐Type Oligosaccharides Extracted from Yacon Produce Antidepressant‐Like Effects in Behavioral Models of Depression

Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius), a traditional food in the Andean diet, is attracting global attention for its medicinal properties, which are mainly because of its high content of non‐digestible oligosaccharides. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the antidepressant‐like effects of inulin‐type oligosaccharides extracted from yacon (YOs) in behavioral models of depression. Behavioral despair models in mice including the tail suspension test (TST) and the forced swimming test (FST) were used to determine the effects of acute YOs administration. The locomotor activity was also explored to eliminate any false‐positive activity. In addition, to further investigate the antidepressant‐like effects of subchronic YOs administration, the learned helplessness (LH) paradigm in rats was performed. The results demonstrated that YOs (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg, p.o.) treatment significantly reduced the immobility time in the mouse TST and FST in a U‐shaped, dose‐dependent manner, and showed no stimulatory effect on the locomotor activity. Furthermore, subchronic YOs (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg, p.o.) treatment significantly reversed the escape deficits in LH rats, including an increased number of escape failures and prolonged escape latency. These findings suggest that the inulin‐type oligosaccharides extracted from yacon may be a prospective natural source for antidepressants. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Rapid antidepressant‐like effect of Fructus Aurantii depends on cAMP‐response element binding protein/Brain‐derived neurotrophic facto by mediating synaptic transmission

Several studies reported the relative antidepressant effects of Fructus Aurantii (FRA) with repeated treatment, the rapid antidepressant effects of FRA and the underlying mechanisms remained unclear. We, therefore, examined the rapid antidepressant actions of FRA in behavioral tests in mice and tested the underlying molecular mechanisms. We found FRA, like ketamine, reversed the behavioral deficits both in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)‐induced and learned helplessness (LH) models at 1 day after a single administration. FRA was also capable of increasing the expressions of protein kinase A/cAMP‐response element‐binding protein/brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (PKA/CREB/BDNF) signaling in hippocampus. Consistent with ketamine, FRA up‐regulated the expressions of GABAergic receptor (GAD67) and glutamatergic receptor 1 (GluR1) in mouse hippocampus both exposed to LPS and LH. Moreover, synaptic proteins such as postsynaptic density‐95 (PSD95) and synapsin1 were also up‐regulated by a single dose of FRA both in LH and LPS models, like ketamine. Finally, metadoxine (an antagonist of CREB) inhibited the antidepressant effects of FRA in tail suspension test (TST) and forced swimming test (FST) in LPS‐induced mice, which also blocked the phosphorylation of CREB and the expressions of neurotransmitters and synaptic molecules. Therefore, FRA had rapid antidepressant effects, which depended on PKA/CREB/BDNF pathway, subsequently regulated the downstream synaptic transmission.     

Effects of Penta‐O‐galloyl‐β‐D‐glucose on Human Neutrophil Function: significant Down‐Regulation of L‐selectin Expression

Penta‐O‐galloyl‐β‐D‐glucose (PGG) occurrs in high concentrations in medicinal herbs such as Rhus chinensis, Paeonia suffruticosa, Acer truncatum and Terminalia chebula, which demonstrate anti‐inflammatory activity. We investigated the effect of PGG on stimulated and non‐stimulated neutrophils in processes which included reactive oxygen species generation (ROS), metalloproteinase‐9 and interleukin‐8 secretion (IL‐8), β₂ integrin (CD11b) and L‐selectin (CD62L) expression and apoptosis. In concentrations of 5 μM–20 μM, PGG demonstrated statistically significant inhibition of ROS generation, IL‐8 secretion and β₂ integrin expression in stimulated neutrophils. The inhibition of L‐selectin expression by PGG resulted in prevention in neutrophils’ endothelial attachment. The result obtained may explain the anti‐inflammatory activity of this compound and underline the contribution of PGG in the activity of PGG rich plant extracts. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

淫羊藿提取物抗抑郁作用研究

目的研究淫羊藿提取物的抗抑郁作用。方法采用行为绝望模型悬尾试验(TST)和强迫游泳试验(FST)研究淫羊藿提取物对小鼠行为、脑内单胺氧化酶A(M AO-A)、单胺氧化酶B(M AO-B)活性与肝脏中M AO-A和M AO-B活性及丙二醛(M DA)水平的影响;采用利血平拮抗模型探讨淫羊藿提取物可能存在的抗抑郁作用途径。结果淫羊藿提取物(25、50、100、200 m g/kg)能显著缩短TST和FST小鼠悬尾和游泳不动时间,显著抑制TST小鼠脑和肝组织M AO-A和M AO-B活性,逆转肝组织M DA水平的升高。淫羊藿提取物对利血平所致小鼠体温的下降无明显改善作用。结论淫羊藿提取物具有一定抗抑郁作用。     

The role of the lignan constituents in the effect of Schisandra chinensis fruit extract on penile erection

The effect of the ethanol extract and active components of the fruit of Schisandra chinensis was evaluated on rabbit penile corpus cavernosum (PCC). PCC, pre‐contracted with 10^?5 m phenylephrine (Phe), was treated with extracts of S. chinensis at five different compositions of ethanol and water (95%, 70%, 50%, 30% and ethanol/water [v/v]) and three fractions (0.1, 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/mL). The effect of the extracts and active lignans (schisandrol A and schisandrol B) from S. chinensis on sildenafil citrate pre‐incubated PCC was also evaluated. The PCC relaxation induced by the 95% ethanol extraction and the n‐hexane fraction was concentration‐dependent and the ethanol extract enhanced sildenafil citrate‐induced PCC relaxation. The active components of S. chinensis (schisandrol A and schisandrol B) significantly enhanced sildenafil citrate‐induced relaxation >2‐fold; schisandrol A had the highest relaxant effect on sildenafil citrate pre‐incubated PCC. The lignans, schisandrol A and schisandrol B, isolated from the fruits of S. chinensis enhanced sildenafil citrate‐induced relaxation and may have synergistic action in patients who do not completely respond to sildenafil. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

1,2,3,6‐tetra‐O‐galloyl‐β‐D‐allopyranose gallotannin isolated,from Euphorbia jolkini,attenuates LPS‐induced nitric oxide production in macrophages

Nitric oxide (NO) is a pleiotropic regulator, critical to numerous biological processes, including vasodilatation and macrophage‐mediated immunity. Macrophages express inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and produce NO after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Gallotannins are water‐soluble polyphenols with wide‐ranging biological activities. Various chemical structures of gallotannins occurring in medicinal and food plants that are used worldwide showed several remarkable biological and pharmacological activities. In the present study, we examined the inhibitory effects of gallotannin 1,2,3,6‐tetra‐O‐galloyl‐β‐D‐allopyranose (GT24) isolated from Euphorbia jolkini on the LPS‐induced NO production and underlying mechanisms of action. GT24 dose‐dependently decreased LPS‐induced NO production and iNOS expression in J774A.1 macrophages. In addition, GT24 inhibited LPS‐induced activation of nuclear factor (NF)‐κB as indicated by inhibition of degradation of I‐κBα, nuclear translocation of NF‐κB, and NF‐κB dependent gene reporter assay. Our results suggest that GT24 possesses an inhibitory effect on the LPS‐induced inflammatory reaction. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Withanolides against TLR4‐Activated Innate Inflammatory Signalling Pathways: A Comparative Computational and Experimental Study

Innate inflammations are dominant causes of poor health and high mortality. The pathogen‐associated molecular pattern and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are sensed by immune cells through activation of toll‐like receptor 4 leading to mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and NF‐κB activations. Controlled MAPK and Nf‐κB inhibitors have been proposed as potential antiinflammatory drugs. Withania somnifera is an important medicinal herb with known antiinflammatory activity. In this study, the selected Withania somnifera extracts and withanolides were analysed on LPS‐induced macrophages comparatively. Molecular docking analysis revealed withaferin A, withanone and withanolide A as effective withanolides against inflammatory target molecules. In experiments, withaferin A and withanone treatment had prominent suppressions on LPS‐induced expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in bone marrow‐derived macrophages. Withaferin A regulated all the major four pathways (MAPKs and NF‐κB) involved in innate inflammations. Similarly among the Withania extracts analysed, the in vitro propagated leaf and field grown root extracts containing high withaferin A content suppressed the inflammatory molecules through NF‐κB and MAPK pathways. Withaferin A was found to be best in suppressing the activated inflammatory pathways among all the analysed withanolides. Therefore, withaferin A and extracts with high withaferin A content can be used as promising drug candidates against innate inflammations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Praeruptorin a inhibits lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammatory response in murine macrophages through inhibition of NF‐κB pathway activation

Praeruptorin A (PA) is a pyranocoumarin compound isolated from the dried root of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn (Umbelliferae). However, the antiinflammatory effect of PA has not been reported. The present study investigated the antiinflammatory effect of PA in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. PA significantly inhibited the LPS‐induced production of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). The mRNA and protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), IL‐1β and TNF‐α were also suppressed by this compound. Further study showed that PA decreased the cytoplasmic loss of inhibitor κB‐α (IκB‐α) protein and inhibited the translocation of NF‐κB from cytoplasm to nucleus. Taken together, the results suggest that PA may exert antiinflammatory effects in vitro in LPS‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages through inhibition of NF‐κB signal pathway activation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

哈蟆油石油醚提取物的抗抑郁作用

目的:探索哈蟆油石油醚部位(ROS)的抗抑郁作用及可能的机制.方法:雄性ICR小鼠,分为2批,每批均设空白对照组(生理盐水)和6个治疗组(分别给予阳性药氟西汀10 mg·kg-1和ROS不同剂量10,30,100,300,900 mg· kg-1),连续灌胃给药8d.第1批动物在第7天给药后1h和第8天给药后1h,分别采用小鼠强迫游泳和小鼠悬尾2种“行为绝望”抑郁动物模型进行行为学观察;行为学观察结束后小鼠眼球取血,用放射免疫法检测小鼠血清皮质酮(CORT)水平.第2批动物在第8天给药后采用利血平拮抗模型,观察ROS对由利血平引起小鼠体温下降和运动不能的影响.结果:ROS 100,300,900 mg· kg-1均能不同程度地缩短小鼠强迫游泳和悬尾不动时间(P＜0.05),能拮抗利血平致小鼠体温下降和运动不能(P＜0.05),降低小鼠血清皮质酮水平(P＜0.05).结论:ROS具有抗抑郁作用,其机制可能与单胺类神经递质以及下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺(HPA)轴密切相关.     

Anti‐TNF‐α Activity of Brazilian Medicinal Plants and Compounds from Ouratea semiserrata

Several plant species are used in Brazil to treat inflammatory diseases and associated conditions. TNF‐α plays a pivotal role on inflammation, and several plant extracts have been assayed against this target, both in vitro and in vivo. The effect of 11 Brazilian medicinal plants on TNF‐α release by LPS‐activated THP‐1 cells was evaluated. The plant materials were percolated with different solvents to afford 15 crude extracts, whose effect on TNF‐α release was determined by ELISA. Among the evaluated extracts, only Jacaranda caroba (Bignoniaceae) presented strong toxicity to THP‐1 cells. Considering the 14 non‐toxic extracts, TNF‐α release was significantly reduced by seven of them (inhibition > 80%), originating from six plants, namely Cuphea carthagenensis (Lythraceae), Echinodorus grandiflorus (Alismataceae), Mansoa hirsuta (Bignoniaceae), Ouratea semiserrata (Ochnaceae), Ouratea spectabilis and Remijia ferruginea (Rubiaceae). The ethanol extract from O. semiserrata leaves was fractionated over Sephadex LH‐20 and RP‐HPLC to give three compounds previously reported for the species, along with agathisflavone and epicatechin, here described for the first time in the plant. Epicatechin and lanceoloside A elicited significant inhibition of TNF‐α release, indicating that they may account for the effect produced by O. semiserrata crude extract. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Houttuynia cordata Thunb. Volatile Oil Exhibited Anti‐inflammatory Effects In Vivo and Inhibited Nitric Oxide and Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α Production in LPS‐stimulated Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages In Vitro

Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (HC) is a medicinal herb that generally used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating allergic inflammation. The present study investigated the inhibitory effect of the volatile oil from HC Thunb. on animal models of inflammation and the production of inflammatory mediators in vivo and in vitro. In vivo, xylene‐induced mouse ear edema, formaldehyde‐induced paw edema and carrageenan‐induced mice paw edema were significantly decreased by HC volatile oil. HC volatile oil showed pronounced inhibition of prostaglandin (PG) E₂ and malondialdehyde production in the edematous exudates. In vitro exposure of mouse resident peritoneal macrophages to 1, 10, 100 and 1000 µg/mL of HC volatile oil significantly suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated production of NO and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in a dose‐dependent manner. Exposure to HC volatile oil had no effect on cell viability and systemic toxicity. Furthermore, HC volatile oil inhibited the production of NO and TNF‐α by down‐regulating LPS‐stimulated iNOS and TNF‐α mRNA expression. Western blot analysis showed that HC volatile oil attenuated LPS‐stimulated synthesis of iNOS and TNF‐α protein in the macrophages, in parallel. These findings add a novel aspect to the biological profile of HC and clarify its anti‐inflammatory mechanism. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Involvement of mTOR‐related signaling in antidepressant effects of Sophoraflavanone G on chronically stressed mice

SophoraflavanoneG (SG), an important prenylated flavonoid isolated from Sophoraalopecuroides.L, is effective for many illnesses. The present study was designed to investigate whether the compound could reverse depressive‐like symptoms and investigate its possible mechanisms. Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS) mice were treated with fluoxetine and SG. The immobility time in forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) were recorded. The levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and neurotransmitters in the hippocampus were evaluated. Furthermore, the protein expressions of PI3K, AKT, mTOR, p70S6K, BDNF, and Trkb in hippocampus were detected. Rapamycin, the selective mTOR inhibitor, was used to estimate the potential mechanism. As a result, after 7 days of SG treatment, the immobility time in FST and TST was declined obviously. The levels of IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α in the hippocampus were significantly reduced, and the quantity of 5‐HT and NE was raised considerably in SG‐treated group compared with the CUMS‐exposed group. Additionally, SG could up‐regulate the expressions of PI3K, AKT, mTOR, 70S6K, BDNF, and Trkb. The blockade of mammalian target of rapamycin signaling blunted the antidepressant effect and reversed the up‐regulation of BDNF expression caused by SG. These findings suggested that SG treatment alleviated depressive‐like symptoms via mTOR‐mediated BDNF/Trkb signaling.     

Anxiolytic and antidepressant activities of Pelargonium roseum essential oil on Swiss albino mice: Possible involvement of serotonergic transmission

The anxiolytic and antidepressant activities of the Reunion Geranium (Pelargonium roseum Willd) essential oil (EO) were evaluated in male Swiss albino mice by intraperitoneal administration of 10, 20, and 50 mg/kg bw using elevated plus maze (EPM), open‐field test (OFT), and forced swimming test (FST). Moreover, we evaluated whether the 5‐HT_1A and GABA_A–benzodiazepine receptor systems are involved in the anxiolytic effects through the coadministration of WAY‐100635 (a selective 5‐HT_1A receptor antagonist) and flumazenil (an antagonist of benzodiazepine). GC–MS revealed the monoterpene alcohols citronellol (35.9%) and geraniol (18.5%) as the main components of the P. roseum EO. EO was effective in increasing the total number of entries and time spent in the open arms of EPM whereas number of rearing in OFT was significantly decreased in comparison with the control. In the FST, immobility time decreased in EO treated mice. Pretreatment with WAY‐100635, but not Flumazenil, was able to reverse the effects of the EO in the EPM and FST, indicating that the EO activity occurs via the serotonergic but not GABAergic transmission. Overall, results of this work showed significant anxiolytic and antidepressant activity of P. roseum EO and confirmed the traditional uses of Pelargonium species as calming agents.     

虎杖水提和乙醇提取物抗抑郁作用的比较

目的:考查虎杖水提物(HZ-W)和虎杖75％乙醇提取物(醇提物,HZ-E)的抗抑郁作用.方法:雄性昆明种小鼠随机分为模型组、盐酸氟西汀(FH,10 mg ·kg-1)、HZ-W(1.5,3 g·kg-1)和HZ-E(1.5,3 g·kg-1)组,连续灌胃(ig)给药7d,1次/d,末次给药后1h,进行悬尾实验(TST)、强迫游泳实验(FST)和开场实验(OFT)测试.结果:模型组小鼠TST和FST不动时间分别为(95.83±17.18),(126.00±20.79)s,HZ-W低剂量和高剂量、HZ-E高剂量以及FH均显著缩短了不动时间(P＜0.05),而HZ-E低剂量对此无显著影响.OFT中,模型组小鼠3 min内穿格次数为(88.44±19.22)次,各给药组与之相比均无显著差异.结论:首次证实HZ-W和HZ-E均具有抗抑郁活性,且以HZ-W作用更强.     

6,7,4′‐Trihydroxyflavone inhibits osteoclast formation and bone resorption in vitro and in vivo

The balance between the osteoblasts and the osteoclasts is important for the maintenance of the skeleton of the human body. The osteoclasts absorb bone after differentiated into polymorphonuclear cells by the fusion of monocytes/macrophages. We have found that 6,7,4′‐Trihydroxyflavone (THF), a compound from the heartwood of Dalbergia Odorifera inhibits receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL)‐induced osteoclast differentiation, actin ring formation, and bone resorption in RAW 264.7 cells and bone marrow macrophage. THF significantly inhibited the c‐Jun‐N‐terminal kinase signaling pathway without affecting extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, p38, and AKT signaling. Moreover, THF inhibited the expression of c‐Fos, nuclear factor‐activated T cells cytoplasm 1, cathepsin K, and c‐src by RANKL. We used a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced bone loss model in mice. Consequently, bone volume per tissue volume, trabecular number's reduction was recovered in THF‐treated mice, and trabecular separation's augmentation was also attenuated by THF administration. In summary, THF inhibits RANKL‐induced osteoclast differentiation by MAPK signaling pathway and inhibits bone resorption by destroying the actin ring in mature osteoclasts. THF also prevented LPS‐induced bone loss in a mice model. Thus, THF may be useful in the treatment of bone diseases associated with excessive osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption.