Antispasmodic and bronchodilator activities of Artemisia vulgaris are mediated through dual blockade of muscarinic receptors and calcium influx

Aim of the study

The present study describes antispasmodic, antidiarrheal, bronchodilatory and tracheo-relaxant activities of Artemisia vulgaris to rationalize some of its traditional uses.

Materials and methods

Crude extract of Artemisia vulgaris (Av.Cr) was studied in the isolated tissue preparations of rabbit jejunum and guinea-pig trachea, as well as in the in vivo castor oil-induced diarrhea and bronchodilatory techniques.

Results

Av.Cr which tested positive for alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, saponins, sterols, tannins and terpenes caused concentration-dependent (0.03–10 mg/mL) relaxation of jejunum spontaneous contractions. Av.Cr inhibited the carbachol (CCh, 1 μM) and K⁺ (80 mM)-induced contractions in a pattern, similar to that of dicyclomine. Av.Cr shifted the Ca²⁺ concentration–response curves to right, like that caused by verapamil and dicyclomine. Av.Cr produced rightward parallel shift in CCh-curves, followed by non-parallel shift at higher concentration with the suppression of the maximum response, similar to that caused by dicyclomine. It exhibited protective effect against castor oil-induced diarrhea and CCh-mediated bronchoconstriction in rodents. In trachea, Av.Cr relaxed the CCh (1 μM) and K⁺ (80 mM)-induced contractions and shifted the CCh-curves to right.

Conclusion

These results indicate that Artemisia vulgaris exhibits combination of anticholinergic and Ca²⁺ antagonist mechanisms, which provides pharmacological basis for its folkloric use in the hyperactive gut and airways disorders, such as abdominal colic, diarrhea and asthma.     

Antispasmodic effect of Acorus calamus Linn. is mediated through calcium channel blockade

Acorus calamus Linn. (Araceae) is a native of Central Asia and Eastern Europe and has widespread use in the traditional system of medicine for gastrointestinal disorders such as colic pain and diarrhoea. This study was aimed at providing a possible pharmacological basis to the use of this plant as an antispasmodic and antidiarrhoeal. In the isolated rabbit jejunum preparation the crude extract (Ac.Cr), which tested positive for the presence of alkaloid, saponins and tannins, caused inhibition of spontaneous and high K(+) (80 mm)-induced contractions, with respective EC(50) values of 0.42 +/- 0.06 and 0.13 +/- 0.04 mg/mL (mean +/- SEM; n = 6-8), thus showing spasmolytic activity, mediated possibly through calcium channel blockade (CCB). The CCB activity was confirmed when pre-treatment of the tissue with Ac.Cr (0.3-1.0 mg/mL) caused a rightward shift in the Ca(++) dose-response curves similar to that caused by verapamil, a standard calcium channel blocker. Activity-directed fractionation revealed that the CCB activity was concentrated in the n-hexane fraction while the ethylacetate fraction was less potent. These results suggest that the spasmolytic effect of the plant extract is mediated through the presence of CCB-like constituent(s) which is concentrated in the n-hexane fraction and this study provides a strong mechanistic base for its traditional use in gastrointestinal disorders such as colic pain and diarrhoea.     

The antidiarrheal and spasmolytic activities of Phyllanthus emblica are mediated through dual blockade of muscarinic receptors and Ca2+ channels

Aim of the study

This study was aimed at providing the possible mechanisms for the medicinal use of Phyllanthus emblica in diarrhea.

Materials and methods

The in vivo studies were conducted in mice, while isolated rabbit jejunum and guinea-pig ileum were used for the in vitro experiments.

Results

The crude extract of Phyllanthus emblica (Pe.Cr), which tested positive for alkaloids, tannins, terpenes, flavonoids, sterols and coumarins, caused inhibition of castor oil-induced diarrhea and intestinal fluid accumulation in mice at 500-700 mg/kg. In isolated rabbit jejunum, Pe.Cr relaxed carbachol (CCh) and K⁺ (80 mM)-induced contractions, in a pattern similar to that of dicyclomine. The preincubation of guinea pig-ileum with Pe.Cr (0.3 mg/mL), caused a rightward parallel shift in the concentration-response curves (CRCs) of acetylcholine without suppression of the maximum response. While at the next higher concentration (1 mg/mL), it produced a non-parallel rightward shift with suppression of the maximum response, similar to that of dicyclomine, suggesting anticholinergic and Ca²⁺ channel blocking (CCB)-like antispasmodic effect. The CCB-like activity was further confirmed when pretreatment of the tissue with Pe.Cr, shifted the CRCs of Ca²⁺ to the right with suppression of the maximum response, similar to nifedipine or dicyclomine. The activity-directed fractions of Pe.Cr showed a combination of Ca²⁺ antagonist and anticholinergic like components in all fractions but with varying potency.

Conclusion

These results indicate that the Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract possesses antidiarrheal and spasmolytic activities, mediated possibly through dual blockade of muscarinic receptors and Ca²⁺ channels, thus explaining its medicinal use in diarrhea.     

Antispasmodic,bronchodilator and blood pressure lowering properties of Hypericum oblongifolium – possible mechanism of action

The crude extract of Hypericum oblongifolium (Ho.Cr), which tested positive for flavonoids, saponins and tannins caused concentration‐dependent (0.1–1.0 mg/mL) relaxation of spontaneous and high K⁺ (80 mM)‐induced contractions in isolated rabbit jejunum preparations, suggesting a Ca⁺⁺ antagonistic effect, which was confirmed when pretreatment of the tissue with Ho.Cr produced a rightward shift in the Ca⁺⁺ concentration‐response curves, like that caused by verapamil. Ho.Cr relaxed carbachol (1 μM) and high K⁺‐induced contractions in guinea pig tracheal preparations. It caused a dose‐dependent (3–100 mg/kg) fall in arterial blood pressure of rats under anesthesia. In isolated guinea pig atria, Ho.Cr caused inhibition of both atrial force and rate of spontaneous contractions. When tested in rabbit aortic rings, Ho.Cr exhibited a vasodilator effect against phenylephrine (1 μM) and high K⁺‐induced contractions. These results indicate that Ho.Cr possesses gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiovascular inhibitory effects, mediated via a Ca⁺⁺ antagonist mechanism. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Vasorelaxant effects of Cerebralcare Granule are mediated by NO/cGMP pathway,potassium channel opening and calcium channel blockade in isolated rat thoracic aorta

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Cerebralcare Granule (CG), one of the famous classical recipes in traditional Chinese medicine, is developed from the “Decoction of Four Drugs”. It has been used for treatment of cerebrovascular related diseases, such as hypertension. It is well known that vasodilatation plays a very important role in hypertensive. Despite the popular medicinal use of CG, little data was available to its activity and mechanism involved in vasodilatation. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the vasorelaxant effects of CG on isolated rat thoracic aorta so as to assess some of the possible mechanisms. The present study was performed to examine the vasodilative activity of CG and its mechanisms in isolated rat thoracic aorta.

Materials and methods

CG was studied on isolated rat thoracic aorta in vitro, including endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded aortic rings. In present study, specific inhibitors including NO synthase inhibitor N^G-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor indomethacin (INDO), non-selective K⁺ channel inhibitor tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA), K_ir channel inhibitor BaCl₂, K_ATP channel inhibitor Glibenclamide (Gli) and cholinergic receptor antagonist atropine were used, they were added 20 min before NE contraction and then added CG-induced vasodilation.

Results

Removal of endothelium or pretreatment of aortic rings (intact endothelium) with l-NAME (0.1 mM) or INDO (0.01 mM) significantly blocked the CG induced relaxation. Pretreatment with the non-selective K⁺ channel inhibitor TEA (1 mM), or the K_ir channel inhibitor BaCl₂ (0.1 mM), neither of them had no influence on the CG-induced response (p>0.05). However, pretreatment with the K_ATP channel inhibitor Gli (0.01 mM) produced significant inhibition on the CG-induced response (p<0.01). Besides, CG also inhibited the contraction triggered by NE in endothelium-denuded rings in Ca²⁺-free medium. CG (0.4, 0.8 and 3.2 mg/mL) produced rightward parallel displacement of CaCl₂ curves and reduced the maximum contraction induced by 30 mM CaCl₂ to 31.1±9.3%, 18.8±6.9% and 9.4±4.5%, respectively. The relaxation, induced by CG on endothelium-intact rat aortic rings pre-contracted with NE, was significantly attenuated in the presence of atropine (EC₅₀=3.7 mg/mL, p<0.01).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that CG induces relaxation in rat aortic rings through an endothelium-dependent pathway mediated by NO/cGMP pathway and an endothelium-independent pathway involving blockade of Ca²⁺ channels, inhibition of Ca²⁺ mobilization from intracellular stores, opening of K_ATP channel. In addition, the muscarinic receptor stimulation is also one of the vasorelaxant mechanisms.     

Antidiarrhoeal and spasmolytic activities of the methanolic crude extract of Alstonia scholaris L. are mediated through calcium channel blockade

This study was aimed to provide a pharmacological basis to the medicinal use of Alstonia scholaris as an antidiarrhoeal and antispasmodic by using in vivo and in vitro techniques. In the in vivo study the crude extract of Alstonia scholaris (As.Cr), which tested positive for the presence of alkaloids, provided 31–84% protection against castor oil‐induced diarrhoea in mice at 100–1000 mg/kg doses, similar to loperamide. In isolated rabbit jejunum preparation, the As.Cr caused inhibition of spontaneous and high K⁺ (80 mm )‐induced contractions, with respective EC₅₀ values of 1.04 (0.73–1.48) and 1.02 mg/mL (0.56–1.84; 95% CI), thus showing spasmolytic activity mediated possibly through calcium channel blockade (CCB). The CCB activity was further confirmed when pretreatment of the tissue with the As.Cr (0.3–1 mg/mL) caused a rightward shift in the Ca⁺⁺ concentration‐response curves similar to verapamil, a standard calcium channel blocker. Loperamide also inhibited spontaneous and high K⁺ precontractions as well as shifted the Ca⁺⁺ CRCs to the right. These results indicate that the crude extract of Alstonia scholaris possesses antidiarrhoeal and spasmolytic effects, mediated possibly through the presence of CCB‐like constituent(s) and this study provides a mechanistic base for its medicinal use in diarrhoea and colic. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Studies on Bronchodilator Activity of Salvia officinalis (Sage): Possible Involvement of K+ Channel Activation and Phosphodiesterase Inhibition

The aqueous methanolic extract of the aerial parts of Salvia officinalis (So.Cr) was studied to provide possible underlying mechanism(s) for its medicinal use in asthma using the in vivo bronchodilatory assay and isolated tracheal preparations. S. officinalis (1–10 mg/kg) dose‐dependently inhibited carbachol (CCh)‐induced bronchospasm in anesthetized rats with three‐fold greater potency than the positive control, aminophylline. In tracheal preparations, So.Cr inhibited the low K⁺ (25 mM)‐induced contractions. Pretreatment of the tissues with 4‐aminopyridine reversed the inhibitory effect of the plant extract against low K⁺, whereas glibenclamide did not show any effect, thus showing the involvement of voltage‐sensitive K⁺ channels. When tested against the CCh‐induced pre‐contractions for the involvement of any additional mechanism, interestingly, the extract showed a dose‐dependent (0.03–0.1 mg/mL) inhibitory effect and shifted the inhibitory concentration response curves of isoprenaline to the left, thus showing phosphodiesterase enzyme inhibitory‐like action, similar to that of papaverine. These results indicate that the crude extract of S. officinalis possesses bronchodilatory activity mediated predominantly via activation of voltage‐dependent K⁺ channels and inhibition of phosphodiesterase enzyme; thus, this study provides sound pharmacological basis for its medicinal use in hyperactive airways disorders such as asthma and cough. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

炙甘草汤对哇巴因所致心肌细胞触发活动及Na+,K+-ATP酶活性的影响

目的探索炙甘草汤对哇巴因所致心肌细胞触发活动的影响及作用机理.方法应用微电极技术及单相动作电位技术观察炙甘草汤对哇巴因所致触发性离体及在体心肌触发活动的影响,并运用Na+,K+-ATP酶活性测定试剂盒测定心肌细胞的Na+,K+-ATP酶活性. 结果(1)哇巴因( 0.5×10-6 mmol·mL-1)高钙台氏液灌流可引起豚鼠离体左心室乳头肌触发活动,炙甘草汤(3、6、12mg·mL-1)明显降低触发活动的幅度、时程和发生率,高浓度时完全抑制触发活动的发生.(2)哇巴因(4×1 0-5 mmol·kg-1, iv)可引起豚鼠在体心肌触发活动.炙甘草汤(10、20、3 0g生药/kg,ig)明显延迟触发活动的发生,降低触发活动的幅度和发生率,并提高触发性心肌细胞Na+,K+-ATP酶活性. 结论炙甘草汤抑制哇巴因所致触发活动的发生可能是通过提高Na+,K+-ATP酶活性而实现的.     

(−)‐Epicatechin‐induced relaxation of isolated human saphenous vein: Roles of K+ and Ca2+ channels

In this study, we aimed to investigate relaxant effect of flavanol (?)‐epicatechin on the isolated human saphenous vein (HSV), as a part of its cardioprotective action, and to define the mechanisms underlying this vasorelaxation. (?)‐Epicatechin induced a concentration‐dependent relaxation of HSV pre‐contracted by phenylephrine. Among K⁺ channel blockers, 4‐aminopyridine, margatoxin, and iberiotoxin significantly inhibited relaxation of HSV, while glibenclamide considerably reduced effects of the high concentrations of (?)‐epicatechin. Additionally, (?)‐epicatechin relaxed contraction induced by 80 mM K⁺, whereas in the presence of nifedipine produced partial relaxation of HSV rings pre‐contracted by phenylephrine. In Ca²⁺‐free solution, (?)‐epicatechin relaxed contraction induced by phenylephrine, but had no effect on contraction induced by caffeine. A sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺‐ATPase inhibitor, thapsigargin, significantly reduced relaxation of HSV produced by (?)‐epicatechin. These results demonstrate that (?)‐epicatechin produces endothelium‐independent relaxation of isolated HSV rings. Vasorelaxation to (?)‐epicatechin probably involves activation of 4‐aminopyridine‐ and margatoxin‐sensitive K_V channels, BK_Ca channels, and at least partly, K_ATP channels. In addition, not only the inhibition of extracellular Ca²⁺ influx, but regulation of the intracellular Ca²⁺ release, via inositol‐trisphosphate receptors and reuptake into sarcoplasmic reticulum, via stimulation of Ca²⁺‐ATPase, as well, most likely participate in (?)‐epicatechin‐induced relaxation of HSV.     

The effects of hydroxysafflor yellow A on blood pressure and cardiac function

Aim of the study

This work aims to investigate the effects of HSYA on cardiac function and blood pressure.

Materials and methods

To evaluate changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR), different groups of pentobarbitone-anesthetized normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were treated with intravenous HSYA (0.1-3 mg/kg). Isolated WKY rat hearts in Langendorff system were employed for examining the effect of HSYA on hemodynamic. After 30 min equilibration time the isolated hearts were perfused with HSYA (30 μmol/L) in a stepwise fashion. Potassium channel inhibitors were used to determine the role of potassium channel activation in HSYA effect.

Results

Intravenous injection of the HSYA significantly reduced MAP and HR in both normotensive rats and SHR in a dose-dependent manner. HSYA reduced left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), the maximum rate of increase of left ventricular pressure (+dp/dt_max) and heart rate (HR) in a dose-dependent manner. HSYA had no remarkable effect on the maximum rate of decrease of left ventricular pressure (−dp/dt_max); BK_Ca and K_ATP blocker can weakened the inhibitory effect of HSYA on heart function and HR, but K_V and K_ACh blocker did not significantly weaken the HSYA effects.

Conclusion

Our results show that HSYA could significantly reduce blood pressure and heart rate, which may be related to activation of BK_Ca and K_ATP channels.     

The vasoprotective effect of JP05 through the activation of PI3K/Akt-dependent eNOS and MEK/ERK pathways in brain endothelial cells

Aim of the study

Endothelial dysfunction is involved in stroke. Recent therapeutic options for stroke have focused on the combination therapy with a polyherbal mixture. This study was designed to provide insight into the effects of JP05, a water extract of 12 herbs, on the levels of regulators in bEnd.3 mouse brain endothelial cells.

Materials and methods

Production of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-mediated nitric oxide (NO), the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the phosphorylations of eNOS, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) in JP05 were assayed in bEnd.3 cells, a mouse brain endothelial line.

Results

JP05 led to increase the levels of eNOS-mediated NO generation and VEGF expression in bEnd.3 cells. JP05 induced the phosphorylation of eNOS, Akt and ERK in bEnd.3 cells. As well, JP05 blocked the inhibition of PI3K/Akt and ERK activities by LY294002 (PI3K/Akt inhibitor) and PD98059 (mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor), respectively. JP05 also induced the phosphorylation of CREB, which plays an important role in endothelial cell function and blood vessel development.

Conclusion

Taken together, these results indicate that JP05 can upregulate eNOS-mediated NO generation and VEGF expression through the ERK and/or PI3K/Akt activation, an upstream event of angiogenesis. JP05 with vasoprotective properties has a potential therapy for human brain diseases including stroke.     

原花青素舒张家兔主动脉和降低动脉血压的研究

目的：研究葡萄籽提取物原花青素(procyanidins，PC)舒张家兔离体主动脉和降低其动脉血压的作用及机制。方法：采用家兔离体胸主动脉环灌流模型，将标本分6组：去内皮、内皮完整、吲哚美辛(1×10^-1 mol·L^-1)、普萘洛尔(1×10^-5 mol·L^-1)、左旋硝基精氨酸N^ω-nitro-L-arginine(L-NNA 1×10^-4 mol·L^-1)或甲烯蓝(MB 1×10^-5 mol·L^-1)，分别累积加入1.25，2.5，5.0 mg·L^-1 PC观察血管张力变化；并观察40 mg·L^-1 PC对去甲肾上腺素（NA）(1×10^-8～1×10^-5 mol·L^-1)、KCl(6.3～100 mmol·L^-1)和CaCl₂ (1×10^-5～1×10^-2 mol·L^-1)诱导血管环收缩曲线的影响。另用家兔颈总动脉插管法，经静脉累积注射4.0，8.0，16，32，64，84 mg·kg^-1 PC后观察血压变化。结果：PC能舒张主动脉血管，并有量效依赖性(r=0.63，P<0.001)，去内皮、L-NNA或MB可减弱PC的舒张作用。PC能抑制NA，KCl和CaCl₂的量效收缩反应。PC能降低家兔正常动脉血压并有量效依赖性(r=0.92，P<0.001)。结论：PC舒张血管的作用是通过抑制细胞内Ca²⁺释放和电压依赖性Ca²⁺通道而减少Ca²⁺内流；也与内皮释放的NO有关；PC可降低家兔正常的动脉血压。     

龙葵总碱对肿瘤细胞膜钠泵及钙泵活性影响的研究

目的：观察龙葵总碱对S180小鼠及H22小鼠肿瘤细胞膜Na^＋，K^＋-ATPase及Ca^＋＋，Mg^＋＋-ATPase活性的影响。方法：荷瘤小鼠分为治疗组（高剂量、中剂量、低剂量）和对照组（生理盐水组、环磷酰胺组），分别测定各组肿瘤细胞膜的Na^＋，K^＋ ATPase及Ca^＋＋，Mg^＋＋ -ATPase活性。结果：龙葵总碱对S180小鼠及H22小鼠肿瘤细胞膜Na^＋，K^＋ -ATPase及Ca^＋＋，Mg^＋＋ -ATPase活性均有明显的抑制作用，并且其抑制作用呈量效正相关。结论：龙葵总碱这一作用可能是其抗肿瘤作用机理之一。关键词：龙葵总碱肿瘤细胞膜钠泵钙泵     

Chinese dragon's blood ethyl acetate extract suppresses gastric cancer progression through induction of apoptosis and autophagy mediated by activation of MAPK and downregulation of the mTOR-Beclin1 signalling cascade

Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignancy with high morbidity and mortality. Chinese dragon's blood is a traditional Chinese medicine derived from the red resin of Dracaena cochinchinensis (Lour.) S. C. Chen. However, the antigastric cancer effect of Chinese dragon's blood has not yet been reported. Herein, we demonstrated that Chinese dragon's blood ethyl acetate extract (CDBEE) suppressed the proliferative and metastatic potential of human gastric cancer MGC-803 and HGC-27 cells. CDBEE suppressed epithelial–mesenchymal transition in MGC-803 and HGC-27 cells. Moreover, CDBEE induced apoptotic and autophagic cell death in MGC-803 and HGC-27 cells. The cytotoxicity of CDBEE in human gastric epithelial GES-1 cells was dramatically weaker than that in human gastric cancer cells. Mechanistically, the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway was involved in the growth inhibition of MGC-803 and HGC-27 cells by CDBEE. Additionally, CDBEE-induced autophagic cell death was mediated by downregulation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-Beclin1 signalling cascade and upregulation of the ATG3/ATG7-LC3 signalling cascade. Importantly, CDBEE exhibited potent anti-GC efficacy in vivo without obvious toxicity or side effects. Therefore, CDBEE may be a promising candidate drug for the treatment of gastric cancer, especially for GC patients with aberrant MAPK signalling or mTOR signalling.     

胞内、外Ca2+在水杨酸诱导丹参幼苗迷迭香酸生物合成过程中的作用

目的: 为探讨胞内、外钙离子是否在水杨酸诱导丹参迷迭香酸生物合成中起作用。 方法: 以生长50 d的丹参幼苗为材料,通过喷施水杨酸诱导迷迭香酸合成量增加,再利用胞外钙通道抑制剂verapamil(Vp)和LaCl₃、胞内钙调素拮抗剂trifluoperazine (TFP)和胞内钙通道上IP₃受体抑制剂LiCl处理,分别考察水杨酸、钙离子通道抑制剂/钙调素拮抗剂处理后迷迭香酸的合成量及其合成相关酶(PAL,TAT)的活性变化。 结果: 2.0 mmol·L^-1的水杨酸处理24 h后可诱导迷迭香酸合成量升高到(40.51±2.16) mg·g^-1,是对照的1.97倍,迷迭香酸合成相关酶PAL活性升高到对照的1.42倍,TAT活性升高到对照的1.29倍;Vp,LaCl₃,TFP,LiCl处理均抑制了水杨酸诱导的PAL,TAT活性的升高,从而导致了迷迭香酸合成量降低。 结论: 水杨酸诱导丹参迷迭香酸生物合成过程中,胞内、外钙离子发挥着重要的信号转导作用。