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Jordi Riba - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The alkaloids of Banisteriopsis Caapi, the plant source of the Amazonian hallucinogen Ayahuasca, stimulate adult neurogenesis in vitro
Scientific Reports, 2017Co-Authors: Jose A. Morales-garcía, Amanda Feilding, Mario De La Fuente Revenga, Sandra Alonso-gil, María Isabel Rodríguez-franco, Ana Perez-castillo, Jordi RibaAbstract:Banisteriopsis Caapi is the basic ingredient of ayahuasca, a psychotropic plant tea used in the Amazon for ritual and medicinal purposes, and by interested individuals worldwide. Animal studies and recent clinical research suggests that B . Caapi preparations show antidepressant activity, a therapeutic effect that has been linked to hippocampal neurogenesis. Here we report that harmine, tetrahydroharmine and harmaline, the three main alkaloids present in B . Caapi , and the harmine metabolite harmol, stimulate adult neurogenesis in vitro . In neurospheres prepared from progenitor cells obtained from the subventricular and the subgranular zones of adult mice brains, all compounds stimulated neural stem cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation into adult neurons. These findings suggest that modulation of brain plasticity could be a major contribution to the antidepressant effects of ayahuasca. They also expand the potential application of B . Caapi alkaloids to other brain disorders that may benefit from stimulation of endogenous neural precursor niches.
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Ayahuasca: Pharmacology, neuroscience and therapeutic potential
Brain Research Bulletin, 2016Co-Authors: Elisabet Domínguez-clavé, Pablo Friedlander, Amanda Feilding, Matilde Elices, Juan C. Pascual, Mario De La Fuente Revenga, Enrique Alvarez, Joaquim Soler, Jordi RibaAbstract:Ayahuasca is the Quechua name for a tea obtained from the vine Banisteriopsis Caapi, and used for ritual purposes by the indigenous populations of the Amazon. The use of a variation of the tea that combines B. Caapi with the leaves of the shrub Psychotria viridis has experienced unprecedented expansion worldwide for its psychotropic properties. This preparation contains the psychedelic 5-HT 2A receptor agonist N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) from P. viridis, plus β-carboline alkaloids with monoamine-oxidase-inhibiting properties from B. Caapi. Acute administration induces a transient modified state of consciousness characterized by introspection, visions, enhanced emotions and recollection of personal memories. A growing body of evidence suggests that ayahuasca may be useful to treat substance use disorders, anxiety and depression. Here we review the pharmacology and neuroscience of ayahuasca, and the potential psychological mechanisms underlying its therapeutic potential. We discuss recent findings indicating that ayahuasca intake increases certain mindfulness facets related to acceptance and to the ability to take a detached view of one's own thoughts and emotions. Based on the available evidence, we conclude that ayahuasca shows promise as a therapeutic tool by enhancing self-acceptance and allowing safe exposure to emotional events. We postulate that ayahuasca could be of use in the treatment of impulse-related, personality and substance use disorders and also in the handling of trauma. More research is needed to assess the full potential of ayahuasca in the treatment of these disorders.
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Ayahuasca and the Treatment of Drug Addiction
The Therapeutic Use of Ayahuasca, 2013Co-Authors: José Carlos Bouso, Jordi RibaAbstract:The public health impact of addiction, with its high relapse rates and the limited efficacy of available treatments, has prompted the search for alternative therapeutic approaches. In recent times, there has been renewed interest in the anti-addictive potential of psychedelics. Consumption of ayahuasca, the N,N-dimethyltryptamine-containing Amazonian plant tea, is experiencing unprecedented expansion. The ritual use of this brew, obtained from Banisteriopsis Caapi and Psychotria viridis, in shamanistic and religious contexts is now popular in Europe and North America. Studies of long-term ayahuasca-church members in Brazil have recorded discontinuation of drug use after starting ayahuasca use. Furthermore, several centers that offer therapies based on ayahuasca as a means to treat addictive behavior claim higher success rates than more traditional approaches. In this chapter, we review the pharmacology of ayahuasca and the data available concerning its efficacy in the treatment of drug addiction. Although the therapeutic potential of ayahuasca, based on the evidence examined, is promising, the lack of systematic studies precludes firm conclusions. Ideally, research methodology should be improved, with future studies implementing well-planned clinical protocols with adequate controls, end-points, and follow-up.
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Metabolism and disposition of N,N‐dimethyltryptamine and harmala alkaloids after oral administration of ayahuasca
Drug Testing and Analysis, 2012Co-Authors: Jordi Riba, Marta Valle, José Carlos Bouso, Ethan H. Mcilhenny, Steven A. BarkerAbstract:Ayahuasca is an Amazonian psychotropic plant tea obtained from Banisteriopsis Caapi, which contains β-carboline alkaloids, chiefly harmine, harmaline and tetrahydroharmine. The tea usually incorporates the leaves of Psychotria viridis or Diplopterys cabrerana, which are rich in N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a psychedelic 5-HT2A/1A/2C agonist. The β-carbolines reversibly inhibit monoamine-oxidase (MAO), effectively preventing oxidative deamination of the orally labile DMT and allowing its absorption and access to the central nervous system. Despite increased use of the tea worldwide, the metabolism and excretion of DMT and the β-carbolines has not been studied systematically in humans following ingestion of ayahuasca. In the present work, we used an analytical method involving high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)/electrospray ionization (ESI)/selected reaction monitoring (SRM)/tandem mass spectrometry(MS/MS) to characterize the metabolism and disposition of ayahuasca alkaloids in humans. Twenty-four-hour urine samples were obtained from 10 healthy male volunteers following administration of an oral dose of encapsulated freeze-dried ayahuasca (1.0 mg DMT/kg body weight). Results showed that less than 1% of the administered DMT dose was excreted unchanged. Around 50% was recovered as indole-3-acetic acid but also as DMT-N-oxide (10%) and other MAO-independent compounds. Recovery of DMT plus metabolites reached 68%. Harmol, harmalol, and tetrahydroharmol conjugates were abundant in urine. However, recoveries of each harmala alkaloid plus its O-demethylated metabolite varied greatly between 9 and 65%. The present results show the existence in humans of alternative metabolic routes for DMT other than biotransformation by MAO. Also that O-demethylation plus conjugation is an important but probably not the only metabolic route for the harmala alkaloids in humans. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Autonomic, neuroendocrine, and immunological effects of ayahuasca: a comparative study with d-amphetamine.
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 2011Co-Authors: Rafael G. Dos Santos, Manel J. Barbanoj, Marta Valle, José Carlos Bouso, Josep F. Nomdedeu, José Rodríguez-espinosa, Ethan H. Mcilhenny, Steven A. Barker, Jordi RibaAbstract:AbstractAyahuasca is an Amazonian psychotropic plant tea combining the 5-HT2A agonist N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and monoamine oxidase-inhibiting β-carboline alkaloids that render DMT orally active. The tea, obtained from Banisteriopsis Caapi and Psychotria viridis, has traditionally been used for
A D Lees - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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activities of extract and constituents of Banisteriopsis Caapi relevant to parkinsonism
Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 2003Co-Authors: M J Schwarz, Peter J Houghton, Sarah Rose, Peter Jenner, A D LeesAbstract:Abstract Dopamine deficiency is characteristic of Parkinson's disease (PD) and treatments aim at elevating levels by administration of its precursor l -dihydroxyphenylalanine ( l -DOPA), or inhibiting monoamine oxidases (MAOs), thus preventing its breakdown. Reports of improvements in PD patients treated with Banisteriopsis Caapi extracts stimulated investigation of B. Caapi stem extract and its two ingredients, harmine and harmaline for these activities. Tests for MAO inhibition using liver homogenate showed that extract and harmaline showed a concentration-dependent inhibition of MAO A (IC 50 1.24 μg/ml and IC 50 4.54 nM, respectively) but had little effect on MAO B activity. The extract at 2.5 mg/ml caused a highly significant increase in release of [ 3 H]dopamine from rat striatal slices, as did 200 μM harmine and 6 μM harmaline. In both these experiments, the amount of harmine present could not account for the total activity of the extract. The ability of harmine and harmaline to stimulate dopamine release is a novel finding. These results give some basis to the reputed usefulness of B. Caapi stem extract in the treatment of PD.
Keith A Holmes - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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antibiosis mycoparasitism and colonization success for endophytic trichoderma isolates with biological control potential in theobroma cacao
Biological Control, 2008Co-Authors: Bryan A. Bailey, G J Samuels, Mary D Strem, Sarah E Thomas, Jayne Crozier, Bryan T Vinyard, Keith A HolmesAbstract:Theobroma cacao (cacao) suffers severe yield losses in many major production areas due to fungus-induced diseases. Cacao supports a complex endophytic microbial community that offers candidates for biocontrol of cacao diseases. Endophytic isolates of Trichoderma species were isolated from the live sapwood of trunks of Theobroma species, pods of Theobroma species, and a liana (Banisteriopsis Caapi). Fifteen isolates of Trichoderma, potentially representing seven species, were selected for characterization of the influence of seedling inoc- ulation on the establishment of endophytic growth in cacao seedlings. An isolate of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides was also included. The isolates studied in vitro varied in their abilities to produce metabolites inhibitory to Moniliophthora roreri and in their abilities to para- sitize M. roreri cultures. The five inoculation methods used were: (1) inoculation of germinating seed on agar plates; (2) plate inoculation followed by planting in sterile soil; (3) planting sterile seed in pre-inoculated soil; (4) inoculation of emerged seedlings at the soil surface; and (5) inoculation of emerged seedlings between the cotyledon and stem. All the isolates studied were able to colonize Theobroma cacao seedlings, but isolates DIS 110a (Trichoderma cf. harzianum), DIS 219b (T. hamatum), DIS 219f (T. harzianum), and TA (T. asperellum) were the most efficient across inoculation methods. These same isolates also caused moderate to severe discoloration of roots of cacao seedlings germinated on water agar plates. Isolates DIS 173a (T. spirale), DIS 185c (T. stromaticum), and Col (Colletotrichum gloeospo- rioides) were inefficient colonizers of cacao. Most of the isolates studied were able to establish an endophytic relationship with cacao by colonizing the above ground portions of the cacao seedling, and exploitation of this characteristic could lead to the development of novel biocontrol strategies for control of cacao diseases. 2008 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved.
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Taxonomy and biocontrol potential of a new species of Trichoderma from the Amazon basin of South America
Mycological Progress, 2004Co-Authors: Keith A Holmes, Sarah E Thomas, Hans-josef Schroers, Harry C. Evans, Gary J. SamuelsAbstract:The new species Trichoderma ovalisporum is described and its biocontrol potential against Crinipellis species is analyzed. Using partial nuclear translation elongation factor 1α (EF-1α) and partial nuclear actin gene intron and exon sequences, T. ovalisporum is identified as a member of Trichoderma sect. Trichoderma and as a close relative of T. koningii -like taxa that have ellipsoidal to oblong, smooth conidia. Sequences of the internal transcribed spacer regions 1 and 2 (ITS) of the nuclear ribosomal gene cluster did not resolve the phylogeny of T. ovalisporum and its closest relatives. Trichoderma ovalisporum is morphologically similar to T. koningii, Hypocrea stilbohypoxyli , and three as yet undescribed Trichoderma taxa. It differs from its close relatives in having smaller, ovoidal conidia and in its fast rate of growth at 30 °C. Trichoderma ovalisporum was isolated twice: once from witches’ broom ( Crinipellis perniciosa )-infected tissue of a liana ( Banisteriopsis Caapi, Malpighiaceae ) collected in Ecuador. The second isolation was from the healthy bole of a mature tree of Theobroma grandiflorum (cupuaçu, Malvaceae ) collected in Brazil (Pará). The liana isolate reinfected and was reisolated from meristematic tissues of seedlings of Theobroma cacao , and inhibited radial growth of the frosty pod rot pathogen ( Crinipellis roreri ) in vitro. It also persisted on the surface, and within the tissues, of cocoa pods in the field for at least 10 weeks.
Andrew J Lees - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the effect of Banisteriopsis Caapi b Caapi on the motor deficits in the mptp treated common marmoset model of parkinson s disease
Phytotherapy Research, 2018Co-Authors: Ria Fisher, Andrew J Lees, Peter Jenner, Louise Lincoln, Michael J Jackson, Vincenzo Abbate, Robert C Hider, Sarah RoseAbstract:: Banisteriopsis Caapi (B. Caapi) contains harmine, harmaline, and tetrahydroharmine, has monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity, and has reported antiparkinsonian activity in humans when imbibed as a tea; however, its effects are poorly documented. For this reason, motor function was assessed in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-treated common marmosets following administration of B. Caapi extract (28.4-113.6 mg/kg; po), harmine (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg; sc), and selegiline (10 mg/kg; sc), alone or with a submaximal dose of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA; 4-7 mg/kg). L-DOPA reversed motor disability, increased locomotor activity, and induced moderate dyskinesia. B. Caapi did not increase locomotor activity or induce dyskinesia but at 56.8 and 113.6 mg/kg improved motor disability. The L-DOPA response was unaltered by co-administration of B. Caapi. Harmine (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg) produced a mild improvement in motor disability without affecting locomotor activity or dyskinesia but had no effect on the L-DOPA-induced antiparkinsonian response. Selegiline (10 mg/kg) alone improved motor function to the same extent as L-DOPA, but with only mild dyskinesia, and did not alter the response to L-DOPA, although dyskinesia was reduced. The findings suggest that B. Caapi alone has a mild antiparkinsonian effect but does not enhance the L-DOPA response or reduce dyskinesia.
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Banisteriopsis Caapi a forgotten potential therapy for parkinson s disease
Movement Disorders Clinical Practice, 2016Co-Authors: Atbin Djamshidian, Sabine Bernschneiderreif, Werner Poewe, Andrew J LeesAbstract:: Banisteriopsis Caapi, a liana indigenous to the Amazon basin with metagnomigenic properties and possible anti-depressant effects is one of the natural sources of harmala alkaloids. A summary of early trials with extracts of Banisteriopsis Caapi and Peganum harmala (from which harmine was first isolated) in the 1920s and 1930s on various forms of parkinsonism is given as well as a brief overview of the known pharmacological properties of harmine. Despite its earlier abandonment because of perceived weaker efficacy than solanaceous alkaloids like scopolamine and hyoscine we propose that harmine should be reconsidered as a potential rapidly acting anti-Parkinsonian agent.
Pal Biswajit - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Evaluation of Antiparkinson’s activity of Uncaria rhynchophylla, Mentha aquatica and Banisteriopsis Caapi-plants with Monoamine Oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibition potential.
2015Co-Authors: Pal BiswajitAbstract:INTRODUCTION : Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the progressive loss of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra innervating the striatum. It was first described by neurologist James Parkinson in 1817 that he called ‘‘Shaking Palsy’’, or ‘‘paralysis agitans’’. The causes are unknown although risk factors in the genetic and toxic domain are being discovered. An important pathophysiological feature in PD is the loss of part of the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) resulting in a specific dysorganisation of the complicated basal ganglia (BG) circuits. The relay functions at the level of the striatum e.g., are out of balance leading to disturbed subcorticocortical interactions. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, primarily affecting people of ages over 55 years (approximately 1.5% to 2.0%), although young adults and even children can also be affected. Research on the pathogenesis of PD has rapidly advanced due to the development of animal models. Through the use of these models, the striatal dopamine deficiency could be associated with the motor symptoms of PD, and levodopa (dihydroxyphenylalanine or L-dopa) was first applied to compensate striatal dopamine losses. L-Dopa treatment still remains the standard of PD therapies. Unfortunately, long-time use of L-dopa results in dyskinesia (involuntary movements). Moreover, the specific etiology of PD is still unknown. Thus, the development of animal models is essential for better understanding pathogenesis and progression of PD and testing therapeutic agents for the treatment of PD patients. AIM OF THE RESEARCH : • To investigate whether monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibition potential plants [Uncaria rhynchophylla, Mentha aquatica and Banisteriopsis Caapi] protects brain against neurodegenaration in 6-OHDA rat models, and to analyse the murine preclinical therapeutic efficacy of test drugs in attaining postural stability after completion of treatment. • To explore the beneficial effects of Uncaria rhynchophylla, Mentha aquatica and Banisteriopsis Caapi in reducing neurodegenaration by controlling iron induced neurotoxicity, retaining dopamine concentrations and lowered oxidative stress in experimental PD. • To study the effectiveness of Uncaria rhynchophylla, Mentha aquatica and Banisteriopsis Caapi for neuroprotection in PD model through controlling MAO-B associated pathways of metabolism. OBJECTIVE : In the present study, we would like to evaluate the possible Anti-Parkinson’s activity of Uncaria rhynchophylla, Mentha aquatica and Banisteriopsis Caapi plants which are showing monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibition and anti-oxidant activity and to find out the possible actions of these plants for alleviating or preventing the neurodegeneration and mitochondrial dysfunction for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Monoamine oxidase (MAO), a flavin-containing enzyme, is widely distributed in both the central and peripheral nervous systems20 and plays a central role in the control of substrate availability and activity. MAO catalyzes the oxidation of a variety of amine-containing neurotransmitters to yield the corresponding aldehyde, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and ammonia17. MAO exists in two forms, MAO-A and MAO-B, which are distinguished on the basis of different pharmacological and biochemical characteristics. MAO is a key enzyme in catecholamine metabolism, and increased catecholamine metabolism seen in aging has been extensively studied. The control on MAO activity may alleviate symptoms and slow the progression of neurodegenerative disorders. In humans, MAO-B activity increases with age18 and is especially elevated in certain neurodegenerative diseases19. Therefore, inhibition of MAOB activity may improve the quality of life of the elderly and it is used as part of the treatment of Parkinson’s patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS : Healthy, adult Wistar rats of both sexes (180-220g) were obtained from the Central animal house facility from Padmavathi College of Pharmacy, Dharmapuri, Tamilnadu. The animals were kept in a well ventilated room and the animals had exposed to 12 hrs day and night cycle with a temperature between 20±30C. The animals were housed in large spacious, hygienic polypropylene cages during the course of the experimental period. The animals were fed with water and rat feed adlibitum. All experiments were performed after obtaining prior approval from CPCSEA and IAEC. The animals were housed in suitable environmental conditions. Approval no: 1143/ac/07/CPCSEA/PCP/IAEC/PhD/132/12 Uncaria rhynchophylla, Mentha aquatica and Banisteriopsis Caapi were collected from local vender from Coimbatore district, Tamilnadu, India. The collected plants were authentified by Dr. S Rajan, Field Botanist, Survey of Medicinal Plants & Collection Unit, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Dept. of AYUSH, The Nilgiris, Tamilnadu. INFERENCES : The efficacy of Uncaria rhynchophylla, Mentha aquatica and Banisteriopsis Caapi in 6-OHDA induced PD has not been well established. In our study, we have demonstrated the anti-Parkinson’s activity of not only the above mentioned three plant extract but also evaluated the combined effects of all three extracts. In this study, first we have demonstrated the Apomorphne induced circling behavior. Apomorphne is a mixed (D1 and D2) dopamine receptor agonist that does not share transport or metabolic pathways with L-DOPA and presumably acts by direct stimulation of dopamine receptor. In our study, the circling controversial to the lesion side following the administration of LDOPA or dopamine agonist result from stimulation of dopamine receptor rendered supersensitive by partial denervation. The lesioned rats showed a greater level of circling behavior and other treatment groups might be replenishing dopamine or already protected dopaminergic nurons in mid brain (SNpc). Further it could presumably suggest the confirmation of nigral lesion in all the treatment groups. Anyhow, the significant levels in comparing the degree of lesioning is not mandatory in our study, because post treatment lesion verification. CONCLUSION : In view of the above facts we are concluding that Uncaria rhynchophylla, Mentha aquatic and Banisteriopsis Caapi- plants showed significant anti-Parkinson’s activity, and earlier these plants were ethanopharmacologically proven for its anti oxidant, anti ulcer, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti diabetic, immunostimulent, anti cancer and CNS activities. The evaluation of anti Parkinson’s activities of these plants might be leading to a new drug molecule or herbal moiety which can ameliorate the anti-Parkinson’s drug toxicities or can be an anti Parkinson’s drug in future. The anti-Parkinson’s activity of herbal extracts was performed. The extracts showed significant anti-Parkinson’s activity in 6-OHDA lesioned rat models. The estimated parameters were closely relevant to clinical Parkinsonism and the drug treatment protected the diseased brain of rat. And we appreciate further detailed molecular studies with these drugs in anti-Parkinson’s pharmacology and toxicology. From these findings we suggest that, these drug molecules can be a future drug of choice for the treatment of clinical Parkinsonism.
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evaluation of antiparkinson s activity of uncaria rhynchophylla mentha aquatica and Banisteriopsis Caapi plants with monoamine oxidase b mao b inhibition potential
2015Co-Authors: Pal BiswajitAbstract:INTRODUCTION : Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the progressive loss of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra innervating the striatum. It was first described by neurologist James Parkinson in 1817 that he called ‘‘Shaking Palsy’’, or ‘‘paralysis agitans’’. The causes are unknown although risk factors in the genetic and toxic domain are being discovered. An important pathophysiological feature in PD is the loss of part of the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) resulting in a specific dysorganisation of the complicated basal ganglia (BG) circuits. The relay functions at the level of the striatum e.g., are out of balance leading to disturbed subcorticocortical interactions. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, primarily affecting people of ages over 55 years (approximately 1.5% to 2.0%), although young adults and even children can also be affected. Research on the pathogenesis of PD has rapidly advanced due to the development of animal models. Through the use of these models, the striatal dopamine deficiency could be associated with the motor symptoms of PD, and levodopa (dihydroxyphenylalanine or L-dopa) was first applied to compensate striatal dopamine losses. L-Dopa treatment still remains the standard of PD therapies. Unfortunately, long-time use of L-dopa results in dyskinesia (involuntary movements). Moreover, the specific etiology of PD is still unknown. Thus, the development of animal models is essential for better understanding pathogenesis and progression of PD and testing therapeutic agents for the treatment of PD patients. AIM OF THE RESEARCH : • To investigate whether monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibition potential plants [Uncaria rhynchophylla, Mentha aquatica and Banisteriopsis Caapi] protects brain against neurodegenaration in 6-OHDA rat models, and to analyse the murine preclinical therapeutic efficacy of test drugs in attaining postural stability after completion of treatment. • To explore the beneficial effects of Uncaria rhynchophylla, Mentha aquatica and Banisteriopsis Caapi in reducing neurodegenaration by controlling iron induced neurotoxicity, retaining dopamine concentrations and lowered oxidative stress in experimental PD. • To study the effectiveness of Uncaria rhynchophylla, Mentha aquatica and Banisteriopsis Caapi for neuroprotection in PD model through controlling MAO-B associated pathways of metabolism. OBJECTIVE : In the present study, we would like to evaluate the possible Anti-Parkinson’s activity of Uncaria rhynchophylla, Mentha aquatica and Banisteriopsis Caapi plants which are showing monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibition and anti-oxidant activity and to find out the possible actions of these plants for alleviating or preventing the neurodegeneration and mitochondrial dysfunction for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Monoamine oxidase (MAO), a flavin-containing enzyme, is widely distributed in both the central and peripheral nervous systems20 and plays a central role in the control of substrate availability and activity. MAO catalyzes the oxidation of a variety of amine-containing neurotransmitters to yield the corresponding aldehyde, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and ammonia17. MAO exists in two forms, MAO-A and MAO-B, which are distinguished on the basis of different pharmacological and biochemical characteristics. MAO is a key enzyme in catecholamine metabolism, and increased catecholamine metabolism seen in aging has been extensively studied. The control on MAO activity may alleviate symptoms and slow the progression of neurodegenerative disorders. In humans, MAO-B activity increases with age18 and is especially elevated in certain neurodegenerative diseases19. Therefore, inhibition of MAOB activity may improve the quality of life of the elderly and it is used as part of the treatment of Parkinson’s patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS : Healthy, adult Wistar rats of both sexes (180-220g) were obtained from the Central animal house facility from Padmavathi College of Pharmacy, Dharmapuri, Tamilnadu. The animals were kept in a well ventilated room and the animals had exposed to 12 hrs day and night cycle with a temperature between 20±30C. The animals were housed in large spacious, hygienic polypropylene cages during the course of the experimental period. The animals were fed with water and rat feed adlibitum. All experiments were performed after obtaining prior approval from CPCSEA and IAEC. The animals were housed in suitable environmental conditions. Approval no: 1143/ac/07/CPCSEA/PCP/IAEC/PhD/132/12 Uncaria rhynchophylla, Mentha aquatica and Banisteriopsis Caapi were collected from local vender from Coimbatore district, Tamilnadu, India. The collected plants were authentified by Dr. S Rajan, Field Botanist, Survey of Medicinal Plants & Collection Unit, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Dept. of AYUSH, The Nilgiris, Tamilnadu. INFERENCES : The efficacy of Uncaria rhynchophylla, Mentha aquatica and Banisteriopsis Caapi in 6-OHDA induced PD has not been well established. In our study, we have demonstrated the anti-Parkinson’s activity of not only the above mentioned three plant extract but also evaluated the combined effects of all three extracts. In this study, first we have demonstrated the Apomorphne induced circling behavior. Apomorphne is a mixed (D1 and D2) dopamine receptor agonist that does not share transport or metabolic pathways with L-DOPA and presumably acts by direct stimulation of dopamine receptor. In our study, the circling controversial to the lesion side following the administration of LDOPA or dopamine agonist result from stimulation of dopamine receptor rendered supersensitive by partial denervation. The lesioned rats showed a greater level of circling behavior and other treatment groups might be replenishing dopamine or already protected dopaminergic nurons in mid brain (SNpc). Further it could presumably suggest the confirmation of nigral lesion in all the treatment groups. Anyhow, the significant levels in comparing the degree of lesioning is not mandatory in our study, because post treatment lesion verification. CONCLUSION : In view of the above facts we are concluding that Uncaria rhynchophylla, Mentha aquatic and Banisteriopsis Caapi- plants showed significant anti-Parkinson’s activity, and earlier these plants were ethanopharmacologically proven for its anti oxidant, anti ulcer, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti diabetic, immunostimulent, anti cancer and CNS activities. The evaluation of anti Parkinson’s activities of these plants might be leading to a new drug molecule or herbal moiety which can ameliorate the anti-Parkinson’s drug toxicities or can be an anti Parkinson’s drug in future. The anti-Parkinson’s activity of herbal extracts was performed. The extracts showed significant anti-Parkinson’s activity in 6-OHDA lesioned rat models. The estimated parameters were closely relevant to clinical Parkinsonism and the drug treatment protected the diseased brain of rat. And we appreciate further detailed molecular studies with these drugs in anti-Parkinson’s pharmacology and toxicology. From these findings we suggest that, these drug molecules can be a future drug of choice for the treatment of clinical Parkinsonism.
