Anti-Inflammatory Activity Is a Possible Mechanism by Which the Polyherbal Formulation Comprised ofNigella sativa(Seeds),Hemidesmus indicus(Root), andSmilax glabra(Rhizome) Mediates Its Antihepatocarcinogenic Effects

Abstract

The present study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of a polyherbal decoction comprised of Nigella sativa, Hemidesmus indicus, and Smilax glabra in order to justify its claimed antihepatocarcinogenic activity. Activation of hepatic nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), IκB kinase (IKK α/β) proteins, and TNFα and IL-6 expression was investigated in diethylnitrosamine- (DEN-) induced C3H mice-bearing early hepatocarcinogenic changes. Acute phase inflammatory response was evaluated by carrageenan-induced rat paw edema formation. Anti-inflammatory mechanisms were also assessed by determining effect on (a) membrane stabilization, (b) nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activity, and (c) inhibition of leukocyte migration. A significant inhibition of the paw edema formation was observed in healthy rats as well as in rats bearing early hepatocarcinogenic changes with oral administration of the decoction. As with the positive control, indomethacin (10 mg/kg b.w.) the inhibitory effect was pronounced at 3rd and 4th h after carrageenan injection. A notable IKK α/β mediated hepatic NF-κB inactivation was associated with a significant hepatic TNFα downregulation among mice-bearing hepatocarcinogenic changes subjected to decoction treatment. Inhibition of NO production, leukocyte migration, and membrane stabilization are possible mechanisms by which anti-inflammatory effect is mediated by the decoction. Overall findings imply that anti-inflammatory activity could be one of the mechanisms by which the decoction mediates its antihepatocarcinogenic effects.

A mechanistic review on medicinal plants used for rheumatoid arthritis in traditional Persian medicine

“…T lymphocyte has a significant role in immunological events of pathological processes in RA. In vitro studies have revealed that this remedy can significantly inhibit the proliferation of T lymphocyte . In addition , S. glabra has exhibited improvement in RA symptoms through inhibiting leucocyte migration and suppressing activated macrophages in vivo …”

“…In vitro studies have revealed that this remedy can significantly inhibit the proliferation of T lymphocyte. [71,72] In addition, S. glabra has exhibited improvement in RA symptoms through inhibiting leucocyte migration and suppressing activated macrophages in vivo. [71][72][73] Seiboldogenin is a steroidal saponin, which is derived from ethyl acetate fraction of the S. china and S. glabra crude extract.…”

“…[71,72] In addition, S. glabra has exhibited improvement in RA symptoms through inhibiting leucocyte migration and suppressing activated macrophages in vivo. [71][72][73] Seiboldogenin is a steroidal saponin, which is derived from ethyl acetate fraction of the S. china and S. glabra crude extract. It has been reported that seiboldogenin has modulatory effect on biphasic inflammatory reactions including early phase of the inflammation through suppressing the release of histamine and serotonin as well as later phase of inflammatory response mediated by regulating the activity of kinin-like agents, proteases and PGs, in animal models.…”

Protective Effect of a Polyherbal Aqueous Extract Comprised ofNigella sativa(Seeds),Hemidesmus indicus(Roots), andSmilax glabra(Rhizome) on Bleomycin Induced Cytogenetic Damage in Human Lymphocytes

“…Recent studies have demonstrated that the above decoction can provide significant protection against chemically induced hepatocarcinogenic changes in rats [24] without producing any significant toxic effects and exert cytotoxicity in human hepatoma (HepG2) cells [25]. Protection against oxidative damage [26], favourable immune modulation [27], and expression and suppression of proapoptotic and antiapoptotic genes [28] are some of the mechanisms which mediate anticancer activity of the decoction. It was hypothesized that the claimed antioxidant activity of the decoction may play a dual role: (a) protecting healthy cells against the damage mediated by either chemotherapy or radiotherapy and (b) restricting the tumour progression by resisting mutation in cancer management.…”

Sarsaparilla (Smilax Glabra Rhizome) Extract Inhibits Cancer Cell Growth by S Phase Arrest, Apoptosis, and Autophagy via Redox-Dependent ERK1/2 Pathway

“…Sarsaparilla, also known as Smilax Glabra Rhizome (SGR) or Smilax Glabra Roxb (7,8), regularly serves as a supplement of herbal formula in treating diseases such as syphilis, gout, gonorrhea, inflammation, liver problems, and cancer in Southeast Asia and North America (9)(10)(11). Several reports revealed the roles of sarsaparilla in modulating immunity (12), protecting liver from injuries (13), lowering blood glucose level (14), and inhibiting cancer development (15); however, there is no epidemiologic evidence regarding sarsaparilla's functions.…”