Novel wine in an old bottle:Preventive and therapeutic potentials of andrographolide in atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease(ASCVD)frequently results in sudden death and poses a serious threat to public health worldwide.The drugs approved for the prevention and treatment of ASCVD are usually used in combination but are inefficient owing to their side effects and single therapeutic targets.Therefore,the use of natural products in developing drugs for the prevention and treatment of ASCVD has received great scholarly attention.Andrographolide(AG)is a diterpenoid lactone compound extracted from Andrographis paniculata.In addition to its use in conditions such as sore throat,AG can be used to prevent and treat ASCVD.It is different from drugs that are commonly used in the prevention and treatment of ASCVD and can not only treat obesity,diabetes,hyperlipidaemia and ASCVD but also inhibit the pathological process of atherosclerosis(AS)including lipid accumulation,inflammation,oxidative stress and cellular abnormalities by regulating various targets and pathways.However,the pharmacological mechanisms of AG underlying the prevention and treatment of ASCVD have not been corroborated,which may hinder its clinical development and application.Therefore,this review summarizes the physiological and pathological mechanisms underlying the development of ASCVD and the in vivo and in vitro pharmacological effects of AG on the relative risk factors of AS and ASCVD.The findings support the use of the old pharmacological compound(‘old bottle’)as a novel drug(‘novel wine’)for the prevention and treatment of ASCVD.Additionally,this review summarizes studies on the availability as well as pharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic properties of AG,aiming to provide more information regarding the clinical application and further research and development of AG.

A review on the extraction and separation of andrographolide from Andrographis paniculata:extraction selectivity,current challenges and strategies

Andrographolide is the main active ingredient of Andrographis paniculata(Burm.f.)Nees,known as“natural antibiotic”.Here,for the purpose of discovering a more efficient,low-cost extraction and separation method,the research status of andrographolide was reviewed.At present,researches only take extraction rate as the only index to optimize extraction parameters,but ignores the importance of extraction selectivity.It is usually meaningless to blindly pursue the extraction rate without considering the difficulty and cost of subsequent separation.So,factors affecting extraction selectivity such as solvent choice,temperature and physicochemical effects caused by extraction technique itself,are first discussed.Different extraction techniques for andrographolide were discussed by comparing the selectivity,efficiency and cost of extraction.The separation procedures of andrographolide such as decolorization,impurity removal,crystallization,membrane separation,solid-phase extraction and partition chromatography and their challenges and possible strategies are also discussed.It is hoped that this review can provide guidance for researchers who are committed to advancing the field of andrographolide extraction and purification.

Andrographolide Loaded in Micro-and Nano-Formulations: Improved Bioavailability, Target-Tissue Distribution, and Efficacy of the “King of Bitters”

Andrographolide (AG) is the characteristic constituent of Andrographis paniculata, of the Acanthaceae family. This plant is a well-known Asian medicinal plant that is widely used in India, China, and Thailand. A monograph of Herba Andrographidis (Chuanxinlian) is included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, which reports that this decoction can “remove heat, counteract toxicity, and reduce swellings.” The numerous potential activities of AG range from anti-inflammatory to anti-diabetic action, from neuroprotection to antitumor activity, and from hepatoprotective to anti-obesity properties. However, AG has low bioavailability and poor water solubility, which can limit its distribution and accumulation in the body after administration. In addition, AG is not stable in gastrointestinal alkaline and acidic environments, and has been reported to have a very short half-life. Among the diverse strategies that have been adopted to increase AG water solubility and permeability, the technological approach is the most useful way to develop appropriate delivery systems. This review reports on published studies related to microparticles (MPs) and nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with AG. MPs based on polylactic-glycolic acid (PLGA), alginic acid, and glucan derivatives have been developed for parenteral oral and pulmonary administration, respectively. NPs include vesicles (both liposomes and niosomes);polymeric NPs (based on polyvinyl alcohol, polymerized phenylboronic acid, PLGA, human serum albumin, poly ethylcyanoacrylate, and polymeric micelles);solid lipid NPs;microemulsions and nanoemulsions;gold NPs;nanocrystals;and nanosuspensions. Improved bioavailability, target-tissue distribution, and efficacy of AG loaded in the described drug delivery systems have been reported.

Andrographolide effect on both Plasmodium falciparum infected and noninfected RBCs membranes

Objective: To explore whether its antiplasmodium effect of andrographolide is attributed to its plausible effect on the plasma membrane of both Plasmodium falciparum infected and noninfected RBCs. Methods: Anti-plasmodium effect of andrographolide against Plasmodium falciparum strains was screened using the conventional malaria drug sensitivity assay. The drug was incubated with uninfected RBCs to monitor its effect on their morphology, integrity and osmotic fragility. It was incubated with the plasmodium infected RBCs to monitor its effect on the parasite induced permeation pathways. Its effect on the potential of merozoites to invade new RBCs was tested using merozoite invasion assay. Results: It showed that at andrographolide was innocuous to RBCs at concentrations approach its therapeutic level against plasmodia. Nevertheless, this inertness was dwindled at higher concentrations. Conclusions: In spite of its success to inhibit plasmodium induced permeation pathway and the potential of merozoites to invade new RBCs, its anti-plasmodium effect can't be attributed to these functions as they were attained at concentrations higher than what is required to eradicate the parasite. Consequently, other mechanisms may be associated with its claimed actions.

Clinical Application Analysis of Andrographolide Total Ester Sulfonate Injection,a Traditional Chinese Medicine Licensed in China

Andrographolide total ester sulfonate（ATES） injection is one of the products of traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） currently used against viral infection in China.ATES injection was approved for manufacturing and marketing in January 2002.It is indicated for acute respiratory infections,tonsillitis,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,influenza,foot and mouth disease,bronchiolitis,herpangina,mumps,infectious mononucleosis and psychosis.However,its usage also carries risk.We investigated the use of ATES at the Wuhan Union Hospital from January 2014 to December 2014 and evaluated its real-world clinical application using the hospital centralized monitoring method.A total of 848 cases were enrolled in this study.In these cases,it was mainly used for postoperative anti-inflammation and treating upper respiratory infection,pneumonia and bronchitis.Among them,39.86% were contraindicated.Irregular medication of adults and children accounted for 1.91% and 23.38%,respectively.Improper choice of solvent accounted for 3.18%.The choice of intravenous drip versus aerosol inhalation was reasonable.A case of adverse events（AEs） was observed in the monitoring period,and the incidence of adverse drug reaction（ADR） of ATES injection was 0.12%.ATES injection in our hospital is relatively safe with a low incidence of adverse reactions.The study assesses the clinical usage and adverse reactions of ATES injection,and provides suggestions for rational use in clinical practice.

Study on Purifying Technology of Andrographolide by Supercritical CO_(2) Secondary Gradient Crystallization

The effects of the secondary gradient crystallizing pressure, temperature and time on the purity and crystallization ratio of andrographolide were investigated via single factor experiments. The shape of crystal was observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The purity of andrographolide was determined by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). It was found that the optimized parameters were pressure 14 MPa, temperature 55℃, time 60 min, and CO2 flow rate 15 L min-1, under these conditions the particle of andrographolide was much smaller, the crystal of andrographolide was distributed in floccule on crystal board,with the purity of andrographolide 92.5%, the crystallization ratio 48.9%.

Fabrication, characterization, in vitro drug release and glucose uptake activity of 14-deoxy,11, 12-didehydroandrographolide loaded polycaprolactone nanoparticles

Biodegradable polymer based novel drug delivery systems brought a considerable attention in enhancing the therapeutic efficacy and bioavailability of various drugs. 14-deoxy 11, 12-didehydro andrographolide(poorly water soluble compound) loaded polycaprolactone(nanoDDA) was synthesized using the solvent evaporation technique. Nano-DDA was characterized by scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and dynamic light scattering(DLS) studies. Fourier Transform InfraRed Spectroscopy(FTIR) was used to investigate the structural interaction between the drug and the polymer. Functional characterization of the formulation was determined using drug content, cellular uptake and in vitro drug release. 2-deoxy-D-[1-~3H] glucose uptake assay was carried out to assess the antidiabetic potential of nano-DDA in L6 myotubes.The nano-DDA displayed spherical shape with a smooth surface(252.898 nm diameter), zeta potential, encapsulation and loading efficiencies of -38.9 mV, 91.98 ± 0.13% and 15.09 ± 0.18% respectively. No structural alteration between the drug and the polymer was evidenced(FTIR analysis). Confocal microscopy studies with rhodamine 123 loaded polycaprolactone nanoparticles(Rh123-PCL NPs) revealed the internalization of Rh123-PCL NPs in a time dependent manner in L6 myoblasts. A dose dependent increase in glucose uptake was observed for nano-DDA with a maximal uptake of 108.54 ± 1.42% at 100 nM on L6 myotubes, thereby proving its anti-diabetic efficacy. A biphasic pattern of in vitro drug release demonstrated an initial burst release at 24 h followed by a sustained release for up to 11 days. To conclude,our results revealed that nano-DDA formulation can be a potent candidate for antidiabetic drug delivery.

Andrographolide inhibits chikungunya virus infection by up-regulating host innate immune pathways

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of andrographolide, a plant derived compound, against chikungunya virus(CHIKV) infection. Methods: Using flow cytometry and immunoblotting assay, in vitro viral protein expression was studied in THP-1 cells line. In Balb/c mouse neonates, viral RNA copy number was determined by real time PCR. Results:The results showed reduced CHIKV protein expression on andrographolide treatment in CHIKV-infected human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, Vero cells and THP-I cell line.In vivo, andrographolide treatment to CHIKV-infected neonates reduced viral RNA copy number. Further. andrographolide also increased cytotoxic T lymphocytes both in vitro and in vivo. Andrographolide also activated host innate immune pathways, viz., protein kinase R.phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor 2 α, retinoic acid inducible gene-Ⅰ and interferon regulatory factor 3/7, thereby increasing IFN-a secretion. CHIKV-induced nuclear factor κlight chain enhancer of activated B cells and tumor necrosis factor-a was also reduced on andrographolide treatment. Conclusion: Andrographolide inhibits CHIKV by suppressing viral protein expression and up-regulating host innate immunity and hence could be an effective therapeutic agent against CHIKV infection.

Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction of Andrographolide from Andrographis paniculata： Effect of the Solvent Flow Rate, Pressure, and Temperature

Andrographis paniculata Nees 广泛地对发烧，痢疾，腹泻，发炎，和酸的喉咙为传统的药和帮助被使用了。在这研究， andrographolide，这植物的主要部件从 A 的叶子被提取。用超级批评二氧化碳的 paniculata。操作压力从 7.50 被改变到 20MPa，温度从 30 ° C 被改变到 60 ° C，并且流动率从 0.5 被改变到 4ml · m in-1。最好的抽取条件为 A 的一件 3g 样品发生在 10MPa， 40 ° C，和 2ml · m in-1 的流动率。paniculata 弄干地面的叶子。测量抽取率被发现每工作时间每在叶子在场的 andrographolide 的克关于 andrographolide 的 0.0174g。未来研究必须集中于在象超级批评二氧化碳的温度，压力，和流动率那样的各种各样的操作参数之间的相互作用。

Integrated computer-aided formulation design:A case study of andrographolide/cyclodextrin ternary formulation

Current formulation development strongly relies on trial-and-error experiments in the laboratory by pharmaceutical scientists,which is time-consuming,high cost and waste materials.This research aims to integrate various computational tools,including machine learning,molecular dynamic simulation and physiologically based absorption modeling(PBAM),to enhance andrographolide(AG)/cyclodextrins(CDs)formulation design.The light GBM prediction model we built before was utilized to predict AG/CDs inclusion's binding free energy.AG/γ-CD inclusion complexes showed the strongest binding affinity,which was experimentally validated by the phase solubility study.The molecular dynamic simulation was used to investigate the inclusion mechanism between AG andγ-CD,which was experimentally characterized by DSC,FTIR and NMR techniques.PBAM was applied to simulate the in vivo behavior of the formulations,which were validated by cell and animal experiments.Cell experiments revealed that the presence of D-α-Tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate(TPGS)significantly increased the intracellular uptake of AG in MDCKMDR1 cells and the absorptive transport of AG in MDCK-MDR1 monolayers.The relative bioavailability of the AG-CD-TPGS ternary system in rats was increased to 2.6-fold and 1.59-fold compared with crude AG and commercial dropping pills,respectively.In conclusion,this is the first time to integrate various computational tools to develop a new AG-CD-TPGS ternary formulation with significant improvement of aqueous solubility,dissolution rate and bioavailability.The integrated computational tool is a novel and robust methodology to facilitate pharmaceutical formulation design.

In silico binding mode analysis of andrographolide and its derivatives to mutant and wild-type K-ras

OBJECTIVE To investigate the structural requirements for effective binding of andrographolide(AGP)and its derivatives(SRJ09and SRJ23)to mutant K-ras for inhibition of exchange factor binding viain silico docking simulations.METHODS The molecular docking studies were carried out by using SiteMap v3.4andGlide v6.6modules(Schrdinger,Inc.).Surface mapping on the 3-D X-ray crystal structures of three mutant K-ras proteins-K-rasG12V(PDB ID:4EPX),K-rasG12C(PDB ID:4LDJ),and K-rasG12D(PDB ID:4DSU),as well as wild-type K-ras protein(PDB ID:4LPK),was performed to generate possible sites for ligand binding.Thirty conformers were generated for each of the studied compounds,and these conformers were docked into each possible binding site in both wild-type and mutant K-ras proteins.The free energy of binding of the compounds with the wild-type and mutant K-ras proteins was performed using prime molecular mechanics with generalized Born and solvent accessibility(MM-GBSA)approach.RESULTS The conformers of AGP,SRJ09 and SRJ23that were found to form the most stable complex inside each possible binding siteas indicated by the highest binding free energy,both in wild-type and mutant proteins,were selected.A common binding site between switchⅠ and Ⅱregions,where a pocket surrounded by amino acid residues Lys5,Leu6,Val7,Ser39,Asp54,Leu56,Tyr71,Thr74,and Gly75,was found in all K-rasG12 mutants.This site corresponds to the hydrophobic binding pockets having aliphatic side-chain portionsas found previously for other Ras binders,which are located betweenα-helix 2 and the core β-sheets(between switchⅠ and Ⅱregions).This common binding pocket was not observed in the wild-type K-ras.A binding pocket adjacent to switchⅡregion(amino acid 60-72),where all ligands bind well,was found instead.All compoundsanchor well inside the common binding pocket in each of the K-fasG12 mutants and these compounds showed the strongest binding interactions to K-fasG12 C.SRJ09 and SRJ23 showed stronger binding interactions to both wild-type and mutant K-ras proteins as compared with the parent compound.Overall,the compounds displayed higher binding energies toall three mutant proteins as compared to their wild-type counterpart.CONCLUSION AGP,SRJ09,and SRJ23 are potential K-ras-targeting anti-cancer agents.The compounds target both wild-type and mutant K-ras but they bind to a different binding pocket in the wild-type protein.Both binding pockets found in wild-type and mutant K-ras involve switchⅡ region that binds the guanine nucleotide exchange factor(GEF)such as Son of Sevenless.These suggest a possible inhibition of exchange factor binding to both wild-type and mutant K-ras proteins.Lower binding energies of the compounds to wild-type K-ras protein suggest a transient binding and inhibition.Stronger binding of all compounds to mutant K-ras proteins could lead to more targeted and prolonged inhibition.

Non-typeable haemophilus influenzae-induced exacerbation on a cigarette smoke lung injury model:Protective effect of andrographolide

OBJECTIVE To develop a 2-week cigarette smoke(CS)acute lung injury model exacerbated by haemophilus influenzae(NTHi)and study the protective effect of andrographolide in this COPD model.METHODS Female BALB/c mice,6-8-week-old,were exposed to 4% 3R4 FCS delivered using aperistaltic pump daily for 2 weeks to induce an acute lung injury model.After 2 weeks of smoking,mice were inoculated intratracheally with NTHi to induce exacerbation on the model.Mice were sacrificed 48 h after last bacteria challenge and lung samples were collected for various analyses.RESULTS After developing a 2-week CS acute lung injury model exacerbated by NTHi,the CS+NTHi group was shown to have a higher inflammatory response,higher bacterial clearance,an upregulation of MMP12 mRNA levels and decrease in TIMP1 mRNA levels in the lungs.Administration of Andrographolide suppressed BALF lung cellular infiltrates,TNF-α,CXCL1/KC,IL-1βand 8-OHdG protein levels,together with increased HO-1 and GR mRNA levels and decreased MMP-8 and MMP-9 mRNA levels.Andrographolide was able to ameliorate lung histopathology as observed with H&E staining and inflammation scoring.Andrographolide was also shown to reduce Keap-1 level in lungs without affecting DJ-1 level.CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the protective effect of andrographolide in a novel 2-week CS acute lung injury model exacerbated by NTHi and presents it as a potential therapeutic for COPD.

In vivoand in vitrostructure and relationship analysis of andrographolide derivatives:Identifying AGL-2 as a novel anti-angiogenesis agent

OBJECTIVE To analyse structure and relationship of several andrographolide derivatives in multiple in vivo and in vitro angiogenesis assays,and to demonstrate a novel compound named AGL-2as a potential anti-angiogenesis agent.METHODS Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)in vitro and zebrafish(Danio rerio)in vivo models were used to screen and identify the anti-angiogenesis activities of six andrographolide derivatives;namely,AGL-1,AGL-2,AGS-72,AGS-72 a,AGS-79 and AGP-151.RESULTS AGL-2exhibited the strongest anti-angiogenic activity among all the derivatives in zebrafish model.Interestingly,another compound named AGS-72 showed stronger anti-angiogenic activity than AGL-2 in VEGF-induced HUVECs proliferation,migration,invasion and tube formation assays.In addition,AGL-2 was found to suppress the VEGF-induced VEGFR-2auto-phosphorylation and inhibit the activity of VEGFR-2 mediated signaling cascades in a dose-dependent manner.CONCLUSION AGL-2was demonstrated to be a promising anti-angiogenic agent among all the tested derivatives.The mechanism underlying the anti-angiogenic activity of AGL-2 probably involve VEGFR-2 signaling pathway.Even though,how some of chemical structure alterations result in discrepancy between in vivo and in vitro activities still remains to be resolved,this study shall provide new insight into how modification of the chemical structure of andrographolide affects this newly identified anti-angiogenesis activity.Meanwhile,AGL-2 can be exploited as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of angiogenesis-related diseases.

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Dehydroandrographolide Dipolycyclophosphate

The title compound was synthesized and characterized by IR, NMR, HRSI-MS and MS, and its crystal structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal is of orthorhombic system （C40H52O11P2, Mr= 770.76）, space group P21212, with a = 22.562（5）, b = 29.224（6）, c = 7.1953（14） A, V = 4744.2（16） A^3, Z = 4, Dc = 1.079 g/cm^3, F（000） = 1640 and μ = 0.141 mm^-1. The final R = 0.0758 and wR = 0.1778 for 2794 observed reflections with I 〉 20（I）. Intermolecular hydrogen bonds are found between the O atom of carbonyl group and H atoms of olefinic carbon. The absolute configuration of this molecule was confirmed by comparison with that of the original material.

Andrographolide restores steroid sensitivity to block LPS/IFNγ-induced IL-27 and airway hyper-responsiveness in mice

OBJECTIVE Steroid-resistant airway hyper-responsiveness(AHR)has been proposed to be related to the activation of innate host defense pathways such as those induced by LPS,IFN-γ,and LPS/IFN-γ-stimulated essential mediator IL-27.We investigated whether andrographolide,apreviously demonstrated anti-inflammatory bioactive molecule extracted from the plant Andrographis paniculata,could restore steroid sensitivity to block LPS/IFN-γ-induced IL-27 production and AHR viaits anti-oxidative property.METHODS Mouse macrophage cell line Raw264.7,mouse primary pulmonary monocyte/macrophage,and BALB/c mouse were treated with LPS/IFN-γ,in the presence and absence of increasing doses of dexamethasone and/or andrographolide.mRNA and protein levels of IL-27 in vitro and in vivo were examined,and mouse AHR was assessed.RESULTS Dexamethasone alone failed to inhibit LPS/IFN-γ-induced IL-27 and AHR in mice.Andrographolide significantly facilitated the suppressive effect of dexamethasone on LPS/IFN-γ-induced IL-27 level in macrophage cell line and primary monocyte/macrophage,mouse bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissue,and furthermore on the incurring AHR.LPS/IFN-γdid not impede nuclear translocation of glucocorticoid receptors but diminishthe protein level of histone deacetylase-2(HDAC2),an essential epigenetic enzymeresponsible for steroid anti-inflammatory action.Andrographolide at low doses(5μmol·L-1 in vitro;1mg·kg-1,ip in vivo)restored nuclear HDAC2 protein levels both in cells and in mouse lungs,possibly via suppression of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and up-regulation of the anti-oxidative transcription factor Nrf-2level.CONCLUSION Our data suggest that andrographolide may resensitize steroid action on blocking LPS/IFN-γ-induced IL-27 and resultant AHR by restoring HDAC2 level.

Metabolic disturbance and phytochemical changes in Andrographis paniculata and possible action mode of andrographolide

Objecive: To explore the effect of gibberellic acid(GA_3) and its inhibitor paclobutrazol(PBZ)on chemical composition and their pharmacological effects on Andrographis paniculata(Burm.f.) Wall. ex Nees, and to clarify action mode of andrographolide.Methods: The chemical composition was extracted by sequential extraction with hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol, respectively. Andrographolide and its derivatives were evaluated by HPLC. Moreover, the metabolic profiling was analyzed by GC-MS. Inhibitory effect of crude extracts was tested against Staphylococcus aureus using agar well diffusion method. Mode of action was tested against mutant yeast by spotting assay. Andrographolide were tested for their mode of action against eukaryotes. Rsults: Among different solvents, dichloromethane gave the highest yield of crude(3.58% DW), with the highest andrographolide content(8.3 mg/g DW). The effect of plant hormone(10 mg/L GA_3 or PBZ) on phytochemical variations and bioactivity of Andrographis paniculata was demonstrated. It was found that PBZ promoted sesquiterpene compounds about 3.5 times over than GA_3 treatment. But inhibitory effect of extracts against Staphylococcus aureus was highest in GA_3 treated plants; andrographolide and 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide contents were significantly higher than those of water or PBZ. It was found that there were 11 strains involving in ergosterol biosynthesis, V-ATPase activity and homeostasis, and superoxide detoxification process. In this regard, andrographolide might cause the damage on the lipid bilayer of yeast cell and plasma membrane by interfering ergosterol biosynthesis.Conclusions: It is found that GA_3 promotes andrographolide and 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide content while PBZ promotes sesquiterpene content. Andrographolide might cause the damage on the lipid bilayer of yeast cell and plasma membrane by interfering ergosterol biosynthesis. It might also affect mitochondria electron transport chain, leading to the occurrence of ROS, which can further harm cell organelles. However, the library screening is the first step to investigate mode of action of andrographolide.

一测多评法测定莲芝消炎胶囊中4种二萜内酯

目的:建立一测多评法测定莲芝消炎胶囊中新穿心莲内酯等4种二萜内酯成分的含量。方法:色谱柱为Shimadzu Shim-pack C_(18)(250 mm×4.6 mm,5μm);流动相乙腈-0.1%磷酸水溶液,梯度洗脱;流速1.0 mL•min^(-1);检测波长为203 nm。以穿心莲内酯为参照,计算其他3种二萜内酯成分的相对校正因子,并测定其含量。结果:4种二萜内酯成分在各自范围内线性关系良好(r≥0.9999),平均加样回收率为100.0%~102.8%,RSD为1.1%~2.2%。一测多评法与外标法所得结果接近。结论:该方法快速准确,重复性好,可用于莲芝消炎胶囊的质量控制。