Mariana Matias1, Samuel Silvestre1, Amílcar Falcão2, Gilberto Alves3. 1. CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Rua Marquês d'Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal; CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal. 2. CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal. 3. CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Rua Marquês d'Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal; CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal. Electronic address: gilberto@fcsaude.ubi.pt.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Gastrodia elata Blume (G. elata) is a traditional Chinese herb used for centuries in folk medicine. Due to the claimed anticonvulsant properties of G. elata, it is expected that this herb continues to be a target of research, aiming to deepen the available knowledge on its biological activity and safety. PURPOSE: The current review aims to discuss the most recent advances on the elucidation of the phytochemical composition and anticonvulsant potential of G. elata. METHODS: Available literature was reviewed from PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge and Science Direct, using combinations of the following keywords: Gastrodia elata, tianma, epilepsy, anticonvulsant and pharmacokinetics. Abstracts and full texts were evaluated for their clarity and scientific merit. RESULTS: G. elata rhizome, as well as specific phenolic compounds isolated from this herb, have demonstrated anticonvulsant potential in a variety of in vitro and in vivo models. The pharmacological mechanisms potentially involved in the anticonvulsant activity have been extensively studied, being similar to the known mechanisms claimed for the available antiepileptic drugs. In addition, the pharmacokinetics of the main bioactive component of G. elata (gastrodin) has also been studied. CONCLUSION: Due to its recognised therapeutic properties, G. elata has gained an increasing interest within the scientific community and, therefore, new medicinal preparations containing G. elata rhizome itself or its bioactive components are expected to be developed in the coming years. Moreover, specific phytochemical constituents isolated from G. elata may also be considered to integrate programs of discovery and development of new anticonvulsant drug candidates.
BACKGROUND:Gastrodia elata Blume (G. elata) is a traditional Chinese herb used for centuries in folk medicine. Due to the claimed anticonvulsant properties of G. elata, it is expected that this herb continues to be a target of research, aiming to deepen the available knowledge on its biological activity and safety. PURPOSE: The current review aims to discuss the most recent advances on the elucidation of the phytochemical composition and anticonvulsant potential of G. elata. METHODS: Available literature was reviewed from PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge and Science Direct, using combinations of the following keywords: Gastrodia elata, tianma, epilepsy, anticonvulsant and pharmacokinetics. Abstracts and full texts were evaluated for their clarity and scientific merit. RESULTS:G. elata rhizome, as well as specific phenolic compounds isolated from this herb, have demonstrated anticonvulsant potential in a variety of in vitro and in vivo models. The pharmacological mechanisms potentially involved in the anticonvulsant activity have been extensively studied, being similar to the known mechanisms claimed for the available antiepileptic drugs. In addition, the pharmacokinetics of the main bioactive component of G. elata (gastrodin) has also been studied. CONCLUSION: Due to its recognised therapeutic properties, G. elata has gained an increasing interest within the scientific community and, therefore, new medicinal preparations containing G. elata rhizome itself or its bioactive components are expected to be developed in the coming years. Moreover, specific phytochemical constituents isolated from G. elata may also be considered to integrate programs of discovery and development of new anticonvulsant drug candidates.
Authors: Jingli Zhang; Habsah Mohamad; Jia Hui Wong; Muhammad Bilal; Abdul Hadi Bin Ismail; Amelia Jane Lloyd; Abdul Aziz Mohamed Yusoff; Hasnah Osman; Kok Tong Wong; Zamzuri Idris; Jafri Malin Abdullah Journal: Malays J Med Sci Date: 2017-04-14