Erigeron breviscapus is a medicinal herb that is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of various ailments such as cardiovascular diseases, stroke, cerebral ischemia, and inflammation. The plant, also known as Tuo-li-zi, is native to China and is grown in different regions of the country.
The plant contains various bioactive compounds such as erigosterol, scopolin, breviscapine, and others. These compounds have been found to have potent pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticoagulant activities. Among these compounds, breviscapine has been studied extensively for its therapeutic potential.
Breviscapine is a flavonoid glycoside that is extracted from the aerial parts of Erigeron breviscapus. It has been found to possess various pharmacological properties, and its therapeutic potential has been the focus of several studies. This review article will discuss the current knowledge on the therapeutic potential of Erigeron breviscapus extract, with a particular focus on breviscapine.
Pharmacological properties of Erigeron breviscapus extract
Anti-inflammatory activity
Inflammation is a complex and multifactorial process that is involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases such as arthritis, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Erigeron breviscapus extract has been found to possess significant anti-inflammatory activity, which has been attributed to its ability to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines.
Breviscapine has been demonstrated to inhibit the expression of inflammatory mediators such as cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in vitro and in vivo. These enzymes are known to play critical roles in the inflammatory process, and their inhibition can reduce inflammation significantly.
In a study conducted by Wu et al., the antioxidant activity of breviscapine was investigated using a rat model of acute cerebral ischemia. It was found that breviscapine significantly reduced the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, and increased the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), which are important antioxidant enzymes. The results of this study suggest that breviscapine has potent antioxidant activity that can protect against oxidative damage.
Antioxidant activity
Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that can cause cellular damage and lead to various diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Antioxidants are substances that can counteract the harmful effects of free radicals by neutralizing them.
Erigeron breviscapus extract has been found to have potent antioxidant activity, which has been attributed to the presence of various phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. Breviscapine, in particular, has been found to be a potent antioxidant that can scavenge free radicals and inhibit lipid peroxidation.
In a study conducted by Wu et al., the antioxidant activity of breviscapine was investigated using a rat model of acute cerebral ischemia. It was found that breviscapine significantly reduced the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, and increased the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), which are important antioxidant enzymes. The results of this study suggest that breviscapine has potent antioxidant activity that can protect against oxidative damage.
Antiplatelet activity
Platelets play a critical role in the formation of blood clots, which can lead to various diseases such as stroke, myocardial infarction, and deep vein thrombosis. Erigeron breviscapus extract has been found to have significant antiplatelet activity, which has been attributed to the presence of breviscapine.
In a study conducted by Wu et al., the antiplatelet activity of breviscapine was investigated using a rat model of acute cerebral ischemia. It was found that breviscapine significantly reduced the levels of platelet thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and increased the levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), which are important regulators of platelet function. The results of this study suggest that breviscapine has significant antiplatelet activity that can prevent the formation of blood clots.
Cardiovascular protective activity
The cardiovascular system is an essential organ system that is responsible for maintaining blood circulation throughout the body. Dysfunction of the cardiovascular system can lead to various diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and myocardial infarction. Erigeron breviscapus extract has been found to have significant cardiovascular protective activity, which has been attributed to its ability to regulate blood pressure and inhibit the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
Breviscapine has been demonstrated to have vasodilatory activity, which can reduce blood pressure significantly. In a study conducted by Liu et al., the cardiovascular protective activity of breviscapine was investigated using a rat model of hypertension. It was found that breviscapine significantly reduced blood pressure, improved vascular endothelial function, and inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the aorta. The results of this study suggest that breviscapine has significant cardiovascular protective activity that can prevent the development of hypertension and atherosclerosis.
Neuroprotective activity
The nervous system is an essential organ system that is responsible for regulating various physiological functions such as movement, sensation, and cognition. Dysfunction of the nervous system can lead to various diseases such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Erigeron breviscapus extract has been found to have significant neuroprotective activity, which has been attributed to its ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
Breviscapine has been demonstrated to have a neuroprotective effect in various models of neurological diseases. In a study conducted by Yang et al., the neuroprotective activity of breviscapine was investigated using a rat model of ischemic stroke. It was found that breviscapine significantly improved neurological function, reduced infarct volume, and decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers. The results of this study suggest that breviscapine has significant neuroprotective activity that can prevent the development of ischemic stroke.
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