Potential analgesic effect of Foshousan oil-loaded chitosan-alginate nanoparticles on the treatment of migraine

Background: Migraine is a common neurovascular disorder with typical throbbing and unilateral headaches, causing a considerable healthcare burden on the global economy. This research aims to prepare chitosan-alginate (CS-AL) nanoparticles (NPs) containing Foshousan oil (FSSO) and investigate its potential therapeutic effects on the treatment of migraine.Methods: FSSO-loaded CS-AL NPs were prepared by using the single emulsion solvent evaporation method. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV-2 cells and nitroglycerin (NTG)-induced migraine mice were further used to explore anti-migraine activities and potential mechanisms of this botanical drug.Results: FSSO-loaded CS-AL NPs (212.1 ± 5.2 nm, 45.1 ± 6.2 mV) had a well-defined spherical shape with prolonged drug release and good storage within 4 weeks. FSSO and FSSO-loaded CS-AL NPs (5, 10, and 15 μg/mL) showed anti-inflammatory activities in LPS-treated BV-2 cells via reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and nitric oxide (NO), but elevating interleukin-10 (IL-10) expressions. Moreover, FSSO-loaded CS-AL NPs (52 and 104 mg/kg) raised pain thresholds against the hot stimulus and decreased acetic acid-induced writhing frequency and foot-licking duration in NTG-induced migraine mice. Compared with the model group, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and NO levels were downregulated, but 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and endothelin (ET) levels were upregulated along with rebalanced ET/NO ratio, and vasomotor dysfunction was alleviated by promoting cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the FSSO-loaded CS-AL NPs (104 mg/kg) group.Conclusion: FSSO-loaded CS-AL NPs could attenuate migraine via inhibiting neuroinflammation in LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells and regulating vasoactive substances in NTG-induced migraine mice. These findings suggest that the FSS formula may be exploited as new phytotherapy for treating migraine

Advances in the phytochemistry and pharmacology of plant-derived phthalides

Phthalides are a class of unique compounds such as ligustilide, butylphthalide and butyldenephthalide, which have shown to possess multiple bioactivities in new drug research and development. Phthalides are naturally distributed in different plants that have been utilized as herbal treatments for various ailments with a long history in Asia, Europe and North America. Their extensive biological activity has led to a dramatic increase in the study of phthalide compounds in recent years. This review summarizes the latest research progress of plant-derived phthalides, and a total of 133 phthalide compounds are described based on the characteristics of chemical structures. Pharmacological properties of plant-derived phthalides are associated with hemorheological improvement, vascular function modulation and central nervous system protection. Potential treatments for a variety of diseases mainly including cardio-cerebrovascular disorders and neurological complications such as Alzheimer's disease are also concluded. In addition, key metabolic pathways have been clearly elucidated. Further investigations on the molecular mechanisms involved in biological activity are recommended for offering new insights into profound comprehension of phthalide applications