Front. Pharmacol. Frontiers in Pharmacology Front. Pharmacol. 1663-9812 Frontiers Media S.A. 1133982 10.3389/fphar.2023.1133982 Pharmacology Original Research Protective effect of compatible herbs in Jin-Gu-Lian formula against Alangium chinense-induced neurotoxicity via oxidative stress, neurotransmitter metabolisms, and pharmacokinetics Lian et al. 10.3389/fphar.2023.1133982 Lian Dongyin 1 † Chen Tengfei 1 † Yan Lihua 1 Hou Hongping 1 Gao Shuangrong 1 Hu Qin 2 Zhang Guangping 1 Li Han 1 Song Ling 1 Gao Yunhang 1 Pu Yunxi 3 Chen Ying 1 * Peng Bo 1 * 1 Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China 2 College of Life Sciences and Bio-Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China 3 College of Letters and Science, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, United States

Edited by: Ling Ye, Southern Medical University, China

Reviewed by: Lei An, Beijing Technology and Business University, China

Meng Qin, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, China

 *Correspondence: Bo Peng, bpeng@icmm.ac.cn; Ying Chen, ychen@icmm.ac.cn

These authors have contributed equally to this work

This article was submitted to Drug Metabolism and Transport, a section of the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology

 16 02 2023 2023 14 1133982 29 12 2022 07 02 2023 Copyright © 2023 Lian, Chen, Yan, Hou, Gao, Hu, Zhang, Li, Song, Gao, Pu, Chen and Peng. 2023 Lian, Chen, Yan, Hou, Gao, Hu, Zhang, Li, Song, Gao, Pu, Chen and Peng

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Background: A. chinense frequently used in Miao medicine to treat rheumatic diseases. However, as a famous toxic herb, Alangium chinense and its representative components exhibit ineluctable neurotoxicity, thus creating significant challenges for clinical application. The combined application with compatible herbs in Jin-Gu-Lian formula attenuates such neurotoxicity according to the compatible principle of traditional Chinese medicines.

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the detoxification of the compatible herbs in Jin-Gu-Lian formula on A. chinense-induced neurotoxicity and investigate its mechanism.

Methods: Neurobehavioral and pathohistological analysis were used to determine the neurotoxicity in rats administered with A. chinense extract (AC), extract of compatible herbs in Jin-Gu-Lian formula (CH) and combination of AC with CH for 14 days. The mechanism underlying the reduction of toxicity by combination with CH was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, spectrophotometric assays, liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry and real-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results: Compatible herbs attenuated the AC-induced neurotoxicity as evidenced by increased locomotor activity, enhanced grip strength, the decreased frequency of AC-induced morphological damage in neurons, as well as a reduction of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and neurofilament light chain (NEFL) levels. The combination of AC and CH ameliorated AC-induced oxidative damage by modulating the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC). AC treatment significantly reduced the levels of monoamine and acetylcholine neurotransmitters in the brains of rats, including acetylcholine (Ach), dopamine (DA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), norepinephrine (NE), and serotonin (5-HT). Combined AC and CH treatment regulated the abnormal concentrations and metabolisms of neurotransmitters. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that the co-administration of AC and CH significantly decreased plasma exposure levels of two main components of AC, as evidenced by the reduction of maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) compared to AC. In addition, the AC-induced downregulation in mRNA expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes was significantly reduced in response to combined AC and CH treatment.

Conclusion: Compatible herbs in Jin-Gu-Lian formula alleviated the neurotoxicity induced by A. chinense by ameliorating oxidative damage, preventing abnormality of neurotransmitters and modulating pharmacokinetics.

 Alangium chinense neurotoxicity pharmacokinetics cytochrome P450 oxidative stress neurotransmitters 2018YFC1708105 2018YFC1708100 CI 2021A04905 CI 2021A04406 CI 2021A04615 National Key Research and Development Program of China10.13039/501100012166 China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences10.13039/501100005892 1 Introduction

Alangium chinense (Lour.) Harms (also known as Ba Jiao Feng) is derived from the Alangium genus of the Alangiaceae family and is widely distributed in the southwest of China (Hu et al., 2020). Alangium chinense, a routine and important Miao medicine in ethnomedicine, is used at a high frequency of more than 100 in 842 Miao medical formulas collected from relevant Miao medicine books, including Chinese Miao Medicine, Chinese Materia Medica of Miao Medicinal Volume, Medico-Miao and other Miao ethnic medicine books (Li et al., 2017). The properties and effects of A. chinense are described as dispelling pathogenic wind and eliminating dampness, relaxing tendon and freeing meridians, dispersing blood stasis and detumescence, as well as relieving pain. In traditional clinical treatment, A. chinense was used in combination with other herbal materials in many widely used folk prescriptions as a remedy for rheumatic diseases (Zheng et al., 2022), acroanesthesia and fractures, including Jin Gu Lian (JGL) capsules, Feng Shi Ding tablets and Xiao Bi Ling mixture (Meng et al., 2021). Previous experimental studies reported that A. chinense and its representative active components (such as anabasine and salicin) relieved arthritis, exhibited anti-inflammatory activity and ameliorated rheumatoid arthritis. These abilities are associated with the attenuated expression of proinflammatory cytokines, the inhibition of NF-κB signaling, the improvement of oxidative stress pathways and the relaxation of skeletal and smooth muscle (Zhang et al., 2013; Zhai et al., 2018; Hu et al., 2020).

Alangium chinense was documented as a famous toxic herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Although the therapeutic actions of A. chinense have been reported in both clinics and experiments, its clinical application is limited due to its obvious adverse effects on the central nervous system, lungs, liver and smooth muscles (Hu et al., 2020; Meng et al., 2021). Previous clinical studies reported that the oral administration of more than 40 g of A. chinense led to severe neurotoxicity, including dizziness, convulsions, muscle weakness and respiratory depression (Zhang et al., 2008). According to the Dictionary of Chinese Materia Medica, the 50% lethal dose (LD50) of A. chinense water extract in mice after intraperitoneal injection was 9.98 g/kg (Zhao et al., 2006). In one study, an intravenous injection of 1.25 g/kg and 4 g/kg A chinense water extract resulted in significant toxicity, including respiratory paralysis and muscle weakness in rabbits and beagles, respectively (Zhang et al., 2019). After exposure to intravenous total alkaloids of A. chinense, the minimal dose for muscle relaxation and the minimal lethal dose in rabbits were respectively found to be 2.47 mg/kg and 5.65 mg/kg (Zhao et al., 2006). Another study reported that neurotoxicity and hepatoxicity were observed in rabbits following the intravenous administration of total alkaloids of A. chinense at a repeated dose of 1.9 mg/kg for 15 days (Zhao et al., 2006). Anabasine, a bioactive chemical, is known as the primary constituent responsible for the therapeutic actions and adverse effects of A. chinense (Hu et al., 2020; Meng et al., 2021). Following the intravenous administration of anabasine, the minimal doses for muscle relaxation and respiratory paralysis in rabbits were 1.18 mg/kg and 1.47 mg/kg (Zhao et al., 2006).

Collectively, the above results suggest that A. chinense and its active component have narrow therapeutic windows, thus creating a significant challenge for clinical application. Compatibility is an essential aspect of TCM medication. According to the compatibility principle of TCM, the combination of toxic herbs with other herbal medicines can generate the expected therapeutic actions but with lower adverse effects (Steven and Yi, 2021; Xiang et al., 2021). Many researchers have reported that the combined application of compatible herbs in various herbal formulations can weaken or eliminate the toxicity of the poisonous TCM based on well-designed toxic evaluations performed both in vivo and in vitro (Zhang et al., 2018). Jin Gu Lian prescription consists of a total of five types of herbs: A. chinense (Lour.) Harms (Cornaceae; Alangii Radix; Ba Jiao Feng in Chinese), Gaultheria leucocarpa var. yunnanensis (Franch.) T. Z. Hsu and R. C. Fang (Ericaceae; Gaultheriae Herba; Tou Gu Xiang in Chinese), Heptapleurum leucanthum (R.Vig.) Y. F. Deng (Araliaceae; Schefflerae Leucanthae Caulis seu Folium; Han Tao Ye in Chinese), Sargentodoxa cuneata (Oliv.) Rehder and E. H. Wilson (Lardizabalaceae; Sargentodoxae Caulis; Da Xue Teng in Chinese), and Psammosilene tunicoides W. C. Wu and C. Y. Wu (Caryophyllaceae; Psammosilenes Radix; Jin Tie Suo in Chinese). Previous research investigated the pharmacokinetic characteristics of a representative formula JGL and its core drug pair (A. chinense and Sargentodoxa cuneate). These results demonstrated that combination of the core drug pair with other herbs in JGL decreased the absorption and avoided the accumulation of anabasine by reducing maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and apparent volume of distribution (Vz/F), which might reduce the possibility of toxicity of anabasine (Zheng et al., 2022). However, the effects of a compatible approach on the neurotoxicity induced by A. chinense has yet to be investigated.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the rationality of the compatible application of A. chinense with other herbal medicines in JGL formula in terms of attenuation of toxicity. This study was designed to reveal the effect of compatible herbs in JGL on the attenuation of neurotoxicity induced by A. chinense and investigate its mechanism by evaluating the amelioration of oxidative damages, the regulation of neurotoxic biomarkers, the alteration of neurotransmitter levels, and modulation of the pharmacokinetic characteristics of active components in A. chinense.

2 Materials and methods 2.1 Drugs and reagents 2.1.1 Crude drugs and extraction

All crude drugs were supplied by Guizhou Yibai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. The voucher specimens are deposited in the Laboratory of Quality Control for Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, and were identified by Professor Lihua Yan from the institute according to the standard of Chinese pharmacopoeia (2020) and the standard of TCM materials and Ethnic medicinal materials in Guizhou Province (2019). Detailed information was shown in Table 1.

The five herbal medicines of Jin-Gu-Lian formula.

Chinese name Binomial synonym Scientific name Family Origin Batch number
Ba Jiao Feng Alangii Radix Alangium chinense (Lour.) Harms Cornaceae Henan YL-17720220302
Tou Gu Xiang Gaultheriae Herba Gaultheria leucocarpa var. yunnanensis (Franch.) T.Z.Hsu and R.C.Fang Ericaceae Guizhou YL-1720220201
Han Tao Ye Schefflerae Leucanthae Caulis seu Folium Heptapleurum leucanthum (R.Vig.) Y.F.Deng Araliaceae Guangdong YL-1762022070
Da Xue Teng Sargentodoxae Caulis Sargentodoxa cuneata (Oliv.) Rehder and E.H.Wilson Lardizabalaceae Anhui JYC-20220206
Jin Tie Suo Psammosilenes Radix Psammosilene tunicoides W.C.Wu and C.Y.Wu Caryophyllaceae Yunnan YL-17820220304

The dried roots of A. chinense (Lour.) Harms (Ba Jiao Feng) were soaked and extracted with boiling water (1:10, 1:8 and then 1:8 w/v) for 2 h following filtration with 150 μm strainer. The extraction step was repeated thrice. The merged mixtures were concentrated under the vacuum freeze dryer to prepare powder and the yield of powder was 5.30% (w/w). The preparation of compatible herbs of JGL consisted of 30% G. leucocarpa var. yunnanensis (Franch.) T. Z. Hsu and R. C. Fang (Tou Gu Xiang), 35% H. leucanthum (R.Vig.) Y. F. Deng (Han Tao Ye), 30% S. cuneata (Oliv.) Rehder and E. H. Wilson (Da Xue Teng), 5% P. tunicoides W. C. Wu and C. Y. Wu (Jin Tie Suo). These compatible herbs were prepared through the same procedure and the yield was 5.64% (w/w). The powder of A. chinense extract (AC) and the extract of compatible herbs (CH) was analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) analysis. Anabasine and venoterpine were quantified in AC and the combination of AC and CH. The content of anabasine and venoterpine in AC was 249.2 ± 2.2 μg/g and 2.1 ± 0.0 μg/g, respectively. The content of anabasine and venoterpine in the combination of AC and CH was 175.0 ± 0.9 μg/g and 1.4 ± 0.0 μg/g respectively.

The UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis was performed on a Waters ACQUITY UPLC H-Class system with a Waters UPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 mm × 100 mm, 1.7 μm). Briefly, the powder of AC or CH was dissolved in water (1:20, w/v), placed in an ultrasonic bath for 30 min, and centrifuged for 5 min at 10,000 rpm. The supernatant was filtered through a 0.22 μm filter membrane for subsequent UPLC-MS analysis. Linear gradient elution with mobile phases of phase A containing the aqueous phases of 0.1% formic acid and phase B containing acetonitrile was applied (0–12 min, 5%–55% B; 12–15 min, 55%–95% B) at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The column was maintained at 35°C and the injection volume was 1 μL. MS analysis was carried out on a Q-TOF high-resolution mass spectrometer (Xevo G2-S; Waters) with an ESI Source. The MS conditions were capillary voltage: 2.2 kV (ESI+), 2.0 kV (ESI-); drying gas (N2) flow rate: 600 L/h; drying gas temperature: 400°C; cone voltage: 40 V; ion source temperature: 120°C; scanning mode: positive and negative ion switching scanning; scan range: 100.0–1500.0 m/z; collision voltage: 20–50 eV. Data analysis was performed using MassLynx 4.1 software (Waters).

 2.1.2 Reagents and chemicals

DL-anabasine (ANA, lot no: C10954677, purity: 97.0%) was obtained from Shanghai Macklin Biochemical Co., Ltd. (Shanghai, China). Venoterpine (VEN, lot no: X31O11L129589, purity: 98.0%) was purchased from Shanghai Yuanye Bio-Technology Co., Ltd. (Shanghai, China). Nicotine (NIC, lot no: V-942900-NU1, purity: 100.0%) was obtained from CFW Laboratories Inc. (Walnut, United States) as internal standard (IS). Chromatographic methanol and acetonitrile were provided by Merck (Darmstadt, Germany), and chromatographic formic acid was provided by ROE SCIENTIFIC (Newark, United States). Other reagents were commercially available and were analytically and chromatographically pure.

 2.2 Animals, drug administration, and sample collection

All animals were obtained from Beijing Vital Laboratory Animal Technology (Beijing, China) and maintained in a specific pathogen-free laboratory of the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Beijing, China) under controlled conditions (25°C ± 1°C, 45% relative humidity and a 12 h light/dark cycle). The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Animal Ethical and Welfare Committee (Approval Number: 2021B094, 2021B196). All animal procedures were in accordance with Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee guidelines. A schematic study diagram is shown in Figure 1. The detailed designs of animal experiments were shown as follows.

Schematic diagram of the experiment design. Time points represent the days of drug treatment.

 2.2.1 Experiment 1 (toxicity evaluation)

Male Sprague-Dawley rats (200 ± 20 g) were randomly divided into four groups with eight rats in each group and orally gavaged with the distilled water (control group), A. chinense extract (AC group, equivalent to 30 g/kg of crude drugs), extract of compatible herbs of JGL (CH group, equivalent to 30 g/kg of crude drugs), combination of AC with CH (AC/CH group, equivalent to 30 g/kg of crude drugs of A. chinense herbs and 30 g/kg of crude drugs of compatible herbs) once-daily for 14 days. One hour after administration on the 13th day (Day 13), the locomotor activity of rats was measured using the open-field test. One hour after the last administration (Day 14), grip force of rats was measured by grip test. On Day 15, rats were anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium (48 mg/kg, i.p.). The blood, brain and liver were collected for further analysis.

 2.2.2 Experiment 2 (pharmacokinetic study)

Male Sprague-Dawley rats (220 ± 20 g) were randomly divided into two groups with five rats in each group and orally gavaged with continuous administration (once-daily for 14 days) of A. chinense extract (AC, equivalent to 30 g/kg of crude drugs) and continuous administration (once-daily for 14 days) of combination of AC and CH (equivalent to 30 g/kg of crude drugs of A. chinense herbs and 30 g/kg of crude drugs of compatible herbs). All rats were fasted (free access to water) for at least 12 h prior to first and last drug administration. Rats were anesthetized with isoflurane for about 30 s and then blood samples were collected at different time after the first and last administration for the two groups. All rats were euthanized with carbon dioxide after the experiment.

 2.3 Behavioral test

The open field test and grip test were undertaken to investigate the neurobehavioral disorders of rats.

2.3.1 Open-field test

The locomotor activity of animal was measured using the open-field test. After administration for 13 days, rats were placed in a black square chamber (100 cm length × 100 cm width × 50 cm height) and allowed to explore freely for 5 min. The spontaneous movements of rats were recorded by a video camera and analyzed by SMART Video Tracking System V3.0 (Panlab, United States). The parameters recorded included total distance traveled, number of rearing (animal’s double forelimbs leave the ground at the same time, or the two forelimbs are placed on the wall of the cage), total movement time and total rest time.

 2.3.2 Grip test

The grip strength meter (YLS-13A, Jinan Yiyan technology development Co. Ltd, China) was used to assess the forelimb grip strength of rats according to manufacturer instruction. After 14 days, rats were gently placed on the grid plate and allowed to grip the metal bars with their front paws. The rats were pulled by the tail slowly. The maximal grip force during the process of steady grasping until losing strength was measured in grams. Each rat was tested thrice.

 2.4 Histological and pathological assessment

Rats were anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium (48 mg/kg, i.p.). The brain was collected and the left part of brain was fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde in PBS and embedded in paraffin. After locating inferior colliculi, optic chiasma and hypothalamus, the brain was cut transversely to different sections. 4 μm thick slices were cut and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E staining) and toluidine blue (Nissl staining).

 2.5 ELISA for neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and neurofilament light chain (NEFL) levels

Rats were anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium (48 mg/kg, i.p.). Blood was collected from the abdominal aorta. Serum was separated by centrifugation at 3500 × g for 20 min at room temperature. The levels of NSE and NEFL in serum were measured by rat ELISA kits according to the manufacture instructions (Cusabio, China). The OD was measured at 450/650 nm.

 2.6 Antioxidant enzymes analysis of brain

After killing the anesthetized rats, brains were collected rapidly, frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at −80°C until use. The brains were homogenized in nine volumes of 0.9% NaCl with two metal beads at a speed of 60 Hz for 30 s and centrifuged (3500 rpm/min) at 4°C for 15 min. The supernatant was collected. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) were determined using commercial assay kits (Nanjing Jiancheng Bioengineering Institute, China) according to the manufacturer instructions.

 2.7 LC-MS/MS for neurotransmitter level in the brain

Monoamine and acetylcholine neurotransmitters were analyzed as reported previously with slight modification (Wang L. S. et al., 2019). Briefly, brain tissue was precisely weighed and homogenized in distilled water at a final concentration of 5 g/mL 50 μL brain homogenate was mixed with 10 μL trifluoroacetic acid under the fume hood to precipitate protein. The mixture was centrifuged at 20,000 g for 15 min at 4°C. The supernatant was collected for analyzing acetylcholine (Ach), dopamine (DA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), norepinephrine (NE), and serotonin (5-HT) in the LC-MS/MS system (Agilent, United States).

 2.8 Pharmacokinetic test 2.8.1 Plasma sample preparation

Blood samples (no more than 150 μL) were collected from the eye venous plexus into tubes containing heparin sodium at 5, 10, 20, 40 min, and 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24 h after first and last administration. Plasma was obtained by centrifugation at 12,000 rpm for 3 min at 4 C and stored at −80 C until analysis.

All plasma samples were prepared via protein precipitation. An aliquot of 50 μL plasma sample was spiked with 400 μL of dichloromethane containing 10 ng/mL of NIC. After vortexed for 1 min and ultrasound for 1 min, the suspension was centrifuged at 14,000 rpm for 5 min at 4 C. 350 μL of lower solution was transferred to a new tube, and was centrifuged and concentrated at 1,700 rpm and 45 C to dryness. The residue was redissolved in 100 μL of methanol followed by a 1 min vortex and a 2 min ultrasound. The supernatant was injected into the ExionLC high-performance liquid chromatography tandem with a Qtrap 5500 mass spectrometer (HPLC-MS/MS, AB SCIEX, Toronto, Canada) system for analysis after centrifuging at 14,000 rpm for 5 min at 4°C.

 2.8.2 HPLC-MS/MS analytical conditions

The concentration of analytes in rat plasma samples was determined by HPLC-MS/MS method. In previous study, an UPLC-MS/MS method was established for simultaneous determination of salidroside, anabasine, chlorogenic acid, and protocatechuic acid in rat plasma and compared the pharmacokinetic properties of two groups of rats after being orally administrated with Jin-Gu-Lian formula and its core drug pair, respectively (Zheng et al., 2022). In our study, it was necessary to investigate the plasma concentrations of anabasine and venoterpine in plasma at the toxic dose, which was higher than that use in Zheng’s study. Therefore, we established an HPLC-MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of the two compounents in plasma of rats, and carried out methodological verification including dilution reliability (detailed information in Supplementary Materials).

The Phenomenex Kinetex C18 100 A LC Column (100 mm × 3 mm, 2.6 μm) was used at a temperature of 40 C. The autosampler temperature was 6 C. After 5 μL injection, mobile phase A (water with 0.05% formic acid) and B (methanol) were used for elution at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min according to the following procedure: 0–1.0 min, 95% A; 1.0–2.0 min, 95%–5% A; 2.0–3.0 min, 5% A; 3.0–3.1 min, 5%–95% A; 3.1–5.0 min, 95% A.

Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) scans were used to detect the analytes and IS in the positive ion mode of the electrospray ionization (ESI) source. The ion spray voltage was maintained at 5500 V and curtain gas pressure was maintained at 35 psi. The collision gas was set to six psi and the turbo spray temperature was maintained at 500°C. The nebulizer gas (gas 1) and heater gas (gas 2) were both set at 45 psi, using nitrogen. The precursor/product pairs of ANA, VEN, and IS were m/z 163.0→118.1, m/z 150.1→132.1, and m/z 163.2→130.1, respectively. The declustering potentials (DP) of ANA, VEN, and IS were 74.0, 78.0, and 70.1 V, respectively. The collision energies (CE) for ANA, VEN, and IS were 30.0, 27.0, and 27.2 V, respectively. The dwell time and collision exit potential (CXP) for all compounds were 100 ms and 13 V, respectively.

 2.9 Analysis of the mRNA levels of cytochrome P450 in the liver

After killing the anesthetized rats, livers were collected, frozen in liquid nitrogen and store in −80°C until use. Total RNA in liver tissues was isolated by the RNA Easy Fast Tissue/Cell Kit (Tiagen, China). Complementary (c)DNA was prepared from 500 ng RNA using the EasyScript® First-Strand cDNA Synthesis SuperMix Kit (TransGen Biotech, China). cDNA was subjected to RT-qPCR to quantify gene expression using PerfectStart Green qPCR SuperMix (TransGen Biotech, China). The primer pairs (Invitrogen, Thermo Fisher Scientific, United States) used for analyses are listed in Supplementary Table S1. Beta-actin was normalized for the amounts of cDNA. Relative expression of target genes was calculated using the 2−ΔΔCT method.

 2.10 Statistical analysis

Data acquisition and analysis for the concentration of ANA and VEN were conducted using the Analyst 1.7 software (AB SCIEX, Toronto, Canada). Pharmacokinetic parameters of ANA and VEN were calculated using a non-compartment model with the MaS Studio 1.5.2.14 stable software (Shanghai BioGuider Medicinal Technology Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China).

Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism 8.0 software (La Jolla, CA, United States). All data involving toxicity were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by a Tukey’s (SOD, GSH-Px, Ach, 5-HT, HVA, open-field test) or Dunnett’s T3 post hoc test (NEFL, NE, DA), or Kruskal-Wallis test followed by a Dunn’s post hoc test for multiple comparisons (NSE, T-AOC, DOPAC, grip force). The statistical differences involving pharmacokinetic study were performed by independent t-tests. In each case, p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

 3 Results 3.1 Component analysis of AC and CH extracts by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS

UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis was performed to identify the constituents of AC and CH extracts. Firstly, literature on the chemical composition of JGL formula have been carefully reviewed and concluded. In this study, the chemical formulae of all compounds were based on high-precision excimer [M + H]+, [M + Na]+ or [M-H]- with a mass error of 10 ppm and a partial isotopic abundance. Then, the most rational structures were analyzed and identified by searching chemical databases such as Pubchem (https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) and Massbank (http://www.massbank.jp). For the isomers, preference would be given to the structures previously reported from the five herbs of JGL formula. Finally, 16 compounds of AC and 44 compounds of CH were confirmed further by fragment ions, retention times, and literature comparison (Table 2; Table 3). The base peak intensity (BPI) chromatograms of AC and CH in negative and positive ionization modes were shown in Figure 2. The chemical structures of the main constitutions found in AC and CH were shown in Figure 3.

The identification of constituents of the Alangium chinense extract (AC) by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS.

Peak no. Name Formula Exact m/z Observed m/z MS2 ions RT (min) PPM Extracting ions References
1 Venoterpine C9H11NO 149.0841 150.0911 108.0440 2.05 −5.3 [M + H]+ Zhu et al. (1996)
2 Gallic acid C7H6O5 170.0215 169.0132 125.0235 2.29 −3.0 [M-H]- Yue (2016)
3 Anabasine C10H14N2 162.1157 163.1236 146.0959, 134.0964, 120.0814 2.52 0.6 [M + H]+ Wei et al. (2020)
4 Glucosyringic acid C15H20O10 360.1056 359.0971 197.0497, 153.0166 3.53 −1.9 [M-H]- Yue (2016)
5 Salicin C13H18O7 286.1053 285.0977 191.2886, 123.0449, 121.0283 3.84 1.1 [M-H]- Yue (2016)
6 Loganic acid C16H24O10 376.1370 375.1286 213.0753, 169.0128, 113.0235 4.15 −1.3 [M-H]- Yue (2016)
7 Tachioside C13H18O8 302.1002 301.0925 161.0457, 140.0412, 139.0833, 124.0141 4.61 0.7 [M-H]- Yue (2016)
8 (+)-Lyoniresinol 3a-O-β-D-glucopyranoside C28H38O13 582.2312 605.2210 249.1133, 267.1234, 268.1270 4.73 0.0 [M + Na]+ Yue (2016)
9 7-O-β-Glucopyranosylsalicin C19H28O12 448.1581 447.1496 285.0017, 123.0069 5.18 −1.6 [M-H]- Zhang et al. (2009)
10 (7S,8R)-Urolignoside C26H34O11 522.2101 545.2000 249.1131 5.19 0.2 [M + Na]+ Yue (2016)
11 (11S)-6-Hydroxy-5-(11-hydroxypropan-12-yl)-3,8-dimethyl-2H-chromen-2-one C14H16O4 248.1049 249.1130 191.1123, 163.0776 5.23 1.2 [M + H]+ Zhang et al. (2015)
12 Chinenionside A C24H38O11 502.2414 525.2323 371.2097, 209.1543 5.47 2.1 [M + Na]+ Yue (2016)
13 Henryoside C26H32O15 584.1741 583.1697 153.0178, 135.0073, 297.0623, 315.0142, 345.0106 5.91 5.8 [M-H]- Yue (2016)
14 Mansonone H C15H14O4 258.0892 259.0970 231.1022, 230.0578, 215.0708 8.86 0.0 [M + H]+ Zhang et al. (2013)
15 Mansonone E C15H14O3 242.0943 243.1024 199.0748, 115.0554 10.33 1.2 [M + H]+ Zhang et al. (2013)
16 Lacinilene C C15H18O3 246.1256 247.1334 219.1387, 201.1290 11.54 0.0 [M + H]+ Zhang et al. (2013)

The identification of constituents of the extract of compatible herbs of JGL (CH) by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS.

Peak no. Name Formula Exact m/z Observed m/z MS2 ions RT (min) PPM Extracting ions References
1 5-Methoxysalicylic acid C8H8O4 168.0423 167.0344 152.0105, 108.0205 1.36 −1.8 [M-H]- Zhou et al. (2022)
2 Glucosyringic acid C15H20O10 360.1056 359.0977 197.0448, 182.0211 1.70 −0.3 [M-H]- Liu et al. (2022)
3 Syringic acid C9H10O5 198.0528 197.0446 182.0215, 166.9987, 138.0311, 123.0080 1.70 −2.0 [M-H]- Liu et al. (2022)
4 Protocatechuic acid C7H6O4 154.0266 153.0189 135.0432, 109.0282 1.85 0.7 [M-H]- Liu et al. (2022)
5 Catechol C6H6O2 110.0368 109.0288 - 1.85 −1.8 [M-H]- Zhou et al. (2022)
6 Vanillic acid C8H8O4 168.0423 167.0342 152.0103, 123.0480 2.12 −1.2 [M-H]- Liu et al. (2022)
7 Neochlorogenic acid C16H18O9 354.0951 353.0871 191.0559, 179.0345, 135.0445 2.15 −0.6 [M-H]- Wang X. et al. (2019)
8 4-Hydroxy-2,6-dimethoxyphenol-1-O-β-D-glucopyranoside C14H20O9 332.1107 331.1028 256.0684, 169.0497 2.25 −0.3 [M-H]- Wang X. et al. (2019)
9 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylethyl alcohol glucoside C14H20O8 316.1158 315.1085 135.0445 2.52 1.6 [M-H]- Liu et al. (2022)
10 Chlorogenic acid C16H18O9 354.0951 353.0872 191.0558, 179.0344, 161.0240, 127.0394, 109.0289 2.69 8.0 [M-H]- Liu et al. (2022)
11 Salidroside C14H20O7 300.1209 299.1135 179.0343, 161.0236, 137.0233, 113.0233 3.06 1.3 [M-H]- Liu et al. (2022)
12 Methyl salicylate lactoside/methylsalicylate gentiobioside C20H28O13 476.1530 475.1453 443.1357, 281.0682, 151.0396, 137.0226 3.31 0.2 [M-H]- Wang X. et al. (2019)
13 Apocynin C9H10O3 166.0630 167.0705 149.0227, 107.0464 3.38 −1.8 [M + H]+ Liu et al. (2022)
14 5-O-p-coumaroyl quinic acid C16H18O8 338.1002 337.0918 191.0549, 163.0389 3.43 −1.5 [M-H]- Wang X. et al. (2019)
15 Homogentisic acid C8H8O4 168.0423 167.0341 149.0446, 139.0397, 109.0294 3.43 −1.8 [M-H]- Zhou et al. (2022)
16 3-[3-(β-D-Glucopyranosyloxy)-2-methoxyphenyl]propanoic acid C16H22O9 358.1264 357.1179 269.0680, 195.0646 3.56 −2.2 [M-H]- Zhou et al. (2022)
17 Caffeic acid C9H8O4 180.0423 179.0338 135.0440 3.61 −3.4 [M-H]- Zhou et al. (2022)
18 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid C7H6O3 138.0317 137.0238 - 3.76 −0.7 [M-H]- Wang X. et al. (2019)
19 Methyl chlorogenate C17H20O9 368.1107 367.1031 179.0564, 161.0236, 135.0434, 134.0366 3.88 0.5 [M-H]- Liu et al. (2022)
20 Fraxin C16H18O10 370.0900 369.0823 207.0287, 192.0053 3.88 0.3 [M-H]- Zhou et al. (2022)
21 Phloridzin C21H24O10 436.1369 435.1291 273.0740 4.00 1.1 [M-H]- Zhou et al. (2022)
22 (−)-Epicatechin C15H14O6 290.0790 289.0712 179.0333, 165.0550, 137.0235, 125.0232 4.21 0.0 [M-H]- Liu et al. (2022)
23 (−)-5′-Methoxyisolariciresinol-2α-O-β-D-xylopyranoside C26H34O11 522.2011 521.2018 506.1494, 359.1494, 341.0912 4.22 −1.0 [M-H]- Wang X. et al. (2019)
24 Lariciresinol 4-O-glucoside C26H34O11 522.2101 521.2029 359.1494, 344.1256, 329.1039, 313.1070 4.22 −1.0 [M-H]- Zhou et al. (2022)
25 3,4-Dihydroxybenzaldehyde C7H6O3 138.0317 139.0394 111.0438 4.28 −0.7 [M + H]+ Zhou et al. (2022)
26 Methyl 1-(hexopyranosyloxy)-7-hydroxy-7-(hydroxymethyl)-1,4a,7,7a-tetrahydrocyclopenta [c]pyran-4-carboxylate C17H24O11 404.1319 403.1247 371.0871, 327.1069, 241.0736, 223.0630, 191.0561, 179.0360, 165.0556, 139.0397 4.32 1.2 [M-H]- Zhou et al. (2022)
27 Liriodendrin C34H46O18 742.2684 741.2606 417.1549, 387.1077, 181.0499, 166.0264 4.75 0.1 [M-H]- Zhou et al. (2022)
28 (+)-Lyoniresin-4-yl-β-D-glucopyranoside C28H38O13 582.2217 581.2249 419.1671, 404.1458, 233.0809 4.79 2.6 [M-H]- Liu et al. (2022)
29 Scopoletin C10H8O4 192.0423 193.0498 165.0526, 149.0241 4.90 −1.6 [M + H]+ Zhou et al. (2022)
30 Ellagic acid C14H6O8 302.0063 300.9992 283.0592, 229.0130 5.00 1.3 [M-H]- Zhou et al. (2022)
31 Rutin C27H30O16 610.1534 609.1456 300.0276, 271.0266, 255.0281, 179.0340 5.06 4.1 [M-H]- Zhou et al. (2022)
32 (+)-Lyoniresinol-2-α-O-β-L-arabinopyranoside C27H36O12 552.2207 551.2149 536.1904, 419.1715, 401.1611, 386.1366 5.16 3.6 [M-H]- Wang X. et al. (2019)
33 Gaultheroside A C27H36O12 552.2207 551.2129 389.1226 5.16 −0.2 [M-H]- Zhou et al. (2022)
34 Isochlorogenic acid B C25H24O12 516.1268 515.1198 353.0892, 191.0554, 179.0349, 173.0452, 161.0239, 135.0443 5.23 1.4 [M-H]- Zhou et al. (2022)
35 (+)-Lyoniresinol C22H28O8 420.1784 419.1703 404.1461, 373.1283, 389.1586 5.30 −0.7 [M-H]- Wang X. et al. (2019)
36 Calceolarioside B C23H26O11 478.1475 477.1397 315.1084, 179.0343, 161.0240, 135.0439 5.40 0.2 [M-H]- Zhou et al. (2022)
37 Tectoridin C22H22O11 462.1162 461.1084 315.0719 5.55 5.0 [M-H]- Zhou et al. (2022)
38 9-(2,3-dihydroxypropoxy)-9-oxononanoic acid C12H22O6 262.1416 261.1338 187.1004, 125.0235 5.61 1.5 [M-H]- Zhou et al. (2022)
39 Quercitrin C21H20O11 448.1006 447.0927 300.0267, 271.0249, 243.0244 5.71 0.9 [M-H]- Zhou et al. (2022)
40 Azelaic acid C9H16O4 188.1049 187.0970 143.0343 5.86 0.0 [M-H]- Zhou et al. (2022)
41 Feruloyltyramine C18H19NO4 313.1314 314.1390 177.0550, 145.0290, 121.0650, 117.0338 6.91 −0.6 [M + H]+ Zhou et al. (2022)
42 scheffleside K C41H64O14 780.4296 779.4228 629.3684, 471.3461 10.39 1.3 [M-H]- Wang et al. (2014)
43 Asiatic acid C30H48O5 488.3502 487.3418 469.3308, 391.0167 11.31 −1.0 [M-H]- Liu et al. (2022)
44 Medicagenic acid C30H46O6 502.3294 501.3216 483.2984, 439.3230 11.86 0.8 [M-H]- Zhou et al. (2022)

Base peak intensity (BPI) chromatograms for Alangium chinense extract (AC) and extract of compatible herbs of Jin-Gu-Lian formula (CH) by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). (A) BPI chromatogram of the positive (ESI+) ionization modes for AC; (B) BPI chromatogram of the negative (ESI−) ionization modes for AC; (C) BPI chromatogram of the positive (ESI+) ionization modes for CH; (D) BPI chromatogram of the negative (ESI−) ionization modes for CH.

Chemical structures of compounds in the Alangium chinense extract (A) and the extract of compatible herbs of JGL (B).

 3.2 Behavioral changes in rats

The neurotoxic effects were evaluated by detecting neurobehavioral disorders using the open field test and grip test. In the open field test (Table 4), AC treatment significantly inhibited locomotor activity when compared to the control rat, as evidenced by the reduced total distance traveled, the total movement time, the number of rearing and the increased total rest time. This effect was partially prevented by treatment with a combination of AC and CH (p < 0.05). Similar results were observed in the grip test. As shown in Table 4, the mean forelimb grip strength in AC-treated rats (918.2 ± 50.3 g) was markedly lower than that of control rats (1206.0 ± 107.0 g) (p < 0.01). Rats administered with a combination of AC and CH had significantly increased grip strength (1192.0 ± 55.5 g) when compared to only AC-treated rats (p < 0.01). These results suggested that the compatible herbs of JGL could mitigate the neurobehavioral abnormalities induced by A. chinense.

Effect of Alangium chinense and the compatible herbs on the behavioral activity in rats.

Groups Open-field test Grip force(g)
Total distance traveled (cm) Total movement time(s) Total rest time(s) Number of rearing
Control 3798.65 ± 419.15 258.69 ± 9.44 41.31 ± 9.44 29 ± 6 1206.19 ± 106.95
AC 2436.09 ± 485.58## 226.62 ± 5.87## 73.38 ± 5.87## 18 ± 6# 918.18 ± 50.27##
CH 3317.65 ± 786.39 245.17 ± 9.04 54.83 ± 9.04 29 ± 10 1156.34 ± 32.11
AC/CH 3354.07 ± 500.33* 250.17 ± 18.76* 49.83 ± 18.76* 31 ± 5* 1191.89 ± 55.53**

Quantitative data represent the mean ± SD, from 6–8 rats in each group. # p < 0.05, ## p < 0.01, compared with control. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, compared with only AC treatment.

 3.3 Neuronal morphology of the rat brain

Morphological changes in brain tissues were detected by H&E and Nissl staining. As shown in Figure 4, the structure of neurons in control rats was normal with regular, round or oval nuclei and nucleoli, and clear Nissl bodies in the cytoplasm. After treatment with AC, there was clear cellular damage in the ventral striatum, as evidenced by neuronal eosinophilic degeneration, nucleus pycnosis, karyorrhexis, neuronal necrosis, reduced Nissl bodies and scattered arrangement. Compared to only AC treatment, except slight neuronal eosinophilic degeneration, we almost did not observe these aforementioned morphological properties in the brain of rats treated with AC and CH.

The effects of Alangium chinense combined with the compatible herbs of JGL on the morphological structure of neurons in the brain. Rats were orally gavaged with distilled water (control group, A and E), extract of compatible herbs of JGL (CH group, B and F), Alangium chinense extract (AC group, C and G), a combination of AC and CH (AC/CH group, D and H) once-daily for 14 days. Scale bar = 50 μm in H&E (A–D) and Nissl staining (E–H). Black arrows indicated nucleus pycnosis, karyorrhexis and neuronal necrosis. Red arrows indicated neuronal eosinophilic degeneration.

 3.4 Serum levels of neurotoxicity biomarkers

Given that CH can ameliorate AC-induced neurobehavioral disorders in rats, we investigated the effects of AC in absence or presence of CH on neurotoxic biomarkers. As shown in Figure 5A, compared with control rats, AC only treatment significantly increased the serum levels of NSE and NEFL (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). Compared with AC-treated rats, the combined AC and CH treatment resulted in a significant reduction of NSE and NEFL levels (p < 0.05).

The effects of Alangium chinense combined with the compatible herbs of JGL on neurotoxicity biomarkers, oxidative stress and neurotransmitters. Rats were orally gavaged with distilled water (control group), Alangium chinense extract (AC group), extract of compatible herbs of JGL (CH group) or a combination of AC and CH (AC/CH group) once-daily for 14 days. (A) Serum NSE and NEFL levels were analyzed by ELISA assays. (B) Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in brain were detected. (C) The levels of monoamine and acetylcholine neurotransmitters in brain were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Quantitative data represent the mean ± SD from 6–8 rats in each group. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01.

 3.5 Oxidative stress biomarkers in rat brains

Oxidative damage has been reported to be an essential mechanism of neurotoxicity. Here, we investigated the levels of antioxidants in brain tissues (Figure 5B). AC treatment considerably reduced the activity of SOD, GSH-Px and T-AOC in rat brains when compared to controls (p < 0.01), thus indicating serious oxidative damage. Compared with AC treatment, the combined AC and CH treatment significantly enhanced the activity of SOD, GSH-Px and T-AOC in rat brains (p < 0.01). These data suggested that the compatible herbs of JGL could reduce oxidative damage in brain induced by A. chinense.

 3.6 Neurotransmitter levels in rat brains

Next, we determined the levels of neurotransmitters in rat brains. As shown in Figure 5C, the levels of some monoamine and acetylcholine neurotransmitters reduced significantly in brains of AC-treated rats when compared to control rats, including Ach, DA, DOPAC, HVA, NE, and 5-HT (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). Compared with AC treatment, combined AC and CH treatment led to a significant increase in all six neurotransmitters (p < 0.05).

 3.7 Pharmacokinetics of ANA and VEN in rat

Anabasine (ANA) and venoterpine (VEN) have been reported to exhibit pharmacological effects and are the major active components in A. chinense (Zhu et al., 1996; Hu et al., 2020). Therefore, we selected ANA and VEN as marker compounds to detect the effect of compatible herbs in JGL on the pharmacokinetics of A. chinense. The chemical structures of the two analytes (ANA and VEN) and IS are shown in Figure 6A. The HPLC-MS/MS method was validated as described in Supplementary Materials and the results were shown in Supplementary Figure S1; Supplementary Tables S2–S6.

Pharmacokinetic process for the active components of Alangium chinense and the gene expression of hepatic cytochrome P450. (A) Chemical structure of DL-anabasine (ANA), venoterpin (VEN) and nicotine (IS). In a pharmacokinetic study (B–E), male rats were treated with AC alone or co-administration of AC and CH once a day for 14 days. Mean rat plasma concentration-time profiles of ANA (B) and VEN (D) after single administration, ANA (C) and VEN (E) after continuous administration. Data are expressed as mean ± SD (n = 5). The gene expression of cytochrome P450 isozymes in liver was analyzed by RT-qPCR (F). The relative expression of target genes was calculated using the 2−ΔΔCT method. The amount of each transcript was normalized to that of beta-actin. Quantitative data represent the mean ± SD of eight rats. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01.

 3.7.1 The pharmacokinetics of ANA and VEN in rats after single administration

The single administration of AC and the combination of AC/CH led to ANA and VEN entering the blood within 5 min (Figures 6B,D). The concentrations of ANA and VEN in plasma at different timepoints are shown in Supplementary Table S7. Table 5 shows the main pharmacokinetic parameters, as calculated by the non-compartment model.

The pharmacokinetic parameters of anabasine (ANA) and venoterpin (VEN).

Analytes PK parameters Single administration 14 days continuous administration
AC AC and CH AC AC and CH
ANA t1/2 (h) 3.08 ± 0.73 4.27 ± 1.11 3.21 ± 0.43 2.55 ± 0.61#
tmax (h) 1.20 ± 0.45 1.53 ± 0.65 1.80 ± 0.45 2.00 ± 0.00
Cmax (ng/mL) 159.62 ± 19.64 115.79 ± 20.62** 204.71 ± 28.28# 127.51 ± 12.09**
AUC0-t (h·ng/mL) 830.64 ± 131.28 733.71 ± 133.58 1028.67 ± 39.20# 746.93 ± 35.00**
AUC0-∞(h·ng/mL) 852.10 ± 121.22 763.78 ± 140.45 1036.87 ± 35.91# 748.7 ± 36.50**
MRT0-t (h) 4.29 ± 0.87 5.43 ± 0.93 4.42 ± 0.36 4.77 ± 0.44
MRT0-∞ (h) 4.72 ± 0.74 6.34 ± 1.20* 4.62 ± 0.40 4.83 ± 0.49#
VEN t1/2 (h) 2.45 ± 0.09 3.49 ± 0.76* 1.31 ± 0.26## 1.12 ± 0.22##
tmax (h) 0.67 ± 0.33 1.07 ± 0.60 0.93 ± 0.15 0.93 ± 0.15
Cmax (ng/mL) 5.46 ± 1.80 2.25 ± 0.76** 9.08 ± 1.78# 5.67 ± 0.34**##
AUC0-t (h·ng/mL) 15.71 ± 8.21 7.29 ± 2.50 30.40 ± 10.73# 16.18 ± 2.82*##
AUC0-∞(h·ng/mL) 15.76 ± 8.24 7.47 ± 2.60 30.64 ± 10.88# 16.44 ± 2.72*##
MRT0-t (h) 2.27 ± 0.25 3.24 ± 0.49* 2.25 ± 0.41 1.95 ± 0.39##
MRT0-∞ (h) 2.34 ± 0.25 3.85 ± 0.99* 2.32 ± 0.43 2.04 ± 0.36##

Rats were treated with single administration and 14 days continuous administration of AC, combination of AC, and CH., Quantitative data were the mean ± SD of five rats. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, compared with only AC treatment. # p < 0.05, ## p < 0.01, compared with single administration.

Compared with the single administration of AC, the combined AC and CH treatment led to a significant decrease in the Cmax (115.79 ± 20.62 ng/mL) of ANA (p < 0.01) and a significant increase in the mean residence time (MRT0-∞, 6.34 ± 1.20 h) of ANA (p < 0.05). The half time (t1/2, 4.27 ± 1.11 h), area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC0-t, 733.71 ± 133.58 ng·h/mL) and AUC0-∞ (763.78 ± 140.45 ng·h/mL) of ANA showed a downward trend, but there was no statistical significance due to large individual differences. There was no significant change in the tmax (1.53 ± 0.65 h) and MRT0-t (5.43 ± 0.93 h) of ANA.

Compared with the single administration of AC, the Cmax (2.25 AUC± 0.76 ng/mL) of VEN decreased significantly (p < 0.01), while the t1/2 (3.49 ± 0.76 h), MRT0-t (3.24 ± 0.49 h) and MRT0-∞ (3.85 ± 0.99 h) of VEN increased significantly (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.05) in rats treated with the combination of AC and CH. The AUC0-t (7.29 ± 2.50 ng·h/mL) and AUC0-∞ (7.47 ± 2.60 ng·h/mL) of VEN showed a downward trend, but there was no statistical significance due to large individual differences. There was no significant change in tmax (1.07 ± 0.60 h).

 3.7.2 The pharmacokinetics of ANA and VEN in rats after continuous administration

We also detected the pharmacokinectics of ANA and VEN after 14 days of continuous administration with AC or a combination of AC and CH (Figures 6C,E). The plasma concentrations of ANA and VEN were shown in Supplementary Table S8. The main pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by using the non-compartment model and were shown in Table 5.

Compared with the continuous administration of AC, the Cmax (127.51 ± 12.09 ng/mL), AUC0-t (746.93 ± 35.00 ng ·h/mL) and AUC0-∞ (748.7 ± 36.50 ng·h/mL) of ANA was decreased significantly (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, p < 0.01) in rats administered continuously with a combination of AC and CH, while the t1/2 (2.55 ± 0.61 h), tmax (2.00 ± 0.00 h), MRT0-t (4.77 ± 0.44 h) and MRT0-∞ (4.83 ± 0.49 h) of ANA did not change significantly. Similar pharmacokinetic characteristics were observed in the main parameters of VEN, as evidenced by a significant decrease in Cmax (5.67 ± 0.34 ng/mL), AUC0-t (16.18 ± 2.82 ng·h/mL) and AUC0-∞ (16.44 ± 2.72 ng·h/mL) (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, respectively).

 3.8 mRNA expression of hepatic drug-metabolizing cytochrome P450 enzymes

Cytochrome P450 is the most important metabolic enzyme family in the liver that accounts for either metabolic detoxification or activation in toxicity (Guengerich, 2008). They play key roles in the pharmacokinetic herb-herb interactions (Rittle and Green, 2010). Here, we analyzed the expression of P450 isozymes in rat livers by RT-qPCR. As shown in Figure 6F, AC treatment resulted in the significant downregulation of the gene expression of cytochrome P450 isozymes, including the cytochrome P450 family 1 subfamily a polypeptide 2 (Cyp1a2), cytochrome P450 family 3 subfamily a polypeptide 1 (Cyp3a1), cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily d polypeptide 4 (Cyp2d4) and cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily e polypeptide 1 (Cyp2e1) (p < 0.05; p < 0.01). Combined administration of AC and CH significantly reduced the downregulation of the mRNA expression of cytochrome P450 isozymes induced by AC (p < 0.05; p < 0.01).

 4 Discussion

Previous studies described A. chinense as a ‘double-edged sword’. On one hand, A. chinense is used as a medicine for the treatment of rheumatic arthritis, acroanesthesia, and fractures in the Miao population in China (Li et al., 2017). On the other hand, A. chinense is famous as a poisonous medicine that results in toxicity involving different organs, such as central nervous system (CNS), lungs, liver and smooth muscles (Hu et al., 2020; Meng et al., 2021). Clinical studies have reported that the oral administration of more than 40 g of A. chinense led to severe neurotoxicity, including dizziness, convulsions, muscle weakness and respiratory depression (Zhang et al., 2008). According to the compatibility principle of traditional Chinese medicine, the combination of A. chinense with other herbs in the JGL formula could yield the expected therapeutic effects with synergistic action when used to treat rheumatic arthritis but with no severe adverse actions. However, little is known about the effect of compatible herbs in JGL on the neurotoxicity induced by A. chinense. In the present study, AC treatment resulted in neurobehavioral disorders, as evidenced by reduced locomotor activity and muscle strength. H&E and Nissl staining showed that AC treatment induced morphological changes in neurons. Previous studies reported that anabasine, the alkaloid of A. chinense, led to significant behavioral changes in terms of fetal movement, memory and attention (Levin et al., 2014; Green et al., 2018). In current study, the compatible herbs of JGL could ameliorate the A. chinense-induced neurotoxicity by reducing the frequency of induced abnormal behaviors and morphological damage in neurons.

Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is abundant in neurons of the central nervous system (CNS) and is considered as a neurotoxic marker to assess cerebral neurodegeneration in a wide range of CNS disorders (Sahu et al., 2017). Neurofilaments are released when the axon of a neuron incurs damage. The serum levels of neurofilament light chain (NEFL) can indicate neuronal cell death in the brain and serve as a potential fluid biomarker of neurotoxicity (Sano et al., 2021). We found that AC treatment induced enhanced levels of NSE and NEFL in rat brains, thus concurring with the previous finding that excessive NSE levels are due to oxidative stress (Ciancarelli et al., 2015). The compatible herbs of JGL could reduce the overexpression of NSE and NEFL.

A diverse range of molecular mechanisms are involved in neurotoxicity. Of these, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are known to play an essential role in neuronal fate and development (Wilson et al., 2018). An imbalance between ROS production and the activity of the antioxidant system can lead to excessive ROS accumulation and oxidative stress, thus causing damage to DNA, RNA, protein and lipids (Schieber and Chandel, 2014). In neurocytes, oxidative damage can adversely affect several neuronal functions, including locomotor activity, muscle strength, memory, learning and cognition, thus contributing to developmental neurotoxicity (Spinu et al., 2019). Some antioxidants, including SOD, GSH-Px, catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH), can directly and indirectly remove free radicals and ameliorate developmental neurotoxicity (Nishimura et al., 2021). Sesquiterpenes and alkaloids from A. chinense were previously shown to exert antioxidant activities against cysteine-induced rat liver microsomal lipid peroxidation (Zhang et al., 2013). Salicin from A. chinense can inhibit ROS generation, reduce the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and increase the levels of several antioxidant enzymes, including glutathione (GSH), SOD and catalase (CAT) via the Nrf2-HO-1-ROS pathway (Zhai et al., 2018). In agreement with previous reports, we found that AC treatment gave rise to considerable oxidative damage, as evidenced by obvious reductions in the activities of SOD, GSH-Px and T-AOC. The combination of CH with AC could reduce AC-induced oxidative damage by increasing the activity of the cellular antioxidant system. These data suggest that the compatible herbs of JGL could mitigate the neurotoxicity of A. chinense by regulating oxidative stress-related disorders.

Neurotransmitters play important roles in the function of the nervous system and mainly include monoamines, amino acids and choline (Vogt, 2019). Neurotransmitter abnormalities are regarded as a biomarker of neurotoxicity and are responsible for numerous neurodegenerative diseases and brain injuries (Iadecola et al., 2001; Sun et al., 2018; Stradtman and Freeman, 2021; Tinkov et al., 2021). Many neurotoxicants are known to exert adverse effects in the concentration and signaling of neurotransmitters (Stradtman and Freeman, 2021; Tinkov et al., 2021). A significant reduction in the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters, including 5-HT, DA, DOPAC and NE was reported to be associated with impaired attention, locomotor dysfunction, disrupted motor coordination, and impaired learning tasks (Sun et al., 2018; Conley et al., 2020; Stradtman and Freeman, 2021). The disruption of cholinergic neurotransmission, as evidenced by upregulated AChE activity, the inhibition of choline acetyltransferase activity, cholinergic neuron death and the reduction of ACh levels is associated with oxidative damage and known to be involved in locomotor and motor deficits (Tinkov et al., 2021). Anabasine, the active component of AC, has been identified as an agonist of nAChRs with greater affinity for α7 nAChR and lower affinity for α4β2 subtypes (Levin et al., 2014). Anabasine-induced α7 nAChR activation results in the release of different transmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, histamine, GABA and glutamate. These alterations can explain the effect of anabasine on behavioral changes including fetal movement, memory and attention (Levin et al., 2014; Green et al., 2018). Hsieh et al. (1993) previously reported that AC extract affected the motor activity and changed the concentration of monoamine in a rat model. Studies involving another species from the Alangium genus, Alangium platanifolium, showed similar effects on neurobehavioral changes as A. chinense (Hu et al., 2020). Zhu et al. (1996) reported that A. platanifolium extract interacted strongly with a number of neurotransmitters, including α2-adrenoceptor, 5HT1, 5HT2, dopamine 1, dopamine 2, GABAA and GABAB and plays a role in locomotor activity, muscle relaxant activity and analgesic activity. Our present results were in accordance with these previous literatures. The levels of neurotransmitters were illustrated in Figure 5C. AC treatment led to abnormalities in the concentrations and metabolism of neurotransmitters in the brain. Combined treatment with CH and AC reduced the attenuation of monoamine and acetylcholine neurotransmitter levels induced by AC. These observations suggested that the compatible herbs of JGL could regulate the abnormal concentrations and metabolisms of neurotransmitters to mitigate the neurotoxicity induced by A. chinense.

The combinational principle of TCM is a primary approach used to reduce the toxicity of toxic herbs by interacting with other herbal materials that cause changes in the pharmacokinetic process, decrease the exposure levels of toxic constituents or inhibit toxic metabolism (Zhang et al., 2018). The toxicity of drugs is directly related to the exposure levels of components in vivo and may be positively correlated (Zhang et al., 2018; Chang et al., 2020). In the present study, significant differences of pharmacokinetic profiling in rats were observed between AC treatment and the co-administration of AC and CH. Continuous administration with combination of AC and CH for 14 days demonstrated that the Cmax of ANA reduced from 204.71 to 127.51 ng/mL, AUC0-t felt down from 1028.67 to 746.93 ng·h/mL and AUC0-∞ felt down from 1036.87 to 748.70 ng·h/mL in comparison with AC treatment. The decrease of Cmax and AUC in response to the combined administration of AC and CH indicated lower absorption and reduced exposure level of ANA in plasma, which might bring about a lower possibility of toxicity induced by AC. Similar results were found for these pharmacokinetic parameters of ANA following the single administration of the extracts. Additionally, single administration of AC and CH led to longer MRT of ANA than AC treatment, which suggested that the compatibility of AC with CH in JGL formula helped to prolong the retention of ANA in vivo. Our results went in hand with previous reports that the Cmax and Vz/F of ANA were significantly attenuated and the clearance rate (CL) was decreased responsible for prolonged MRT in the combination of core drug pair and other herbs in JGL formula (Zheng et al., 2022). These results suggested that the maintenance of ANA, which characterized in terms of duality of efficacy and toxicity, at an appropriated lower level with a longer retention time in plasma might contribute to its expected therapeutic actions with fewer side effects. Notably, the rats treated with combination of AC and CH in our study demonstrated significant reduction in the AUC of ANA and this result was inconsistent with previous study that the core drug pair combined with other herbs in JGL showed increased tendency in the AUC of ANA (Zheng et al., 2022). Some possible reasons for this discrepancy are (1) taking different herbal medicines as objects, that A. chinense for the present study and the core drug pair for the previous study, in which the active components of S. cuneate may decrease the absorption and slow down the metabolism of the active components (ANA) of A. chinense in rats, (2) different dosage of A. chinense, that the dose used in the previous study is lower than the toxic dose in the present study. In addition to anabasine, we also compared the pharmacokinetic properties of venoterpine (VEN), another main component of A. chinense, in rats administrated with AC and combination of AC and CH. The continuous treatment of herbs for 14 days led to marked reductions in the Cmax, AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ of VEN following the co-administration of AC and CH in comparison with AC alone. These results indicated that the absorption and exposure level of VEN in rats was decreased through the interaction between different medicinal materials in JGL formula, thus reducing the frequency of A. chinense induced toxicity.

Pharmacokinetic herb-herb interactions can be partly explained by the regulation of cytochrome P450 enzymes. Cytochrome P450 enzymes are a diverse group of catalytic enzymes in the liver and can be involved in the biotransformation of approximately 75% of clinical drugs (Rittle and Green, 2010). The enzyme activity as well as the induction and inhibition of these enzymes are main parameters for drug metabolism and have been widely implicated in the toxification and detoxification processes of a variety of chemical agents (Guengerich, 2008). In theory, human Cyp1a2, Cyp2d6, Cyp2e1, and Cyp3a4 correspond to rat Cyp1a2, Cyp2d4, Cyp2e1, and Cyp3a1 (Ma et al., 2019). Therefore, we detected the mRNA expression levels of Cyp1a2, Cyp2d4, Cyp2e1, and Cyp3a1 in the livers of rats from different treatments to explain the regulatory effect of CH on the pharmacokinetics process of AC. AC treatment significantly downregulated the expression of these CYP enzymes when compared to those of the controls. The AC-induced reduction in the expression levels of Cyp1a2, Cyp2d4, Cyp2e1, and Cyp3a1 mRNA was markedly ameliorated when rats were administered with both AC and the compatible herbs of JGL. Although the specific activity of CYPs was not detected, our present results suggested that these four CYP isoforms might be associated with the mechanisms generated by combining A. chinense and the compatible herbs of JGL and that these effects were generated by regulatory effects in the pharmacokinetics process.

In addition to cytochrome P450 enzymes, the intestinal metabolism also plays an essential role in the absorption of orally administered drugs through the intestinal microbiota (López-Yerena et al., 2020). This dynamic intestinal absorption process is regarded as an important factor that explains the compatibility of TCM and ethnomedicines (Wang et al., 2022). A previous study demonstrated that some toxic alkaloids from TCM underwent hydroxylation, deoxygenation, demethylation, deoxidation and demethylation and ester hydrolysis through the intestinal bacteria, thus reducing their toxicity. Nicotin, an alkaloid with a similar chemical structure to anabasine and venoterpine is predominantly transported across Caco-2 cell monolayers in a unidirectional mode by pH-dependent specific transport systems in a manner that corresponds to its intestinal secretion (Fukada et al., 2002). The anti-rheumatic arthritis fraction (ARF) of G. leucocarpa exhibited good membrane permeability and strong intestinal absorption characteristics by virtue of active transport and passive diffusion. In addition, three main active ingredients of ARF were demonstrated to be the substrates of P-glycoprotein and may further affect the intestinal absorption characteristics of medicines and herbs (Wang et al., 2022). These previous studies suggested that the complex composition of TCM and the interaction between multiple constituents could result in different absorption levels of active components in the intestinal segments. In the present study, the single and continuous administration of AC and CH led to a reduction in the in vivo exposure levels of ANA and VER when compared to single AC treatment. This led us to hypothesize that the components of CH might regulate the intestinal metabolism of anabasine and venoterpine to influence their absorption characteristics. Further metabolic experiments involving anabasine and venoterpine are needed to test this hypothesis.

Collectively, the data described herein are valuable and improve our understanding of the mechanisms by which the compatible herbs of JGL can inhibit the neurotoxicity induced by A. chinense to some extent. However, there are some issues that need to be investigated in future studies. Firstly, in addition to the changes in the mRNA expression levels of CYPs, we need to investigate how the compatible herbs of JGL can specifically modulate the activity of CYPs and intestinal metabolism, and then result in detoxication. Secondly, we need to identify the exact ingredients of the compatible herbs of JGL that interact with the active components of A. chinense, such as anabasine or other chemicals. According to the present chemical analysis, there were many different types of compounds in JGL, including alkaloids, organic acids, phenolics and saponins, which may have synergistic interactions among them. Previous works have reported that the toxicity of alkaloids in herbal medicines can be attenuated after being combined with other herbs containing saponins or organic acids. For example, the detoxification mechanisms of ginseng to aconitine was that ginsenoside Rg1 could regulate the ion channels pathway (Xu et al., 2022), accelerate the metabolism of aconitine and promote the absorption of benzoylaconine (Xu et al., 2020). Glycyrrhizic acid and liquiritigenin from Glycyrrhiza uralensis alleviated Semen Strychni-induced acute neurotoxicity through regulating high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) related pathway (Duan et al., 2022). Further research needs to investigate the interaction between alkaloids of AC and other chemical constituents from CH, which may attenuate the toxicity of A. chinense by modifying solubility, absorption or metabolism of its active alkaloids. Thirdly, transcriptomics and proteomics assays are required to unravel the possible involvement of other mediators underlying the neurotoxic action of AC when combined with other compatible herbs.

 5 Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that the compatible herbs of JGL formula lead to a reduction in neurotoxicity induced by A. chinense. Furthermore, this combination inhibited oxidative damage, reduced the levels of neurotoxic biomarkers, regulated the abnormal levels and metabolisms of neurotransmitters, as well as modulated the pharmacokinetic processes of the active components of A. chinense by changing the levels of exposure to chemicals and by ameliorating the downregulation of the expression of cytochrome P450. This investigation provided experimental data for clinical application of JGL formula and its herbal compatibility.

 Data availability statement

The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/Supplementary Material, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.

 Ethics statement

The animal study was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Animal Ethical and Welfare Committee of Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences.

 Author contributions

BP conceptualized and designed the project, supervised the study and wrote the original manuscript. DL performed experiments, collected and analyzed data and wrote the original manuscript draft. TC designed and performed pharmacokinetic experiments, collected and analyzed data and wrote the original manuscript draft. YC provided technical expertise for analyzing neurotransmitters, reviewed and edited the manuscript. HH and SG conducted the histological and pathological experiment, reviewed the manuscript. QH provided technical expertise for qPCR and analyzed data. GZ designed the behavioral study and reviewed the manuscript. LY performed the component analysis, analyzed data, edited the manuscript. HL, LS, and YG provided support in the animal study and reviewed the manuscript. YP analyzed data and reviewed the manuscript. All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version.

 Funding

This work was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (2018YFC1708100, 2018YFC1708105) to BP and Scientific and Technological Innovation Project of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (CI 2021A04905, CI 2021A04406, CI 2021A04615) to YC, LY, and GZ.

We thank Baoqiang Dai and Lifang Wang for their help in animal care.

 Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

 Publisher’s note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

 Supplementary material

The Supplementary Material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1133982/full#supplementary-material

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