Effects of tenuifolin on rest/wake behaviour in zebrafish

Abstract

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder with a high prevalence and substantial adverse consequences. There is growing interest in identifying novel therapeutics from herbal medicine. Tenuifolin is a major constituent of the well-known anti-insomnia herb Radix Polygala. The present study investigated the neural activity in response to tenuifolin during rest/wake behaviour in zebrafish and identified the potential biological signalling pathways involved. An automatic video tracking system was used to monitor the behavioural response of zebrafish larvae for 24 h after treatment with tenuifolin. In total, six rest/wake parameters were measured and visualized with a behavioural fingerprint. Time series analysis was conducted by averaging the total rest and waking activity in 10 min intervals. A correlation analysis was performed between tenuifolin and well-known compounds to analyse the underlying biological signalling pathways. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was also performed to detect the effects of tenuifolin on the transcription of interesting genes associated with the signalling pathways that were potentially involved. The present results suggested tenuifolin significantly increased the total rest time during the dark phase, with a slight effect on the waking activity in zebrafish larvae. This behavioural phenotype induced by tenuifolin is similar to that of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonists. Furthermore, the expression levels of GABA transporter 1 were significantly increased after tenuifolin treatment. No significant difference was determined in other associated genes in untreated control and tenuifolin-treated larvae. The present results suggested that tenuifolin caused sleep-promoting activity in zebrafish and that these effects may be mediated by the serotoninergic systems and the GABAergic systems.

Zishen pingchan granules combined with pramipexole in the improvement of depressive symptoms in Parkinson's disease: a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical study

“…This might be due to the presence of Yuanzhi (Yuǎn zhì) and Shichangpu (Shí chāng pú) in the prescription. The traditional Chinese medicine Polygala has sleep-promoting, anti-inflammatory, and sedative effects, which may be achieved through the serotonergic system and the gamma-aminobutyric acid system [32]. Besides, Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (Shí chāng pú) is also a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of insomnia and epilepsy [33].…”

Rapid characterization of chemical constituents in Naoling Pian by LC‐MS combined with data processing techniques

“…Afterward, the ingredients of 15 single herbs were analyzed by the same preparation method, liquid phase, and MS method as NLP. By comparing the retention time and MS In addition, there is also evidence that oligosaccharide multi-esters exhibit anti-dementia, neuroprotective, and antidepressant properties in the literature [37,38]; Saponins not only have anti-HIV effects, but are also the main pharmacological substances that exert tranquilizing, expectorant and cough-relieving effects [39][40][41]; Flavonoid carbon glycosides have antihypertensive, antithrombotic, antitumor, and antiviral properties [42,43]; And organic acids are associated with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, analgesic, and antitumor properties [44]. It is suggested that a variety of components in NLP work together to strengthen the brain and soothe the nerves, protect the nervous system, and regulate immunity.…”

Herbal Remedies and Their Possible Effect on the GABAergic System and Sleep

“…Mechanistic studies have shown that herbal medicines used for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and insomnia may exert their effect through various mechanisms of action. Components of ginseng (Withania somnifera L.), Ginkgo biloba L., and St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) have been shown to influence the reuptake of neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin [70,89,90]. Extracts of jujube seeds and valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) directly interact with serotonin receptors [64,89], and Griffonia simplicifolia Baill.…”

“…have been shown to promote GABA release in mouse brain slices [85]. Tenufolin, the active component of Polygala tenuifolia, increases the expression of GABA transporter 1 and GABA availability in animal models [70,71]. Activation of GABA synthesis through enhanced expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) has been demonstrated for sanjoinine A, an alkaloid isolated from jujube (Zizyphus jujuba) [63].…”