Ephedra sinica Stapf and Gypsum Attenuates Heat-Induced Hypothalamic Inflammation in Mice

Abstract

Ephedra sinica Stapf (EH) exert toxic effects, such as excitability, cardiac arrhythmia, and others. On the contrary, in traditional herbal medicine, EH and gypsum (GF) are used most often to treat symptoms caused by external stressors. The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in thermal homeostasis. Inflammatory response in the hypothalamus by thermal stressors may affect thermal and energy homeostasis. This study investigates the effect of EH and GF against heat-induced mouse model. Mice were divided into four groups: saline, saline plus heat, EH plus heat, and GF plus heat treated groups. Heat stress was fixed at 43 • C for 15 min once daily for 3 days. Weight and ear and rectal temperature measurements were made after terminating heat stress. Hypothalamus tissue was collected to evaluate the HSP70, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kB), and interleukin (IL)-1β protein expression levels. EH and GF treatment suppressed the increased body temperature. EH significantly ameliorated heat-induced body weight loss, compared to gypsum. Regulatory effects of EH and GF for body temperature and weight against heat stress were mediated by IL-1β reduction. EH showed significant HSP70 and NF-kB inhibition against heat stress. EH and GF contribute to the inhibition of heat-induced proinflammatory factors and the promotion of hypothalamic homeostasis. Key Contribution: Treatment with Ephedra sinica Stapf and gypsum inhibits heat-induced proinflammatory factors and ameliorate hypothalamic homeostasis. Author Contributions: Conceptualization: W.K. and M.S.O.; investigation: W.L., E.H., and E.C.; formal analysis: W.K., W.L., and Y.P.J.; resources: Y.-K.K. and T.-H.L.; writing-original draft preparation: W.K. and M.S.O.; writing-review and editing: Y.P.J., Y.-K.K., and T.-H.L.; visualization: W.K.; supervision: W.K. and M.S.O.; funding acquisition: M.S.O. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Network pharmacology suggests biochemical rationale for treating COVID-19 symptoms with a Traditional Chinese Medicine

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Ephedrae Herba: A Review of Its Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Clinical Application, and Alkaloid Toxicity

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