Neuropharmacological Effects of Mesaconitine: Evidence from Molecular and Cellular Basis of Neural Circuit.

Zhihui Sun,Limin Yang,Ranji Cui,Wei Yang,Lihong Zhao

doi:10.1155/2020/8814531

Zhihui Sun, Limin Yang + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/8814531

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Abstract

Mesaconitine (MA), a diester-diterpenoid alkaloid in aconite roots, is considered to be one of the most important bioactive ingredients. In this review, we summarized its neuropharmacological effects, including analgesic effects and antiepileptiform effects. Mesaconitine can act on the central noradrenergic system and the serotonin system; behaving like the norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants that increase norepinephrine levels in stress-induced depression. Therefore, the possible perspectives for future studies on the depression of MA were also discussed as well. The pharmacological effect of MA on depression is worthy of further study.

Highlights

Many antidepressants have been developed based on the catecholamine deficiency hypothesis, but these drugs cannot meet people’s needs
The latency period in antidepressant efficacy is a problem in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) treatment because the depressive states are often connected with a higher risk of suicide [1, 2]
The pharmacological effect of MA on depression is worthy of further study

Summary

Introduction

Many antidepressants have been developed based on the catecholamine deficiency hypothesis, but these drugs cannot meet people’s needs. Only about 50% of MDD patients who received currently available antidepressants (AD) showed complete remission, including several drug trials with or without concurrent psychotherapy, but up to 80% of patients showed partial response [5]. Tricyclic antidepressants may have cardiotoxicity and atropine-like side effects [6]. MA possesses multiple pharmacological activities, such as vaso-relaxing effects [10,11,12], analgesic effects [13], and antiepileptiform effects [14]. Only Nesterova et al reported that MA possesses antidepressant activity [15]. The mechanisms of MA in analgesia and antiepileptiform effects are similar to that of antidepressants. The pharmacological effect of MA on depression is worthy of further study. The possible perspectives for future studies on the depression of MA were discussed as well

Neuropharmacological Effects of MA

Side Effects of MA

Findings

Conclusion