Abstract
Rhynchophylline (Rhy) is a plant-derived indole alkaloid isolated from Uncaria species. Both the plant and the alkaloid possess numerous protective properties such as anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-hypertensive, anti-rhythmic, and sedative effects. Several studies support the significance of the anti-inflammatory activity of the plant as an underlying mechanism for most of the pharmacological activities of the alkaloid. Rhy is effective in protecting both the central nervous system and cardiovascular system. Cerebro-cardiovascular disease primarily occurs due to changes in lifestyle habits. Many previous studies have highlighted the significance of Rhy in modulating calcium channels and potassium channels, thereby protecting the brain from neurodegenerative diseases and related effects. Rhy also has anticoagulation and anti-platelet aggregation activity. Although Rhy has displayed its role in protecting the cardiovascular system, very little is explored about its intervention in early atherosclerosis. Extensive studies are required to understand the cardioprotective effects of Rhye. This review summarized and discussed the various pharmacological effects of Rhy in neuro- and cardioprotection and in particular the relevance of Rhy in preventing early atherosclerosis using Rhy-loaded nanoparticles.
Highlights
It causes neuronal damage via ionotropic glutamate receptors and induces Ca2+ influx that can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation [54]
Complementary therapy based on monoclonal antibodies to PCKSK9, the SGLT-2 inhibitors, GLP-1 RAs, and novel therapy based on RNA therapeutics and targeting the RAGE can provide cardioprotection in diabetes [87]
Uncaria species have been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine alleviating several neurological disorders as well as cardiovascular diseases
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Rhynchophylline (Rhy) is a plant-derived tetracyclic oxindole alkaloid found in certain species of Uncaria (Gouteng in Chinese, belonging to the family Rubiaceae). NSAID mediate the action by inhibiting COX involved in the production of prostaglandins and thromboxanes [25,26,27,28] Despite the activity, they possess adverse effects on the human system such as gastrointestinal toxicity (perforation, dyspepsia, gastroduodenal ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding), nephrotoxicity (electrolyte imbalance, reduce glomerular filtration rate, nephrotic syndrome and chronic kidney diseases), and cardiovascular effects (hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, congestive heart failure, and other thrombotic events) [29]. Plants have been used as therapeutic agents in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine They act as reservoirs of secondary metabolites that can drastically reduce inflammation with fewer side effects. Rhy and its prospects as a preventive therapy for cardiovascular diseases
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