Cardioprotective effects of timosaponin B-II isolated from Anemarrhena rhizome in a zebrafish model

Pharmazie. 2020 May 1;75(5):201-204. doi: 10.1691/ph.2020.9869.

Abstract

Timosaponin B-II (TB-II; (25S)-26-(β-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-3β-[(2-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-β-D-galactopyranosyl) oxy]-5β-furostan-22-ol is extracted from Anemarrhena. Its anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, and anti-asthma properties have been widely explored. However, its effect on the heart has not been reported. In this study, we used zebrafish as a research model to determine the effects of TB-II on the heart and its toxic and anti-inflammatory effects. To explore the cause of cardioprotective effects of TB-II, we used transgenic zebrafish with macrophages and neutrophils labeled with fluorescent protein. We found for the first time that TB-II had a protective effect on the zebrafish heart. It did not affect the survival and hatching rates of zebrafish embryos, indicating its low toxicity. Results showed that TB-II may have cardioprotective effects, which might be related to its anti-inflammatory effects.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anemarrhena / chemistry*
  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / isolation & purification
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cardiotonic Agents / isolation & purification
  • Cardiotonic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cardiotonic Agents / toxicity
  • Female
  • Macrophages / drug effects
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Male
  • Neutrophils / drug effects
  • Neutrophils / metabolism
  • Rhizome
  • Saponins / isolation & purification
  • Saponins / pharmacology*
  • Saponins / toxicity
  • Steroids / isolation & purification
  • Steroids / pharmacology*
  • Steroids / toxicity
  • Zebrafish

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Cardiotonic Agents
  • Saponins
  • Steroids
  • timosaponin B-II