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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
An increasing number of psychoactive plants, particularly those with long history of use on ritualistic practices, are now being progressively used in recreational context, many of which remaining unregulated. Calea zacatechichiis traditionally used in divination rituals, due to its oneirogenic properties. Yet, considering the psychoactive effects of this ‘Dream Herb’and easiness of purchase, the potential for recreational use is high, with scarce information concerning its toxicity. We aimed to characterize C. zacatechichiaqueous extracts, mimicking those typically consumed, to identify bioactives that underlie the psychoactive or toxic effects, and evaluate their impact upon neuronal function, neurotransmission and radical stress. Chemical characterization was attained by HPLC-DAD-ESI(Ion Trap)/MSnand HPLC-DAD. Impact upon SH-SY5Y and BV-2 cell viability was assessed by the MTT assay and LDH release (up to 1000 μg/mL). Impact on neuromodulation and neuroinflammation was evaluated through acetylcholinesterase and 5-lipoxygenase inhibition, while antiradical properties were approached upon nitric oxide (•NO) and superoxide (O2•-). Statistical comparisons among groups performed by one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett post hoc test. Qualitative analyses enabled the identification of 28 compounds, the majority being hydroxycinnamic acid derivates, namely 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid and 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, followed by flavonoid derivates, particularly quercetin-3-O-rutinoside. Cytotoxic effects were verified at concentrations above 125 μg/mL with LDH leakage starting at 250 μg/mL. Acetylcholinesterase inhibition was recorded at 1000 μg/mL, and a concentration-dependent inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase was found (IC50= 71.12 μg/mL). Concentration-dependent scavenging effects upon •NO and O2•-were verified at concentrations higher than 62.5 μg/mL. Even though apparent antiradical and anti-inflammatory properties were attained with C. zacatechichi, thepronounced cytotoxic effects upon neuronal cells cannot be overlooked, requiring further investigation to elucidate the underlying mechanisms that might be involved, given the possible deleterious consequences thisplant can induce among its consumers.
Description
Keywords
New psychoactive substances Oneirogenic plants Recreational setting Phytochemical characterization Neurotoxicity
Citation
Garcia, M. R., Mineiro, T., Andrade, P. B., Ferreres, F., Gil-Izquierdo, Á., Seabra, V., Silva, D. D. da, & Gomes, N. G. M. (2024). Chemical characterization and in vitro studies on the impact of the «Dream Herb» Calea zacatechichiSchltdl. Upon neuronal cells. III 1H-TOXRUN International Congress 2024 - Book of Abstracts, Scientific Letter, 1 (1), 116.