The effect of peony and licorice decoction on the voltage-gated sodium channel subtype 1.4 based on standard decoction

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the inhibitory effect of peony and licorice decoction and its compatibility components on the Nav1.4 voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs). Materials and Methods: Writhing test was carried out with ICR mice. Paeonia lactiflora and Glycyrrhiza uralensis group were administrated 0.2 ml of solution of freeze-dried powder dissolved in normal saline with the concentration of 2.94 mg/ml, 1.47 mg/ml, and 0.74 mg/ml using intragastric administration, respectively. Peony and licorice decoction groups were administrated 0.2 ml of solution of freeze-dried powder dissolved in normal saline with the concentration of 5.89 mg/ml, 2.94 mg/ml, and 1.47 mg/ml using intragastric administration, respectively. For electrophysiology studies, each freeze-dried powder was dissolved in DMSO to make 10 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml stock solutions. The electrophysiological recordings were obtained under visual control of a microscope. For UPLC analysis, the freeze-dried powder was dissolved in methanol and then determines the contents of the nine marker compounds. Results: The effect of G. uralensis on incubation period and writhing frequency was significantly better than that of peony and licorice decoction group and P. lactiflora group. The inhibition rate of 50 mg/ml water extracts of the three samples was significantly higher than that of the 10 mg/ml group. Moreover, the water extract of G. uralensis at 50 mg/ml had the strongest inhibitory effect on INav1.4 of the three. Conclusion: The possible mechanism of peony and licorice decoction in relieving spasm and pain is most likely by inhibiting Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Subtype 1.4.

Keywords

• Nav1.4 voltage-gated sodium channels
• Paeonia lactiflora and Glycyrrhiza uralensis
• peony and licorice decoction
• spasm and pain relieving
• standard decoction