Verproside

Phytochemical composition, isolation and hepatoprotective activity of active fraction from Veronica ciliata against acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury via p62-Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway.[Pubmed:31310828]

J Ethnopharmacol. 2019 Oct 28;243:112089.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Veronica ciliata Fisch, a traditional Tibetan medicine, used to cure hepatitis and existed in lots of Tibetan medicine prescriptions owing to its hepatoprotective activity. AIMS OF THIS STUDY: In this study, we are aimed to systematically analysis and isolate the chemical constituents of the ethyl acetate fraction from V. ciliata (EAFVC), and test the hepatoprotective effect and mechanism of EAFVC and its compounds on attenuating the liver injury induced by acetaminophen (APAP) in vivo and vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: UPLC-PDA-ESI-MS method was established for the analysis of the components in EAFVC, which was further separated using multiple chromatographic techniques. The MS, (1)H and (13)C NMR were applied to elucidate their structures. UPLC-PDA method was applied for the simultaneous quantification of major compounds of EAFVC. Furthermore, the protective effect of the EAFVC was determined using APAP-induced acute hepatotoxicity in mice and BRL-3A cells model, respectively. In addition, the hepatoprotective activity of two main compounds in EAFVC on relieving APAP-induced liver injury was further evaluated. Finally, we have some concerns about the protective mechanism of EAFVC via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), western blot analysis and molecular docking. RESULTS: Thirteen compounds were successfully identified using UPLC-PDA-ESI-MS for the first time. Meanwhile, other twelve compounds were separated from EAFVC. Eventually, twenty-five compounds were successfully identified from the EAFVC. Among these compounds, fourteen compounds (3, 8, 10, 14-17, 19-25) were separated from V.ciliata for the first time. In addition, UPLC-PDA analysis method was first to establish for simultaneous determination of the main compounds (1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 12). Further assay indicated that the liver injury in mice induced by APAP showed a significant reversal by EAFVC, as evidenced by reducing the activities of liver function enzymes, suppressing the lipid peroxidation as well as increasing the serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Pathological sections showed that the liver in the high dose has significant improvement in mice. In vitro experiment also showed that EAFVC elevate the viability, inhibiting the activities of liver function enzymes as well as the generation of ROS of BRL-3A cells. In addition, Catalposide and Verproside could reverse the low cell viability of BRL-3A cells induced by APAP. The mechanism research in vitro demonstrated that EAFVC could promote the mRNA and protein expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P) H dehydrogenase quinone 1 (NQO-1) and catalytic or modify subunit of glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCLC/GCLCM) via enhancing nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and p62/SQSTM1 (p62) expression in protein level. Molecular docking results demonstrated that catalposide and Verproside have strong affinity to the kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1(Keap1) Kelch domain. CONCLUSION: This research is the first to clarify the substance basis of the hepatoprotective activity of the EAFVC and provide the further scientific data for the traditional use of this Tibetan Medicine. EAFVC is valuable to be further investigated as active preparations for application in liver protection via activating p62- Keap1-Nrf2 pathway.

Multiple UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase and Sulfotransferase Enzymes are Responsible for the Metabolism of Verproside in Human Liver Preparations.[Pubmed:28441724]

Molecules. 2017 Apr 22;22(4). pii: molecules22040670.

Verproside, an active iridoid glycoside component of Veronica species, such as Pseudolysimachion rotundum var. subintegrum and Veronica anagallis-aquatica, possesses anti-asthma, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, antioxidant, and cytostatic activities. Verproside is metabolized into nine metabolites in human hepatocytes: Verproside glucuronides (M1, M2) via glucuronidation, Verproside sulfate (M3) via sulfation, picroside II (M4) and isovanilloylcatalpol (M5) via O-methylation, M4 glucuronide (M6) and M4 sulfate (M8) via further glucuronidation and sulfation of M4, and M5 glucuronide (M7) and M5 sulfate (M9) via further glucuronidation and sulfation of M5. Drug-metabolizing enzymes responsible for Verproside metabolism, including sulfotransferase (SULT) and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT), were characterized. The formation of Verproside glucuronides (M1, M2), isovanilloylcatalpol glucuronide (M7), and picroside II glucuronide (M6) was catalyzed by commonly expressed UGT1A1 and UGT1A9 and gastrointestinal-specific UGT1A7, UGT1A8, and UGT1A10, consistent with the higher intrinsic clearance values for the formation of M1, M2, M6, and M7 in human intestinal microsomes compared with those in liver microsomes. The formation of Verproside sulfate (M3) and M5 sulfate (M9) from Verproside and isovanilloylcatalpol (M5), respectively, was catalyzed by SULT1A1. Metabolism of picroside II (M4) into M4 sulfate (M8) was catalyzed by SULT1A1, SULT1E1, SULT1A2, SULT1A3, and SULT1C4. Based on these results, the pharmacokinetics of Verproside may be affected by the co-administration of relevant UGT and SULT inhibitors or inducers.

Iridoid Glycosides Fraction Isolated from Veronica ciliata Fisch. Protects against Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury in Mice.[Pubmed:28293265]

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017;2017:6106572.

Veronica ciliata Fisch. has traditionally been used in Tibetan medicine for the treatment of hepatitis, cholecystitis, rheumatism, and urticaria. We analyzed the chemical composition of the iridoid glycosides fraction (IGF) isolated from V. ciliata and evaluated the antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. The IGF was separated by high-speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC) and the main compounds were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a photodiode array. We determined the in vitro antioxidant ability of the IGF through radical scavenging assays and assessed the in vivo hepatoprotective potential in an acetaminophen- (APAP-) induced acute liver injury murine model. The IGF was separated by HSCCC and three major iridoid glycosides (Verproside, catalposide, and amphicoside) were identified as potent antioxidants and hepatoprotective compounds. Treatment with the IGF significantly suppressed the APAP-induced elevation in serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha); improved serum total antioxidant capacity; decreased malondialdehyde formation; elevated superoxide dismutase and glutathione activity; and decreased expression of proinflammatory factors (TNF-alpha, nuclear factor kappa B) in the liver. Finally, we examined the histopathology of resected livers for evidence of hepatoprotection. The protection conferred by the IGF may be related to the reinforcement of antioxidant defense systems.

HSCCC Separation of the Two Iridoid Glycosides and Three Phenolic Compounds from Veronica ciliata and Their in Vitro Antioxidant and Anti-Hepatocarcinoma Activities.[Pubmed:27649125]

Molecules. 2016 Sep 15;21(9). pii: molecules21091234.

Five main compounds, including two iridoid glycosides (catalposide, Verproside) and three phenolic compounds (luteolin, 4-hydroxy benzoic acid, 3,4-dihydroxy benzoic acid), were separated and prepared from the crude extract of Veronica ciliata by high-speed countercurrent chromatography. n-Hexane/n-butanol/water (1.5:5:5, v/v/v) was used for the separation of catalposide and Verproside. n-Hexane/n-butanol/water (3:2:5, v/v/v) was used for the separation of luteolin, 4-hydroxy benzoic acid and 3,4-dihydroxy benzoic acid. The head-to-tail elution mode was used with a flow rate of 5.0 mL/min and a rotary speed of 800 rpm. Finally, a total of 1.28 mg luteolin, 6 mg 4-hydroxy benzoic acid, 2 mg 3,4-dihydroxy benzoic acid, 2 mg Verproside and 10 mg catalposide with purities of 98%, 99.1%, 99.5%, 99.8% and 99%, respectively, were obtained from 200 mg of crude extract. In addition, their structure was identified using MS, (1)H-NMR and (13)C-NMR. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the separation and purification of iridoid glycosides and phenolic compounds from V. ciliata by high-speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC). Among these compounds, luteolin, 4-hydroxy benzoic acid and 3,4-dihydroxy benzoic acid were separated from V. ciliata Fisch. for the first time. The results of the antioxidant activity show that protocatechuic acid and luteolin have strong antioxidant activity compared to 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT) and vitamin C (Vc). Five compounds also exhibited strong anti-hepatocarcinoma activities.

Verproside inhibits TNF-alpha-induced MUC5AC expression through suppression of the TNF-alpha/NF-kappaB pathway in human airway epithelial cells.[Pubmed:26318254]

Cytokine. 2016 Jan;77:168-75.

Airway mucus secretion is an essential innate immune response for host protection. However, overproduction and hypersecretion of mucus, mainly composed of MUC5AC, are significant risk factors in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Previously, we reported that Verproside, a catalpol derivative iridoid glycoside isolated from Pseudolysimachion rotundum var. subintegrum, is a potent anti-asthmatic candidate drug in vivo. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the pharmacological actions of Verproside remain unknown. Here, we found that Verproside significantly reduces the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced MUC5AC mRNA and protein by inhibiting both nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) transcriptional activity and the phosphorylation of its upstream effectors such as IkappaB kinase (IKK)beta, IkappaBalpha, and TGF-beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) in NCI-H292 cells. Moreover, Verproside attenuated TNF-alpha-induced MUC5AC transcription more effectively when combined with an IKK (BAY11-7082) or a TAK1 (5z-7-oxozeaenol) inhibitor than when administered alone. Importantly, we demonstrated that Verproside negatively modulates the formation of the TNF-alpha-receptor (TNFR) 1 signaling complex [TNF-RSC; TNFR1-recruited TNFR1-associated death domain protein (TRADD), TNFR-associated factor 2 (TRAF2), receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIP1), and TAK1], the most upstream signaling factor of NF-kappaB signaling. In silico molecular docking studies show that Verproside binds between TRADD and TRAF2 subunits. Altogether, these results suggest that Verproside could be a good therapeutic candidate for treatment of inflammatory airway diseases such as asthma and COPD by blocking the TNF-alpha/NF-kappaB signaling pathway.

Traditionally used Veronica officinalis inhibits proinflammatory mediators via the NF-kappaB signalling pathway in a human lung cell line.[Pubmed:23142555]

J Ethnopharmacol. 2013 Jan 9;145(1):118-26.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Extracts from Veronica officinalis L. are traditionally used for the treatment of lung diseases; however, the effective compounds and the mode of action are still unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY: Here we analyzed the effects of a standardized Veronica extract on genes expression and signalling protein production associated with the development of inflammatory lung diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The degranulation capacity of primary mast cells, as well as gene expression and release of inflammatory mediators from human lung epithelial cells (A549 cells) were analyzed in relation to the synthetic drugs azelastine and dexamethasone. Gene and protein expression of cyclooxygenase-2 were investigated by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. The involvement of phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinases and NF-kappaB signaling in regulation of these molecules were characterized by western blotting and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Characteristic extract components were identified by LC-MS and verminoside was quantified by HPLC analysis. RESULTS: We demonstrated that Veronica officinalis has a small influence on the degranulation capacity of mast cells but rather inhibits gene and protein expression of the chemokine eotaxin in A549 lung epithelial cells, which is essential for recruitment of inflammatory-associated cells in lung diseases. Furthermore, release of the inflammatory mediator PGE(2) was diminished through inhibition of COX-2 expression via the NF-kappaB signaling pathway in TNF-alpha-activated A549 cells. Phytochemical analysis identified Verproside and verminoside as the most abundant iridoid glycosides. CONCLUSION: Our results are a contribution to explaining the observed anti-inflammatory effects of Veronica offcinalis extract on a molecular level. However, its clinical potency has at first to be proven in animals and subsequently in clinical trials.

In vitro and in vivo metabolism of verproside in rats.[Pubmed:23085650]

Molecules. 2012 Oct 12;17(10):11990-2002.

Verproside, a catalpol derivative iridoid glycoside isolated from Pseudolysimachion rotundum var. subintegrum, is a biologically active compound with anti-inflammatory, antinociceptic, antioxidant, and anti-asthmatic properties. Twenty-one metabolites were identified in bile and urine samples obtained after intravenous administration of Verproside in rats using liquid chromatography-quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometry. Verproside was metabolized by O-methylation, glucuronidation, sulfation, and hydrolysis to Verproside glucuronides (M1 and M2), Verproside sulfates (M3 and M4), picroside II (M5), M5 glucuronide (M7), M5 sulfate (M9), isovanilloylcatalpol (M6), M6 glucuronide (M8), M6 sulfate (M10), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (M11), M11 glucuronide (M12), M11 sulfates (M13 and M14), 3-methyoxy-4-hydroxybenzoic acid (M15), M15 glucuronides (M17 and M18), M15 sulfate (M20), 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzoic acid (M16), M16 glucuronide (M19), and M16 sulfate (M21). Incubation of Verproside with rat hepatocytes resulted in thirteen metabolites (M1-M11, M13, and M14). Verproside sulfate, M4 was a major metabolite in rat hepatocytes. After intravenous administration of Verproside, the drug was recovered in bile (0.77% of dose) and urine (4.48% of dose), and O-methylation of Verproside to picroside II (M5) and isovanilloylcatalpol (M6) followed by glucuronidation and sulfation was identified as major metabolic pathways compared to glucuronidation and sulfation of Verproside in rats.

In vitro cytotoxic activity and structure activity relationships of iridoid glucosides derived from Veronica species.[Pubmed:21678519]

Phytother Res. 2012 Jan;26(1):148-52.

This study was an investigation of the cytotoxic activity of iridoid glucosides, including aucubin, catalpol, 6-O-acetylcatalpol, veronicoside, catalposide, Verproside, amphicoside, veratroylcatalposide, verminoside, aquaticosides B and C isolated from different Veronica species. The cytotoxic activity was determined against Hep-2 (human epidermoid carcinoma), RD (human rhabdomyosarcoma), L-20B (transgenic murine L-cells) cancer cell lines and Vero (African green monkey kidney cells) non-cancerous cell line using the MTT method. While verminoside, amphicoside and veronicoside were found to exhibit cytotoxic activity in the concentration range of 70-355 microM, acetylcatalpol, aquaticosides B and C, catalposide, veratroylcatalposide and Verproside showed cytostatic activity. Apoptotic cell death was observed as the effect of verminoside in the histological analysis of the tested cell lines. In conclusion, iridoid glucosides are considered to show a biphasic effect on cancer cells that is both cytostatic and cytotoxic, depending on the chemical structure and the type of cancer cell.

Iridoid content and biological activities of Veronica cuneifolia subsp. cuneifolia and V. cymbalaria.[Pubmed:21595571]

Pharm Biol. 2011 Nov;49(11):1150-7.

CONTEXT: The genus Veronica L. (Plantaginaceae) is represented by 79 species, 26 of which are endemic in Turkey. Some Veronica species are used for the treatment of different inflammatory diseases and cancer in traditional medicine. In addition, chemotaxonomy of the genus is important for the reclassification of the family Plantaginaceae after different phylogenetic studies. OBJECTIVE: Veronica cuneifolia subsp. cuneifolia D. Don and V. cymbalaria Bodard were studied from the view point of iridoid glucosides which are known as chemotaxonomical markers for this genus. Radical scavenging and cytotoxic activities of the extracts were also determined in this study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Major compounds, isolated from iridoid fractions of V. cuneifolia subsp. cuneifolia were used as the standard compounds for HPLC after determination of their structures, and investigated for their presence in iridoid fractions of V. cymbalaria. Additionally, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and SO radical scavenging and cytotoxic activities against three cancer and a noncancerous cell lines of both extract were also tested using the MTT method. RESULTS: While aucubin, catalpol, Verproside, amphicoside, verminoside, and veronicoside were obtained from V. cuneifolia subsp. cuneifolia, two more iridoid glucosides, 6-O-veratroylcatalposide and 6-O-isovanilloylcatalpol, were isolated from V. cymbalaria. Comparing both species, V. cuneifolia subsp. cuneifolia showed stronger radical scavenging and cytotoxic activities than V. cymbalaria. DISCUSSION: Our results demonstrated that the iridoid contents of both species were very close to each other confirming to the chemotaxonomic studies on Veronica species and their different bioactivity range make the plants interesting from the view point of natural drug discovery research.

Chlorinated iridoid glucosides from Veronica longifolia and their antioxidant activity.[Pubmed:20806928]

J Nat Prod. 2010 Sep 24;73(9):1593-6.

From Veronica longifolia were isolated three chlorinated iridoid glucosides, namely, asystasioside E (6) and its 6-O-esters 6a and 6b, named longifoliosides A and B, respectively. The structures of 6a and 6b were proved by analysis of their spectroscopic data and by conversion to the catalpol ester Verproside (5a) or to catalpol (5), respectively. The configuration of the previously known vanilloyl analogue, urphoside B, was shown to be the 6beta-epimer (6c) of the structure originally reported. Longifoliosides A (6a) and B (6b) were found to exhibit radical-scavenging activity against nitric oxide, superoxide, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals.

Pharmacokinetics of verproside after intravenous and oral administration in rats.[Pubmed:19407974]

Arch Pharm Res. 2009 Apr;32(4):559-64.

Verproside, a catalpol derivative iridoid glucoside isolated from Pseudolysimachion longifolium, is a candidate for anti-asthmatic drug. The dose-dependency of the pharmacokinetics of Verproside was evaluated in rats after intravenous and oral administration. After intravenous administration of Verproside (2, 5 and 10 mg/kg doses), the systemic clearance (Cl) was significantly reduced and AUC was significantly increased at 10 mg/kg dose compared to 2 and 5 mg/kg doses. The volume of distribution at steady state (V (ss)) remained unchanged as the dose was increased. The extent of urinary excretion was low for both intravenous (3.3-6.2%) and oral (0.01-0.04%) doses. Isovanilloylcatalpol was identified as a metabolite after intravenous administration of Verproside and showed the significant decreases in AUC and C (max) at 10 mg/kg Verproside dose. The reduced systemic clearance of Verproside at high doses appears to be due to the saturable metabolism. Upon oral administration of Verproside (20, 50 and 100 mg/kg doses), C (max) was nonlinearly increased. The extent of Verproside recovered from the gastrointestinal tract at 24 h after oral administration was 0.01-0.72% for all three doses studied. The absolute oral bioavailability (F) was 0.3 and 0.5% for 50 and 100 mg/kg doses, respectively. Low F appears to be due to first-pass metabolism.

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for the simultaneous determination of the catalpol-related iridoid glucosides, verproside, isovanilloylcatalpol, catalposide and 6-O-veratroyl catalpol in rat plasma.[Pubmed:19353737]

Biomed Chromatogr. 2009 Sep;23(9):980-6.

Verproside, isovanilloylcatalpol, catalposide and 6-O-veratroyl catalpol are bioactive iridoid glucosides isolated from in a number of folk medicinal plants. A rapid, sensitive and selective liquid chromatography/mass spectrometric (LC/MS) method for the simultaneous determination of Verproside, isovanilloylcatalpol, catalposide and 6-O-veratroyl catalpol in rat plasma was developed. The analytes were extracted from 50 microL of rat plasma with ethyl acetate using 7-carboxymethyloxy-3',4',5-trimethoxyflavone as internal standard and analyzed on an X-Bridge C(18) column within 6.5 min with 40% methanol in 10 mm ammonium formate (pH 3.0). The analytes were quantified using an electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in the selected ion monitoring mode. The standard curves were linear over the concentration ranges of 10-2000 ng/mL for Verproside, isovanilloylcatalpol and catalposide and 20-2000 ng/mL for 6-O-veratroyl catalpol. The coefficients of variation and relative errors of Verproside, isovanilloylcatalpol, catalposide and 6-O-veratroyl catalpol for intra- and inter-assay at four quality control levels were 2.5-8.0 and-4.0-6.6%, respectively. This method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of Verproside and its possible metabolite isovanilloylcatalpol after intravenous administration of Verproside, a candidate anti-asthma drug, in male Sprague-Dawley rats.

Antioxidative iridoid glycosides and phenolic compounds from Veronica peregrina.[Pubmed:19280150]

Arch Pharm Res. 2009 Feb;32(2):207-13.

Eight iridoid glycosides and four phenolic compounds were isolated from the EtOAc soluble fraction of Veronica peregrina MeOH extract as the radical scavengers for antioxidant activity. The compounds were identified as protocatechuic acid (1), luteolin (2), veronicoside (3), minecoside (4), specioside (5), amphicoside (6), catalposide (7), 6-O-cis-p-coumaroyl catalpol (8), p-hydroxy benzoic acid methyl ester (9), Verproside (10), verminoside (11), and chrysoeriol 7-glucuronide (12) by spectroscopic analysis. All compounds except for 1 and 2 were isolated for the first time from this plant. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by the ORAC(Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) assay, which measures scavenging activity against peroxy radicals induced by 2,2'-azobis (2-methoxypropion-amidine) dihydrochloride, and the ORAC value is expressed as relative trolox equivalent. Compounds 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 12 exhibited potent antioxidant activity, and compounds 1, 11 had similar activity with trolox, whereas the other compounds showed weaker activity than trolox.

Phenylethanoids, iridoids and a spirostanol saponin from Veronica turrilliana.[Pubmed:17399747]

Phytochemistry. 2007 May;68(9):1321-6.

From the aerial parts of Veronica turrilliana two phenylethanoid glycosides, turrilliosides A and B and a steroidal saponin, turrillianoside were isolated and their structures elucidated as beta-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethyl-4-O-E-caffeoyl-O-[beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alp ha-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->6)]-beta-glucopyranoside, beta-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethyl-4-O-E-caffeoyl-[6-O-E-feruloyl-beta-glucopyranosy l-(1-->4)-alpha-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->6)]-beta-glucopyranoside and (23S,25S)-12beta,23-dihydroxyspirost-5-en-3beta-yl O-alpha-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-glucopyranoside, respectively. Furthermore, eight known glucosides are reported namely, catalpol, catalposide, Verproside, amphicoside, isovanilloylcatalpol, aucubin, arbutin, and 6-O-E-caffeoylarbutin, the latter two for the first time in the genus Veronica. The two phenylethanoid glycosides were found to be potent DPPH radical scavengers. All of the tested compounds were inactive against the representative species of fungi and bacteria.

Suppressive effect of verproside isolated from Pseudolysimachion longifolium on airway inflammation in a mouse model of allergic asthma.[Pubmed:16644484]

Int Immunopharmacol. 2006 Jun;6(6):978-86.

Allergic inflammation of the airways has a critical role in asthma development. We investigated a suppressive effect of Verproside (3,4-dihydroxy catalpol) isolated from the extract of Pseudolysimachion longifolium on asthmatic parameters--such as immunoglobulin E (IgE) level, cytokine release, eosinophilia, airway hyperresponsiveness and mucus hypersecretion--in an OVA-sensitized/challenged mouse model. Verproside significantly inhibited the increase of total IgE and the cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and also effectively suppressed airway hyperresponsiveness, eosinophilia and mucus hypersecretion in OVA-induced asthmatic mice. The efficacy of Verproside was comparable to montelukast, an anti-asthmatic drug that is currently available. These results suggest that Verproside could be a major marker in herbal medicines that are used for asthma treatment, and could also act as a lead for anti-asthmatic drugs.