Computer-Aided Identification of Anticonvulsant Effect of Natural Nonnutritive Sweeteners Stevioside and Rebaudioside A

Mauricio Di Ianni

María Del Valle

Andrea Enrique

María Rosella

Fiorella Bruno

Luis Bruno-Blanch

Alan Talevi

^{Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, National University of La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.}

^{Natural Products, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, National University of La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.}

^{Corresponding author.}

Address correspondence to:, Alan Talevi, PhD, Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, National University of La Plata (UNLP), 47 y 115, La Plata, B1900AJI, Buenos Aires, Argentina,
E-mail:Email: ra.ude.plnu.loib@ivelata

Abstract

Steviol glycosides are natural constituents of Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) Bert. (Asteraceae) that have recently gained worldwide approval as nonnutritive sweeteners by the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization/World Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives. Cheminformatic tools suggested that the aglycone steviol and several of its phase I metabolites were predicted as potential anticonvulsant agents effective in the seizure animal model maximal electroshock seizure (MES) test. Thus, aqueous infusion from S. rebaudiana was tested in the MES test (mice, intraperitoneal administration), confirming dose-dependent anticonvulsant effect. Afterward, isolated stevioside and rebaudioside A were tested in the MES test, with positive results. Though drug repositioning most often focuses on known therapeutics, this article illustrates the possibilities of this strategy to find new functionalities and therapeutic indications for food constituents and natural products.

Abstract

Abbreviations Used

NP	natural products
MES	maximal electroshock seizure

Abbreviations Used

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