Polymodal K⁺ channel modulation contributes to dual analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions of traditional botanical medicines.

ABSTRACT: Pain and inflammation contribute immeasurably to reduced quality of life, yet modern analgesic and anti-inflammatory therapeutics can cause dependence and side effects. Here, we screened 1444 plant extracts, prepared primarily from native species in California and the United States Virgin Islands, against two voltage-gated K⁺ channels - T-cell expressed Kv1.3 and nociceptive-neuron expressed Kv7.2/7.3. A subset of extracts both inhibits Kv1.3 and activates Kv7.2/7.3 at hyperpolarized potentials, effects predicted to be anti-inflammatory and analgesic, respectively. Among the top dual hits are witch hazel and fireweed; polymodal modulation of multiple K⁺ channel types by hydrolysable tannins contributes to their dual anti-inflammatory, analgesic actions. In silico dock

SUBMITTER: Manville RW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11358443 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature