Migraine is the most common headache worldwide that is frequently consulted. Several studies show that during a migraine, a sterile inflammatory process in the trigeminal nerve occurs. It releases vasoactive neuropeptides, causing arteriolar and arterial vasodilation and activating platelets to release vasoactive substances such as 5-HT. Migraine decreases the plasma 5-HT levels. Generally, serotonin (5-HT) is a pain-inhibiting agent and neurotransmitter for decreasing pain pathways.
In migraine pathophysiology serotonin (5-HT) is a vasoconstrictor with low plasma level. In intracranial vessels, the abundantly expressed 5-HT1B receptor can induce selective vasoconstriction in cranial arteries. Apart from the involvement of vascular 5-HT receptors, the other migraine pathways can also be affected, such as prejunctional 5-HT receptors on trigeminal fibers, central 5-HT receptors, and inhibition of CGRP release.
In the pathogenesis of migraine, there is platelet hyper aggregation caused by stimulatory factors [collagen, thrombin, adenosine diphosphate (ADP), serotonin (5-HT), thromboxane A2 (TXA2)]. The 5-HT is released in excess from platelets. In migraine, there is a hyper aggregation of platelets. In the early stages of migraine, platelet aggregation increases and causes 5-HT levels to rise in the blood and brain. Therefore, migraine is thought to be preventable by inhibiting platelet aggregation.
Sargassum cristaefolium extract (SCE) contains bioactive flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins. Flavonoid compounds and tannins are thought to have antioxidant, antitumor, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic activities. Alkaloids are analgesics and anti-inflammatory which can reduce pain and increase blood circulation. The ability to bind free radicals and prevent the formation of free radicals indicates that apart from being an analgesic, antioxidants also have anti-inflammatory functions.
β-carboline alkaloids can increase monoamines in brain regions through inhibition of monoamine oxidase (MAO) and inhibition of 5-HT reuptake. Alkaloids are an ethanolic extract of SCE that function as analgesics and anti-inflammatory which can reduce pain and improve blood circulation.
Sargassum cristaefolium extract (SCE) was measured for its bioactive substance content. The extract was administered to an animal model of intraperitoneal nitroglycerin-induced migraine and examined for platelet levels, platelet aggregation, and 5-HT. The results of statistical tests showed an increase in platelets (p<0.05), an increase in platelet aggregation (p<0.05), and a decrease in 5-HT (p<0.05). The alkaloids found in SCE can reduce the platelet count, decrease platelet aggregation, and increase 5-HT levels in migraines.
Author: Widjiati
More information of the research can be viewed in:
https://www.phcogj.com/sites/default/files/PharmacognJ-14-3-629.pdf
