Safety Study of the Effect of Scelectium Tortuosum (as Zembrin®)in Aged Normals

9 wk, Randomized, 2-blind, Placebo-controlled, 2X2 Cross-over Phase 1 Study of 25 mg of Scelectium Tortuosum (as Zembrin®) in Aged Normals to Find Effects on Mental, Emotional and Cognitive Safety Measures and Cytokines.

Phosphodiesterase is a candidate for the Rx & prevention of cognitive and psychotic disorders. Since caffeine targets primarily PDE4(Phosphodiesterase subtype 4), caffeine analogs have been developed to mimic the actions of caffeine's ability to inhibit PDE-a, PDE4, PDE5 and adenosine-2 (AD-2)but are limited by the side effects of insomnia and heightened anxiety. Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor) fails to enhance cognition in schizophrenia.

The study of PDE-4 in cognition in Alzheimer's dementia and schizophrenia has been done using the PDE-4 prototypal compound, rolipram, which improves cognition in rodents. Rolipram reverses the memory deficits induced by amyloid fragment Abeta25-35 and Abeta1-40 peptide. In humans the frequent side effect of vomiting hampers translational research. The clinical trial of rolipram in multiple sclerosis was terminated prematurely due to serious adverse events with paradoxical increases in MRI MS-specific brain lesions. However, PDE-4 remains paradigm for cognition.

Another strategy is chemical moieties capable of antagonizing the PDE-4 through allosteric modulation, rather than direct competitive inhibition hoping to minimize adverse events while retaining the biological potencies and functional responses of PDE-4 Modulators. Dietary supplements with PDE-4 effects have advantages in that small investments are needed to adequately study them.

Pharmacologically active chemicals of Sceletium species are mesembrine-type alkaloids that have proven PDE-4 activity. The PDE-4D knockout mice have enhanced memory function mediated through hippocampal neurogenesis via phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein (pCREB) signaling.

This study purpose is to delineate the relationship of PDE-4 and cognition in normals. pCREB is possibly the putative biomarker of PDE-4 response with CREB as effector signaling pathway of PDE-4. CREB is close to nuclear receptors represented by BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor) and PPAR (Peroxisome Proliferator Activating Receptor) complexes. CREB changes in neuronal plasticity are targets for pharmacological paradigms for cognitive enhancement. This study will use the scelectium tortuosum as manufactured as Zembrin®. The findings in control subjects will form the basis for designing future studies of Zembrin® in neurodegenerative disorders with marked cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer's Dementia and Parkinson's Disease.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Adverse Mental/Physical Effects of Low Dose S. Tortuosum.
• Intervention / Treatment: Dietary supplement: Scelectium Tortuosum

Detailed Description

1. Contextual Background For the past decade, converging evidence suggests that targeting PD Phosphodiesterase for cognition represents novel heuristic approaches for development of dietary supplements and drug candidates for the treatment and prevention of cognitive and psychotic disorders.

1. . The earlier findings on caffeine as the prototypal PD inhibitor targeting primarily PDE4 (Phosphodiesterase subtype 4) has stimulated synthesis of caffeine analogs to improve upon the pharmacokinetic profile and benefits/risk ratio.
2. . The dual actions of caffeine as inhibitor of PDE-a, PDE4 and PDE5 and adenosine-2 (AD-2) antagonist, exerts multiple brain-behavior functions including sleep, cognition, memory and learning. It remains to be seen whether caffeine analogues live up the therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative diseases while bypassing the side effects of insomnia and heightened anxiety. Sildenafil (Viagra R) PDE-5 inhibitor indicated for erectile dysfunction (ED) fails to enhance cognition in schizophrenia

3. . The full dosage range may not have been explored in the study with sildenafil. It is noteworthy that PDE-5 inhibition is related to NMDA (N-methyl-d-aspartic acid) glutamatergic modulation.

   In conducting a Pub Med search of recent studies point to the role of PDE-4 in diverse domains of cognition: memory, attention, executive function, recall, visual-spatial tasks. We find converging evidence targeting PDE-4 as the novel approach towards treating the cognitive deficits in Alzheimer dementia and schizophrenia

4. . Most of the preclinical studies focus exclusively on the PDE-4 prototypal compound, rolipram. Rolipram improves memory consolidation, working memory and information processing in rodent species subjected to a variety of cognitive tasks: radial arm maze, passive avoidance, delayed arm water maze
5. . A very recent study found that rolipram, reverses deficits induced by amyloid fragment Abeta25-35 and Abeta1-40 peptide in the Morris water maze and passive avoidance task
6. . In preclinical screening of PDE-4 inhibitors, vomiting mediated via activating the area postema has been consistently noted. Tolerability and safety has hampered significantly the translation research in PDE-4 inhibitors. The clinical trial of rolipram in multiple sclerosis was terminated prematurely due to serious adverse events with paradoxical increases in MS-specific brain lesions identified by MRI

7. . Notwithstanding the challenges in translational research, the molecular template of PDE-4 remains a highly viable paradigm for cognition.

   Drug Design has adopted another strategy in developing chemical moieties capable of antagonizing the PDE-4 pharmacological effects. Through allosteric modulation, rather than direct competitive inhibition at the catalytic site domain of PDE-4, the hope is to minimize the adverse events while retaining the biological potencies and functional responses relevant to the pharmacological activities of PDE-4 compounds.

8. . The emergence of PDE-4 Modulators (PDE-4M) has attracted attention. Dietary supplements possessing the molecular templates and requirements in PDE-4 design strategy have added advantages in that preliminary clinical studies can be undertaken with a disproportionately small investment. If the preliminary results are favorable, strategic advances to GMP patented drug candidates are more predictable and confer less fiscal and clinical risks without compromising the efficacy stipulation in satisfying FDA criteria for phase II and Phase III trials.

   Our study the Zembrin® formulation of Scelectium Toruosum in cognition expands on an earlier study protocol which investigated the effects of Zembrin® in Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The pharmacologically active chemicals from the Sceletium species belong to mesembrine-type alkaloids; the structures are well characterized. Structure-activity relationship of the mesembrine-derivative alkaloids has been delineated in in-vitro assay of recombinant PDE-4 regarding the relative potencies in producing the functional responses. The IC50 of mesembrine-HCL is determined to be 20 microM

9. . The PDE-4D knockout mice model provides evidence of enhanced memory function is mediated through hippocampal neurogenesis via phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein (pCREB) signaling.

10. . Microinfusion of lentiviral vectors carrying micro RNAs targeting the long-form of PDE4D isoforms directly into bilateral dentate gyrus of the hippocampus in the mice resulted in improved performance scores in object recognition test, water maze and radial arm maze.

    These considerations lead us to organize a pilot "proof-of-concept study" to delineate the relationship of PDE-4 and cognition in normal control subjects to validate the target of PDE-4 in modulating cognition functions in normal control subjects. It is noteworthy that none of the preliminary studies include measure of cAMP signaling in clinical subjects to correlate with brain-behavior interactions. With the availability of sensitive, reliable and valid ELISA method of assaying for pCREB, we consider it important to examine pCREB as the putative biomarker of PDE-4 response in clinical subjects treated with Zembrin®. There is emerging an increase of evidence in support of the construct that CREB as the effector signaling pathway of PDE-4, is the target of diverse classes of antidepressants

11. . CREB is the late molecular partner to the family of nuclear receptors represented by BDNF (Brain derived neurotrophic factor) and PPAR (Peroxisome Proliferator Activating Receptor) complex
12. . CREB reflects changes in neuronal plasticity and is sensitive to pharmacological paradigms for cognitive enhancement. CREB signaling integrates signal transduction from related neurotransmitters and neuromodulators besides PDE-4. Neuronal alpha-7 nicotinic receptor agonist A-582941 exerts its cognitive effects through interacting with phosphorylation of CREB pathway (13). The findings in control subjects will form the rational basis for designing controlled studies of Zembrin® in neurodegenerative disorders with marked cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer's Dementia and Parkinson's Disease.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 20
• Phase: Phase 1

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Puerto Rico
  • San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00918
    • Michel A. Woodbury, MD

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 45 years to 65 years (Adult, Older Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No
• Genders Eligible for Study: All

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

Male or female Age: 45-65 Absence of DSM IV-R diagnosis As established by Mini-Psychiatric Interview HAM-D < 8 Body Mass Index (BMI) < 30.0 Not Suicidal

Exclusion Criteria:

Current (past 2 months) substance use disorder, Abuse of Caffeine Severe nicotine dependence Abuse of herbal and dietary supplements Current or planned pregnancy (for female) A major DSM IV-R psychiatric diagnosis.

Serious and unstable medical disorders:

Recent myocardial ischemia or infarction, unstable angina, uncontrolled hypertension, poor glycemic control in Diabetes mellitus, Renal failure and serious renal diseases, Chronic active hepatitis, acute hepatitis, cirrhosis of liver, AIDS Active malignancy Neurological disorders: epilepsy Recent Traumatic brain injury Active suicidal risk Cerebrovascular disorders: recent stroke Inability to read nor write

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Crossover Assignment
• Masking: Triple

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Active Comparator: Scelectium Tortuosum; S Tortuosum	Dietary supplement: Scelectium Tortuosum; One arm has subjects 3 weeks on Scelectium Tortuosum 25gm po/d then 3 weeks off and then 3 weeks on Placebo. The other arm has subjects 3 weeks on placebo, then 3 weeks off and then 3 weeks on Scelectium Tortuosum 25mg po/d.; Other Names: Zembrin
Placebo Comparator: Sugar pill/placebo

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
CNS Vital Signs	CNS Vital Signs is a measure of cognitive functioning and is done four times, once before the first arm and repeated after the end of the first arm three weeks later. Then after a 3 week washout the measure is repeated, the 2nd arm started and at the end of 3 weeks, it is repeated again.	4 times over 9 weeks

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Side effect questionnaire	Side effects will be assessed four times, once before the first arm and repeated after the end of the first arm three weeks later. Then after a 3 week washout the measure is repeated, the 2nd arm started and at the end of 3 weeks, it is repeated again.	4 times over 9 weeks
Columbia Suicide Scale	This specific suicide assessment questionnaire is given four times, once before the first arm and repeated after the end of the first arm three weeks later. Then after a 3 week washout the measure is repeated, the 2nd arm started and at the end of 3 weeks, it is repeated again.	4 times over 9 weeks
ECG	It is done four times, once before the first arm and repeated after the end of the first arm three weeks later. Then after a 3 week washout the measure is repeated, the 2nd arm started and at the end of 3 weeks, it is repeated again.	4 times over 9 weeks
Vital Signs	Height, weight, blood pressure, fat content are measured four times, once before the first arm and repeated after the end of the first arm three weeks later. Then after a 3 week washout the measure is repeated, the 2nd arm started and at the end of 3 weeks, it is repeated again.	4 times over 9 weeks
Physical Exam	A complete physical is done four times, once before the first arm and repeated after the end of the first arm three weeks later. Then after a 3 week washout the measure is repeated, the 2nd arm started and at the end of 3 weeks, it is repeated again.	4 times over 9 weeks
Urine	Urine is take to be analysed at every visit, and is done four times, once before the first arm and repeated after the end of the first arm three weeks later. Then after a 3 week washout the blood serum is taken again, the 2nd arm started and at the end of 3 weeks, it is repeated again. The urine is sent for analysis, drug screen and if a fertile female a pregnancy test.	4 collections over 9 weeks
Brief Psychiatric Scale and Positive and Negative Symptom Scale	These similar scales that measure psychosis and depression are administered at every visit, and are done four times, once before the first arm and repeated after the end of the first arm three weeks later. Then after a 3 week washout the questionnaires are repeated, the 2nd arm started and at the end of 3 weeks, it is repeated again.	4 times over 9 weeks
Tower of London	The Tower of London is a measure of cognitive functioning and is done four times, once before the first arm and repeated after the end of the first arm three weeks later. Then after a 3 week washout the measure is repeated, the 2nd arm started and at the end of 3 weeks, it is repeated again.	4 times over 9 weeks
Trail Making Test	This is a measure of cognitive functioning and is done four times, once before the first arm and repeated after the end of the first arm three weeks later. Then after a 3 week washout the measure is repeated, the 2nd arm started and at the end of 3 weeks, it is repeated again.	Administered 4 times over 9 weeks
Letter-Number Test	It is a measure of cognitive functioning and is done four times, once before the first arm and repeated after the end of the first arm three weeks later. Then after a 3 week washout the measure is repeated, the 2nd arm started and at the end of 3 weeks, it is repeated again.	Administered 4 times over 9 weeks

Other Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Cytokines	Blood serum taken at every visit, and is done four times, once before the first arm and repeated after the end of the first arm three weeks later. Then after a 3 week washout the blood serum is taken again, the 2nd arm started and at the end of 3 weeks, it is repeated again.	4 measures over 9 weeks
Blood work-up	Blood for complete metabolic panel, CBC, C-Reactive Protein is taken at every visit, and is done four times, once before the first arm and repeated after the end of the first arm three weeks later. Then after a 3 week washout the blood is taken again, the 2nd arm started and at the end of 3 weeks, it is repeated again.	4 collections over 9 weeks
Hamilton Mood questionnaire	Depression via the Hamilton Mood Questionnaire is assessed in every visit and is done four times, once before the first arm and repeated after the end of the first arm three weeks later. Then after a 3 week washout the measure is repeated, the 2nd arm started and at the end of 3 weeks, it is repeated again.	4 visits over 9 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Woodbury, Michel, M.D.
• Collaborators: PL Thomas & Co., Inc.
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Michel A Woodbury, MD, Woodbury, Michel; Study Chair: Simon Chiu, MD, Western University, Canada

Publications and helpful links

General Publications

• Chiu S, Gericke N, Farina-Woodbury M, Badmaev V, Raheb H, Terpstra K, Antongiorgi J, Bureau Y, Cernovsky Z, Hou J, Sanchez V, Williams M, Copen J, Husni M, Goble L. Proof-of-Concept Randomized Controlled Study of Cognition Effects of the Proprietary Extract Sceletium tortuosum (Zembrin) Targeting Phosphodiesterase-4 in Cognitively Healthy Subjects: Implications for Alzheimer's Dementia. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014;2014:682014. doi: 10.1155/2014/682014. Epub 2014 Oct 19.

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start: June 1, 2011
• Primary Completion (Actual): March 1, 2012
• Study Completion (Actual): March 1, 2012

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: January 27, 2013
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 4, 2013
• First Posted (Estimate): March 6, 2013

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Estimate): March 6, 2013
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 4, 2013
• Last Verified: March 1, 2013

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Cytokines; Blood; Mood; ECG; Side effects; Suicidal ideation; Vital signs; CNSVS; Tower of London; Letter-Number Test; Trail Making Test; Physical exam; Urine (Including pregnancy and drug screen); Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale; Positive and Negative Symptom Scale
• Other Study ID Numbers: NOEL 2011