Open AccessThe Potentials of Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis for the Treatment of Migraine: Targeting CGRP in the Trigeminovascular System
Author(s) -
Cheong-Meng Chong,
Zhangfeng Zhong,
Chi Teng Vong,
Shengpeng Wang,
JinJian Lu,
HaiJing Zhong,
Huanxing Su,
Ying Wang
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
current neuropharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.955
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1875-6190
pISSN - 1570-159X
DOI - 10.2174/1570159x18666201029150937
Subject(s) - calcitonin gene related peptide , migraine , medicine , headaches , calcitonin , neuroscience , pharmacology , receptor , anesthesia , neuropeptide , surgery , biology
Migraine is a common chronic neurovascular disease characterized by headaches. Calcitoningene-related peptide (CGRP) signaling in the trigeminovascular system plays a critical role inthe development of migraine. The monoclonal antibodies against CGRP and its receptor have beenused clinically for the prevention of migraine; however, they may not be a cost-effective option forpatients with low-frequency episodic migraine. Thus, it is quite valuable to search for an alternativestrategy to downregulate CGRP signaling. Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis (UR) has a longtermhistory for the treatment of cardiovascular and central nervous systems disorders in China andEastern Asia. Several clinical studies showed that famous herbal formulas comprising UR wereable to improve headaches in migraineurs. In addition, increasing in vivo studies further indicatedthat migraine-related changes, such as CGRP increase, inflammation, nitric oxide increase, andspontaneous behavior problems could be reduced by UR extraction and its active constituents. Inthis review, we summarize the pathophysiological factors affecting abnormal CGRP release in thetrigeminovascular system during a migraine, and for the first time, analyze the effects of UR on thesefactors and evaluate the potentials of UR for the treatment of migraine.