Common Names: orosne
This study looked at whether a plant called Polygala paniculata can potentially be used as an antidepressant. The researchers found that it has neuroprotective effects, but there is no evidence yet about its antidepressant properties.
The plant Polygala has previously been shown to protect against nerve cell death and cognitive impairment. Researchers tested three compounds from the plant against the toxic effects of mercury in mouse brain cells. One compound, quercetin, prevented mercury-induced damage to the cells' mitochondria and prevented glutathione oxidation. The study also revealed that mercury increased the production of hydrogen peroxide in the brain's mitochondria, which quercetin prevented. These findings highlight quercetin's potential as a protective agent against mercury poisoning and contribute to our understanding of the toxic effects of mercury on brain cells.
Researchers studied the protective effects of Polygala paniculata extract on adult mice exposed to methylmercury (MeHg). MeHg exposure reduced glutathione peroxidase and increased glutathione reductase activity, as well as increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the brain. Polygala extract prevented these effects, except for glutathione reductase activity in the cerebral cortex. MeHg-exposed animals had poor motor performance, which was improved by Polygala extract co-administration. This study demonstrated the in-vivo protective effects of Polygala extract against MeHg-induced neurotoxicity and encourages further research on its use for neurological conditions related to excitotoxicity and oxidative stress.