Uncariphyllin A-J, indole alkaloids from Uncaria rhynchophylla as antagonists of dopamine D2 and Mu opioid receptors.

Researchers isolated ten new indole alkaloids from the Uncaria rhynchophylla plant, as well as eleven known analogs. These compounds were evaluated for their bioactivity on dopamine D2 and Mu opioid receptors. Two compounds showed significant antagonistic activity on both receptors, making them promising for developing natural therapeutic drugs for central nervous system diseases.

Xu Y et al (2023).

Bioorg Chem.

DOI:

10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.106257

PubMed:

36375349

Cynapanoside A exerts protective effects against obesity-induced diabetic nephropathy through ameliorating TRIM31-mediated inflammation, lipid synthesis and fibrosis.

Luo J et al (2022).

Int Immunopharmacol.

DOI:

10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109395

PubMed:

36375322

Lancemaside A from Codonopsis lanceolata: Studies on Antiviral Activity and Mechanism of Action against SARS-CoV-2 and Its Variants of Concern.

Scientists evaluated Codonopsis lanceolata as a potential treatment for COVID-19 and found that the plant extract and its active compound, lancemaside A (LA), effectively blocked SARS-CoV-2 infection by altering membrane cholesterol and blocking membrane fusion between the virus and host cells. LA also impeded the entry pathways of several SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron. Researchers suggest that LA has broad-spectrum anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity and may serve as a potential therapeutic option.

Kim TY et al (2022).

Antimicrob Agents Chemother.

DOI:

10.1128/aac.01201-22

PubMed:

36374087

Polygonatum sibiricum ameliorated cognitive impairment of naturally aging rats through BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway.

This study found that administration of a traditional Chinese medicine called polygonatum sibiricum (PS) for 5 months effectively improved cognitive function in aging rats. PS improved the Nissl body state in the cortex and hippocampus, as well as synaptic structure and the number of synapses. PS also up-regulated the expression of BDNF-TrkB, which is important for synaptic plasticity. The study suggests that PS has the potential to be developed as a functional food for improving neurological function and anti-aging in the elderly.

Zhang X et al (2022).

J Food Biochem.

DOI:

10.1111/jfbc.14510

PubMed:

36373352

Anti-ischemic Effect of Monoterpene Citronellol on Experimental Stroke Models Mediated by Pro-inflammatory Cytokines.

Researchers studied the effectiveness of citronellol, a compound found in certain plants, in treating cerebral ischemia (a type of stroke). They found that citronellol has potential as an alternative therapy due to its low cost and minimal side effects. Citronellol also has various pharmacological properties that may aid in stroke treatment.

Liu X, Zhu C and Yin Y (2023).

Comb Chem High Throughput Screen.

DOI:

10.2174/1386207326666221110092715

PubMed:

36372917

Chemical constituents of Rumex dentatus L. and their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities.

Aierken K et al (2023).

Phytochemistry.

DOI:

10.1016/j.phytochem.2022.113509

PubMed:

36372239

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated methoprene-tolerant 1 knockout results in precocious metamorphosis of beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua) only at the late larval stage.

Zhao J et al (2023).

Insect Mol Biol.

DOI:

10.1111/imb.12819

PubMed:

36371609

Synergetic effect of green synthesized reduced graphene oxide and nano-zero valent iron composite for the removal of doxycycline antibiotic from water.

Abdelfatah AM et al (2022).

Sci Rep.

DOI:

10.1038/s41598-022-23684-x

PubMed:

36371519