Evaluation of lignans from Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra for their potential antimetastatic effects in the brain.

Researchers isolated six compounds from the roots of a plant called Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra and tested their effects on brain tumor metastasis formation. Two of the compounds, helioxanthin (3) and (7E)-7,8-dehydroheliobuphthalmin (4), inhibited the migration of melanoma and brain endothelial cells. Compound 3 also reduced the adhesion of melanoma cells to the brain endothelium and enhanced the barrier function of the blood-brain barrier. These findings suggest that compounds 3 and 4 have the potential to interfere with different steps of brain metastasis formation and to enhance the barrier function of cerebral endothelial cells.

Hajdu Z et al (2014).

J Nat Prod.

DOI:

10.1021/np500508y

PubMed:

25479041

Evolutionary origins and dynamics of octoploid strawberry subgenomes revealed by dense targeted capture linkage maps.

Tennessen JA et al (2014).

Genome Biol Evol.

DOI:

10.1093/gbe/evu261

PubMed:

25477420

Phytochemical and pharmacological study of Ficus palmata growing in Saudi Arabia.

Alqasoumi SI et al (2014).

Saudi Pharm J.

DOI:

10.1016/j.jsps.2013.12.010

PubMed:

25473335

The effects of Ginseng Java root extract on uterine contractility in nonpregnant rats.

Sukwan C, Wray S and Kupittayanant S (2014).

Physiol Rep.

DOI:

10.14814/phy2.12230

PubMed:

25472610

Physicochemical characterisation of four cherry species (Prunus spp.) grown in China.

Cao J et al (2015).

Food Chem.

DOI:

10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.10.094

PubMed:

25466099

The effects of Acorus tatarinowii Schott on 5-HT concentrations, TPH2 and 5-HT1B expression in the dorsal raphe of exercised rats.

In a study, researchers investigated the effects of Acorus tatarinowii Schott, an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine, on treadmill running endurance in rats. They also looked at the levels of certain neurotransmitters and proteins in the rats' brains. The results showed that the rats who were given the herb had greater endurance and increased levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can affect mood and behavior. The researchers suggest that Acorus tatarinowii Schott may have potential as an anti-fatigue supplement, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects on the central nervous system.

Zhu M et al (2014).

J Ethnopharmacol.

DOI:

10.1016/j.jep.2014.10.026

PubMed:

25456438

Unciflavones A-F, six novel flavonoids from Selaginella uncinata (Desv.) Spring.

Zou H et al (2014).

Fitoterapia.

DOI:

10.1016/j.fitote.2014.10.012

PubMed:

25454464

Chemical composition of the essential oil of Amorpha canescens Pursh.

Lis A, Adamczewska A and Banaszczak P (2014).

J Oleo Sci.

PubMed:

25452264