Researchers analyzed the chemicals found in Linaria vulgaris and found similar patterns to other Linaria plants, with the presence of several compounds including a new one called 4-carboxy-boonein. The study's findings could have implications for the use of these plants in traditional medicine.
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.