Endocrinology Studies

Estrogen Receptor β Mediated Neuroprotective Efficacy of Cicer microphyllum Seed Extract in Global Hypoxia.

Researchers investigated the potential of Cicer microphyllum seed extract (CSE) to reduce neurodegeneration and improve memory in rats exposed to chronic hypoxia (low oxygen levels). CSE reduced neurodegeneration and dendritic atrophy in CA1 neurons and improved memory in hypoxic rats. This was attributed to antioxidant activity, activation of estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), and phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK1/2), resulting in increased expression of PSD-95. CSE also promoted dendritic arborization and independent of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mediated signalling mechanisms. The findings suggest the neuroprotective potential of CSE in hypoxia and provide evidence for involvement of estrogen receptor and pCREB-mediated nootropic effect of the extract. Toxicological studies show that CSE is safe for consumption.

Sharma D et al (2017).
Neurochem Res.
PubMed:
28861754