Neuroscience Studies

Seasonal and Geographic Variation in Serotonin Content in Sea Buckthorn.

Sea buckthorn, a plant able to withstand harsh environments, can have high serotonin levels. Researchers investigated using non-fruit parts of sea buckthorn as a natural source of serotonin extracted through a mechanochemical method using woody shoots. Serotonin varied between plant varieties, regions, harvesting time, and was prone to degradation. Preparation techniques were important for maintaining serotonin levels. Maximum extract was achieved using air circulation at 60-80°C. Annual concentration changes were up to 10-fold. Industrial cultivation and harvesting was considered.

Galitsyn G, Lomovskiy I and Podgorbunskikh E (2023).
Plant Foods Hum Nutr.
PubMed:
36534234

Dihydromyricetin ameliorates social isolation-induced anxiety by modulating mitochondrial function, antioxidant enzymes, and BDNF.

Chronic social isolation is a psychological stressor that can induce neurobehavioral changes associated with anxiety disorders. This study observed the effects of social isolation on mitochondrial function and antioxidative enzymes. Treatment with dihydromyricetin counteracted the changes induced by social isolation on antioxidative enzymes, autophagy, and the BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway. These findings help explain the anxiolytic effects of dihydromyricetin and highlight the importance of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of anxiety.

Al Omran AJ et al (2022).
Neurobiol Stress.
PubMed:
36532369

Antidepressant-Like Activity of Solvent Fractions of the Root Bark of Carissa spinarum Linn. (Apocynaceae) in Rodents Involves Multiple Signaling Pathways.

Scientists researched the use of root bark from Linn. plants in the treatment of depression based on claims in Ethiopian folkloric medicine. They found that crude extracts of the bark had an antidepressant-like effect in rodents. This research suggests that Linn. root bark may have potential as a natural treatment for depression.

Ali HS and Engidawork E (2022).
J Exp Pharmacol.
PubMed:
36531440

Chinese traditional formula Kaixin San suppressed ferroptosis of hippocampal neurons and cardiomyocytes in mice with paradoxical sleep deprivation.

Kaixin San (KXS) is a traditional Chinese medicine used for emotion-thought diseases. Researchers investigated whether it benefits hippocampal neurons and myocardial cells of mice with paradoxical sleep deprivation (PSD) and its mechanism. KXS was found to effectively improve PSD-induced damage to the hippocampus and myocardium, likely due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These findings suggest KXS may be a potential treatment for sleep deprivation-related diseases.

Cao Y et al (2023).
J Ethnopharmacol.
PubMed:
36529245

Biochemical and behavioral effects of rosmarinic acid treatment in an animal model of Parkinson's disease induced by MPTP.

Researchers evaluated the potential neuroprotective effects of rosmarinic acid (RA) in a murine model of Parkinson's disease (PD) induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). RA was found to prevent hyperlocomotion behavior in MPTP-treated animals and improve the monoaminergic system in healthy animals. RA also increased dopaminergic signaling in the parkinsonian mice, indicating potential neuroprotective properties for RA in preventing behavioral features observed in PD and improving neurotransmission in the healthy brain.

Presti-Silva SM et al (2023).
Behav Brain Res.
PubMed:
36526017

Attenuation of hyperglycemia-associated dyslipidemic, oxidative, cognitive, and inflammatory crises via modulation of neuronal ChEs/NF-κB/COX-2/NOx, and hepatorenal functional deficits by the Tridax procumbens extract.

A study evaluated the effects of Tridax procumbens (cotton buttons) extract on rats with induced type 2 diabetes. The extract improved fasting blood glucose levels, insulin levels, dyslipidemia, and antioxidant status while decreasing proinflammatory mediators. The most abundant bioactive compounds identified were isorhamnetin, bixin, and lupeol. The study shows promise for TPME as an alternative therapeutic option for managing diabetic complications.

Hogan IA et al (2023).
Biomed Pharmacother.
PubMed:
36525818

Mitigation of apoptosis-mediated neurotoxicity induced by silver nanoparticles via rutaceae nutraceuticals: P53 activation and Bax/Bcl-2 regulation.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in cancer treatment, but their potential neurotoxicity has not been studied. Swiss Albino mice were exposed to two sizes of AgNPs and treated with extracts from leaves, fruits, and seeds. Oxidative stress occurred after AgNP exposure, but treatment with the extracts modulated biomarkers related to apoptosis and neurotoxicity. The study suggests that AgNPs can induce neurotoxicity and genetic changes, but the extracts show promise in mitigating these effects.

Abdel-Megeed RM et al (2022).
Toxicol Rep.
PubMed:
36518464

Antidepressant-like effects of geniposide in chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced mice by regulating the circ_0008405/miR-25-3p/Gata2 and Oip5os1/miR-25-3p/Gata2 networks.

Geniposide (GP) is a compound found in Gardenia jasminoides Ellis that has been found to have anti-depressive activities. Researchers investigated the anti-depressive mechanism of GP in mice with depression-like behaviors induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). GP administration was found to reduce depression-like behaviors in CUMS mice, with transcriptome sequencing identifying Gata2 as a target. GP was found to regulate the circ_0008405/miR-25-3p/Gata2 and Oip5os1/miR-25-3p/Gata2 crosstalk networks, which could lead to potential antidepressant-like effects on CUMS mice.

Zhao Y et al (2023).
Phytother Res.
PubMed:
36515407