The Lignan-Rich Fraction from Sambucus williamsii Hance Exerts Bone Protective Effects via Altering Circulating Serotonin and Gut Microbiota in Rats.
- Xiao HH et al (2022).
- Nutrients.
- DOI:
- 10.3390/nu14224718
- PubMed:
- 36432403
The study assessed the chemical composition, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-acetylcholinesterase activity of two plant essential oils. Both oils were found to have significant biological effects, including inhibiting carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes and antimicrobial activity. One oil was found to be a better inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase and the other showed a greater anti-inflammatory effect. In vivo studies confirmed the anti-inflammatory effect. The study highlights the potential of these oils as natural drugs with significant therapeutic properties.
The study investigated the effectiveness of zonisamide and Nigella sativa (NS) separately and together as a potential treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI) using fruit flies as a model. The flies were pre-treated with the substances before TBI was induced, and mortality rate and locomotor activity were observed. Both substances improved survival rates and locomotor activity, elevated levels of certain neurotransmitters, and reduced glutamate levels. Co-administration of both substances showed even greater neuroprotective potential. This study suggests that zonisamide and NS could be a promising therapeutic medicine for the treatment of TBI.
A study evaluated anthocyanin's therapeutic effects on secondary brain injuries resulting from traumatic brain injuries in rats. They investigated Malondialdehyde content, Na+-K+-ATPase content, and cleaved caspase-3 content. Trauma and solvent-control groups had more severe brain damage and increased Malondialdehyde and cleaved caspase-3 levels, and decreased Na+-K+-ATPase activity compared to the control group. The treatment group had similar histological signs, but Malondialdehyde and Na+-K+-ATPase activity were similar to the control group, and cleaved caspase-3 levels were lower compared to the trauma and solvent-control groups. Anthocyanin extracts may lessen secondary brain injury through anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic mechanisms.
A study investigated Double Stem Cell® (DSC) for its protective effect on Parkinson's disease (PD). MPTP-induced Parkinsonism in mice and genetic model of PD in Drosophila melanogaster were used in the study. MPTP-induced motor deficits were significantly improved by DSC through dose-dependent improvements in motor, cognitive, and motor coordination. Moreover, DSC attenuated neurotoxin-induced oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in mice and Drosophila. The findings suggest that DSC could be a potential alternative treatment option for PD.
Six plant essential oils commonly used in Iranian Traditional Medicine for memory improvement were tested for their ability to inhibit cholinesterase, an enzyme whose inhibition is a key target in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The plants tested were cinnamon, myrtle, rue, dill, nutmeg, and saffron. These findings may support the continued use of these natural remedies for memory improvement and suggest the potential of using these plants for developing drugs to treat AD.
Researchers optimized microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) parameters for extracting secondary metabolites from the medicinal herb (D. Don) DC. They used a Box Behkhen Design (BBD) to optimize microwave power, temperature, and time of irradiation. Compared to conventional methods, MAE significantly increased extract yield, as well as the total phenolic content and total flavonoid content (TFC). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis confirmed higher concentrations of various sesquiterpenes and steroidal compounds in the optimized extract. The optimized extract also showed improved anti-Alzheimer's potential. Thus, MAE could provide a successful and more environmentally friendly way to extract secondary metabolites from this valuable medicinal herb.
This study aimed to compare the neurological responses of cognitively impaired and normal elderly people while viewing different colors, and determine which color had the most positive impact on their emotions. Results showed that blue elicited the highest positive emotional response and may be beneficial for boosting neuro-emotions in elderly individuals. The study emphasizes the importance of mental health in aging populations.