Uncariphyllin A-J, indole alkaloids from Uncaria rhynchophylla as antagonists of dopamine D2 and Mu opioid receptors.

Researchers isolated ten new indole alkaloids from the Uncaria rhynchophylla plant, as well as eleven known analogs. These compounds were evaluated for their bioactivity on dopamine D2 and Mu opioid receptors. Two compounds showed significant antagonistic activity on both receptors, making them promising for developing natural therapeutic drugs for central nervous system diseases.

Xu Y et al (2023).

Bioorg Chem.

DOI:

10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.106257

PubMed:

36375349

Polygonatum sibiricum ameliorated cognitive impairment of naturally aging rats through BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway.

This study found that administration of a traditional Chinese medicine called polygonatum sibiricum (PS) for 5 months effectively improved cognitive function in aging rats. PS improved the Nissl body state in the cortex and hippocampus, as well as synaptic structure and the number of synapses. PS also up-regulated the expression of BDNF-TrkB, which is important for synaptic plasticity. The study suggests that PS has the potential to be developed as a functional food for improving neurological function and anti-aging in the elderly.

Zhang X et al (2022).

J Food Biochem.

DOI:

10.1111/jfbc.14510

PubMed:

36373352

Anti-ischemic Effect of Monoterpene Citronellol on Experimental Stroke Models Mediated by Pro-inflammatory Cytokines.

Researchers studied the effectiveness of citronellol, a compound found in certain plants, in treating cerebral ischemia (a type of stroke). They found that citronellol has potential as an alternative therapy due to its low cost and minimal side effects. Citronellol also has various pharmacological properties that may aid in stroke treatment.

Liu X, Zhu C and Yin Y (2023).

Comb Chem High Throughput Screen.

DOI:

10.2174/1386207326666221110092715

PubMed:

36372917

Total alkaloids from the seed embryo of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. improve cognitive impairment in APP/PS1 mice and protect Aβ-damaged PC12 cells.

Meng XL et al (2023).

Nutr Neurosci.

DOI:

10.1080/1028415X.2022.2145426

PubMed:

36370050

Insight into the Taxonomic and Functional Diversity of Bacterial Communities Inhabiting Blueberries in Portugal.

This study focuses on a dwarf shrub found on the Iberian Peninsula threatened by climate change and wildfires. The researchers aimed to determine its potential as a biofertilizer by analyzing its root and rhizospheric bacterial communities. The study found that the endophytic bacterial diversity is dependent on the plant and that certain strains could be used as multifunctional biofertilizers due to their plant growth-promoting mechanisms and high colonization capacities. The research has implications for sustainable agriculture practices.

Gonçalves AC et al (2022).

Microorganisms.

DOI:

10.3390/microorganisms10112193

PubMed:

36363783

Rhus Coriaria L. Extract: Antioxidant Effect and Modulation of Bioenergetic Capacity in Fibroblasts from Parkinson's Disease Patients and THP-1 Macrophages.

The Mediterranean plant Sumac has been found to have beneficial properties, including neuroprotection and antioxidant effects. Researchers investigated its potential neuroprotective action in Parkinson's disease (PD) by studying its effects on mitochondrial functionality. They found that Sumac extract reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, but the effect on ATP levels varied depending on the individual's genetic mutations. Sumac was also found to polarize macrophages towards an M2 phenotype, which could suggest it as a potential nutraceutical approach to PD.

Isgrò C et al (2022).

Int J Mol Sci.

DOI:

10.3390/ijms232112774

PubMed:

36361562

Aqueous extract of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R. Br. (Fabaceae) exerts antiepileptogenic, anti-amnesic, and anxiolytic-like effects in mice via mechanisms involving antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways.

Kandeda AK et al (2022).

Front Pharmacol.

DOI:

10.3389/fphar.2022.995881

PubMed:

36353486

Structurally diverse lignans from Solanum lyratum: chemical evidence for their acetylcholinease inhibitory activity.

Researchers discovered two new lignans and 11 known lignan analogues from the Thumb. They separated two pairs of enantiomers and determined their structures using various methods. All compounds were tested for their acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. Two compounds showed clear AChE inhibition compared to the positive control. These findings suggest that the Thumb may potentially have therapeutic uses for treating diseases related to acetylcholinesterase dysfunction.

Zhang X et al (2022).

Nat Prod Res.

DOI:

10.1080/14786419.2022.2141736

PubMed:

36345975