Anti-depressive-like and cognitive impairment alleviation effects of Gastrodia elata Blume water extract is related to gut microbiome remodeling in ApoE(-/-) mice exposed to unpredictable chronic mild stress.

Gastrodia elata Blume (GE) is a traditional Chinese treatment for neurological disorders. Recent tests with a water extract of GE showed it can reduce inflammation and enhance social behavior in mice. But, it wasn't known if the extract could also alleviate depression-like symptoms and cognitive issues in mice with gut microbiome problems.

Huang HS et al (2023).

J Ethnopharmacol.

DOI:

10.1016/j.jep.2022.115872

PubMed:

36343797

The Neuroprotective Role of Acorus calamus in Developmental and Histopathological Changes in Autism-Induced Wistar Rats.

Researchers created a rat model of autism by administering a drug called sodium valproate to pregnant rats on the 12th day of pregnancy. They then gave an ethanolic extract of Withania somnifera, a medicinal plant, to some of the rat pups in the autism-induced group. After 15 days of the drug exposure, the rats were sacrificed, and their brain tissue was collected for histopathological analysis. Results showed that autism-induced rat pups showed delayed appearance of neurological reflexes and neurodegenerative changes were observed in group II. However, group III (autism treated with the plant extract) did not show significant alteration, suggesting that the plant extract protected against autism pathology.

Ukkirapandian K et al (2022).

Cureus.

DOI:

10.7759/cureus.29717

PubMed:

36340563

Neuroprotective Effects of Natural Antioxidants Against Branched-Chain Fatty Acid-Induced Oxidative Stress in Cerebral Cortex and Cerebellum Regions of the Rat Brain.

Valproic acid (VPA) is a neurotoxic fatty acid that may cause oxidative stress. In a study using rat brains, researchers tested the protective effects of antioxidants (melatonin, quercetin, and piperine) on VPA-induced stress. Results showed that these antioxidants were effective in preventing VPA-induced oxidative stress and mitigated the effects of VPA on certain brain activities. This suggests that a diet high in these antioxidants could be beneficial in combatting the negative effects of VPA.

Chaudhary S, Pinky and Parvez S (2022).

ACS Omega.

DOI:

10.1021/acsomega.2c00163

PubMed:

36340064

Solanoids F - I: Terpenoids from Solanum lyratum with neuroprotective effects against H(2)O(2)-induced SH-SY5Y cell injuries.

Solanum lyratum contains four new terpenoids (solanoids F-I) and eleven known compounds that were characterized using spectroscopic techniques. Compounds 1-6, 8, and 12-15 showed neuroprotective effects against oxidative damage in human cells. The study also used gene and pathway analyses to identify potential targets for these compounds in Alzheimer's disease.

Chang Y et al (2022).

Fitoterapia.

DOI:

10.1016/j.fitote.2022.105346

PubMed:

36336135

Increasing brain glucose uptake by Gypenoside LXXV ameliorates cognitive deficits in a mouse model of diabetic Alzheimer's disease.

In a study, Gypenoside LXXV (GP-75), a natural plant compound, was administered to mice with Alzheimer's disease and diabetes. GP-75 improved cognitive function, glucose control, and insulin sensitivity in the mice. It also reduced beta-amyloid buildup in the brain and increased glucose uptake. The treatment worked by activating certain signaling pathways in the brain. These findings suggest that GP-75 has potential for treating cognitive impairment in humans with Alzheimer's and diabetes.

Meng X et al (2023).

Phytother Res.

DOI:

10.1002/ptr.7639

PubMed:

36325883

Achyranthes aspera ameliorates stress induced depression in mice by regulating neuroinflammatory cytokines.

Researchers investigated the effects of Linn. on depressive symptoms in mice with chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression. Linn. is a well-known nerve tonic in traditional Indian medicine. The study aimed to determine if it had similar antidepressant effects in animals. The findings suggest that Linn. may have potential as an alternative treatment for certain psychiatric disorders.

Gawande D et al (2022).

J Tradit Complement Med.

DOI:

10.1016/j.jtcme.2022.06.001

PubMed:

36325246

Neuroprotective effects of a new triterpenoid from edible mushroom on oxidative stress and apoptosis through the BDNF/TrkB/ERK/CREB and Nrf2 signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo.

Researchers identified 10 secondary metabolites from the edible mushroom Fr. Pilat, including a new lanostane triterpenoid. The neuroprotective function of all steroidal metabolites was investigated, and results showed that 2α-HI exhibited the most significant neuroprotective activity. The Nrf2 and BDNF/TrkB/ERK/CREB signaling pathway mediated the neuroprotective effects of 2α-HI against oxidative stress and apoptosis. The neuroprotection of 2α-HI was also verified in zebrafish. These findings suggest that Fr. Pilat could be a potential dietary supplement to ameliorate neurodegenerative diseases.

Kou RW et al (2022).

Food Funct.

DOI:

10.1039/d2fo02854a

PubMed:

36321740

In vitro acetylcholinesterase, tyrosinase inhibitory potentials of secondary metabolites from Euphorbia schimperiana and Euphorbia balsamifera.

Aljubiri SM et al (2022).

Z Naturforsch C J Biosci.

DOI:

10.1515/znc-2021-0178

PubMed:

36321624