Neuroscience Studies

The Combination of Individual Herb of Mi-Jian-Chang-Pu Formula Exerts a Synergistic Effect in the Treatment of Ischemic Stroke in Rats.

Scientists studied the neuroprotective effects of the traditional Chinese medicine formula Mi-Jian-Chang-Pu on ischemic stroke (IS) using pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and metabolomics. They tested the individual herbs and major active components of the formula on rats with MCAO-induced brain damage. The study found that MJCPF had a synergistic effect, demonstrating small infarct volume and improved neural function. The levels of inflammatory factors were brought closer to normal. The formula also promoted drug absorption greater than other compounds tested. The findings suggest the scientific potential of TMC formulas in treating ischemic stroke.

Lu F et al (2022).
Oxid Med Cell Longev.
PubMed:
36312894

Neurobehavioral and Immunohistochemical Studies of the Cerebral Cortex Following Treatment with Ethyl Acetate Leaf Fraction of Tamarindus indica During Prenatal Aluminum Chloride Exposure in Wistar Rats.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of aluminum exposure on brain development. The experiment involved giving pregnant rats a combination of a plant extract (EATI) and aluminum chloride. The researchers observed changes in behavior and brain tissue in the offspring. This study highlights the potential harm of increased aluminum exposure on brain development and calls for further research.

Usman IM et al (2022).
J Exp Pharmacol.
PubMed:
36303592

Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activities of Essential Oils from Vietnamese Traditional Medicinal Plants.

This study evaluated essential oils from several plants in the Lamiaceae family for their ability to inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which is important for treating Alzheimer's disease and as a safe pesticide. The results showed promising activity in the oils of some species, which could potentially control mosquito vectors that transmit pathogenic viruses or support Alzheimer's treatment. Molecular simulations were also performed to investigate how the oils may work to inhibit AChE.

Hung NH et al (2022).
Molecules.
PubMed:
36296686

Taxonomy and Phylogenetic Appraisal of Dothideomycetous Fungi Associated with Magnolia, Lilium longiflorum and Hedychium coronarium.

This study identified new saprobic microfungi species from dead plant materials of different species using DNA and morphological characterization. Two new species were discovered in Thailand and another was the first asexual morph species in its genus. Additionally, two new host records were reported. The study provides detailed descriptions, micrographs, and phylogenetic trees to compare the newly discovered species with similar ones.

Silva NI et al (2022).
J Fungi (Basel).
PubMed:
36294659

Analysis of Antioxidant Constituents from Ilex rotunda and Evaluation of Their Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability.

A study investigated the antioxidant composition of Thunb., a plant commonly used for medicinal purposes. Twig extracts showed the best potential for antioxidant capacity, and the -butanol fraction had the highest antioxidant effect. Eight marker compounds were isolated, and their structures determined. One compound (4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid) showed significant antioxidant activity and penetrated the blood-brain barrier. This compound could be used as a potential therapeutic candidate for central nervous system drug discovery.

Kim CK et al (2022).
Antioxidants (Basel).
PubMed:
36290712

Communiferulins, farnesylated coumarins from the roots of Ferula communis and their anti-neuroinflammatory activity.

Four compounds were isolated from Ferula communis roots and characterized using spectroscopic analysis and NMR data calculation. Three new farnesylated coumarins and a farnesylated chromone were identified, and their structures were determined. The compounds were found to have inhibitory activities on IL-1β production from stimulated microglial cells.

Yoshino Y et al (2023).
J Nat Med.
PubMed:
36289185

Natural Products for the Treatment of Drug Addiction: Narrative Review.

Drug addiction is a chronic disorder with limited treatment options. Natural products may offer a solution. This review examines different approaches to treating drug addiction, with a focus on six plants including Tabernanthe iboga and Withania somnifera.

Raslan MA et al (2022).
Chem Biodivers.
PubMed:
36285806