Dracaena cochinchinensis stemwood extracts inhibit amyloid-β fibril formation and promote neuronal cell differentiation.
- Ospondpant D et al (2022).
- Front Pharmacol.
- PubMed:
- 36147317
Researchers investigated the medicinal plant Del. and found eight new steroids. Through various methods, they determined the structure and activity of these compounds in reducing neuroinflammation. One compound, in particular, showed promise in reducing inflammation by blocking certain cellular pathways. This study highlights the potential therapeutic benefits of natural compounds in treating neurological disorders.
Shenfu decoction (SFD) is a Chinese medicine that improves heart function. The main ingredients, ginseng and Fuzi, were studied for their effects on menopausal depression. Researchers found that the active components, ginseng total saponins and Fuzi total alkaloids, have antidepressant properties. This is the first study to show the effects of these ingredients on menopausal depression.
Parkinson's disease (PD) is caused by the loss of dopamine neurons in the brain, and its incidence increases with age. Salidroside is a compound found in certain plants, which has been studied for its effects on the nervous system. This review summarizes salidroside's impact on dopamine metabolism, neuronal protection, and glial activation in relation to PD. The article also describes several genes that affect PD susceptibility and the related mechanisms involving antioxidation, inflammation, and autophagy. While these studies were conducted on animals and cells, they suggest that salidroside may be a useful treatment for PD in the future.
Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, has been shown to have neuroprotective properties against neurological disorders. In this study, researchers induced seizures in rats and administered curcumin orally for 17 days. They found that curcumin reduced the number of seizures and protected the rats from brain damage caused by seizures. While curcumin did not prevent seizures or mortality, it attenuated the signs of neuronal damage and inflammation in surviving rats. These results suggest that curcumin may have adaptogen-like effects against brain damage caused by seizures.
Saffron has been traditionally used in Chinese and Islamic medicine to treat depression, and its aroma is known to have calming effects. Researchers studied the composition of saffron's volatile oil and found that it has properties that could potentially help with depression and anxiety. This suggests that saffron may have therapeutic benefits beyond its traditional use as a spice.