Withanolides, the hidden gem in Physalis minima: A mini review on their anti-inflammatory, anti-neuroinflammatory and anti-cancer effects.
- Lem FF et al (2022).
- Food Chem.
- PubMed:
- 35033733
Anxiety disorders are prevalent and costly in the U.S. Despite available treatments, many patients experience side-effects or resistance. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the issue. Dihydromyricetin (DHM), a flavonoid found in Ampelopsis grossedentata, has been shown to have anxiolytic properties in mouse models. The authors investigated the effect of short-term social isolation on the neuroimmune system and found evidence that the GABAergic system plays a role in modulating immune response. These findings may lead to new therapies for anxiety disorders.
In this study, rats were treated with Sanguisorba minor extract to assess its potential benefits in improving learning and memory functions. The extract was found to reduce both escape latency and the travelled distance in Morris water maze tests, and increase latency to enter the dark chamber in passive avoidance tests, similar to the effects of the drug rivastigmine. Additionally, the extract decreased AChE activity and oxidative injury in the brain, suggesting its protective effects on cognitive dysfunction. These findings suggest that S. minor could be considered as an alternative therapy for cognition disorders.
This review evaluated studies on the role of herbal medicines in managing brain injury. Researchers searched various databases and found 32 studies with medicinal plants like Ginkgo biloba and olive that showed significant improvements in brain injury. The plants worked through different mechanisms, such as reducing free radicals and nitric oxide toxicity and increasing neuronal density. The review summarized the neuroprotective actions and molecular mechanisms of each plant. Overall, herbal medicines show promise in preventing and managing brain injury.
Researchers studied the potential of extracts from four types of lichens, including their major secondary metabolites, as therapies for central nervous system diseases, particularly glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). They standardized the extracts and metabolites and tested their anti-tumor activity, anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant activity, and anti-cholinesterase activity. The results showed that lichen-derived compounds have significant cytotoxicity against GBM cells, ability to inhibit certain enzymes, and positive anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, some compounds can cross the blood-brain barrier, making them suitable for CNS treatment, particularly in GBM.
Researchers obtained extracts from tamarillo fruit and optimized the extraction process for neuroprotective properties. The optimized extract showed high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and inhibited enzymes associated with Alzheimer's disease without toxicity. Chemical characterization revealed key metabolites responsible for the observed biological properties. The study suggests that tamarillo extracts could have potential as a natural by-product with multiple benefits for Alzheimer's disease.