Jatamansinol from Nardostachys jatamansi: a multi-targeted neuroprotective agent for Alzheimer's disease.

This study looks at a plant called D.Don DC, which has traditionally been used to treat neurological disorders, and its potential as a drug candidate for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Using computational drug discovery techniques, the study found that certain pyranocoumarins from the plant, such as dihydrojatamansin and jatamansinol, could be potential drug candidates for AD. The study also found that dihydrojatamansin inhibits acetylcholinesterase, while jatamansinol inhibits other AD therapeutic targets. These findings could lead to new treatments for AD.

Anupama KP et al (2023).

J Biomol Struct Dyn.

DOI:

10.1080/07391102.2021.2005681

PubMed:

34854369

Elsholtzia rugulosa: Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant, Anti-Alzheimer's Disease, Antidiabetic, Antibacterial, Cytotoxic and Hepatoprotective Activities.

Liu L et al (2022).

Plant Foods Hum Nutr.

DOI:

10.1007/s11130-021-00941-4

PubMed:

34853948

In vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects, and in vitro antioxidant, antiglycant and anti-neuroinflammatory actions of Syzygium malaccense.

Mendes RF et al (2021).

An Acad Bras Cienc.

DOI:

10.1590/0001-3765202120210457

PubMed:

34852065

Pollen morphology and its taxonomic potential in some selected taxa of Caesalpiniaceae observed under light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

Scientists in Pakistan studied the pollen traits of plants in the subfamily Caesalpiniaceae to better understand their taxonomy. They collected samples from various regions and analyzed them using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. They found significant variation in features such as equatorial shape, surface ornamentation, tectum, polar diameter, equatorial diameter, and exine thickness. A taxonomic key was developed to aid in the identification of species. This study highlights the importance of pollen traits in defining species boundaries and advancing the taxonomy of this subfamily.

Ullah F et al (2022).

Microsc Res Tech.

DOI:

10.1002/jemt.24004

PubMed:

34850481

Moringa oleifera: A Tree of Life as a Promising Medicinal Plant for Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Ghimire S et al (2021).

J Agric Food Chem.

DOI:

10.1021/acs.jafc.1c04581

PubMed:

34843254

Morphohistometric analysis of the effects of Coriandrum sativum on cortical and cerebellar neurotoxicity.

The study aimed to investigate the effects of natural compounds on lead-induced neurotoxicity. These compounds have the ability to bind to metal ions and remove harmful oxygen molecules. The experimenters analyzed the morphological changes associated with lead exposure and found that the natural compounds had a protective effect against lead-induced damage. This suggests that these compounds may have potential therapeutic applications for heavy metal neurotoxicity.

Mustafa HN et al (2021).

Avicenna J Phytomed.

DOI:

10.22038/AJP.2021.18107

PubMed:

34804896

Monoterpene indole alkaloids from Vinca minor L. (Apocynaceae): Identification of new structural scaffold for treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers identified a previously unknown indole alkaloid and 22 known compounds in Vinca minor L. plants using a range of analytical techniques. They screened these alkaloids for their ability to inhibit enzymes involved in cognitive function and found that (-)-2-ethyl-3[2-(3-ethylpiperidinyl)-ethyl]-1H-indole has significant butyrylcholinesterase inhibition activity, with potential to cross the blood-brain barrier. This finding could help develop new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

Vrabec R et al (2022).

Phytochemistry.

DOI:

10.1016/j.phytochem.2021.113017

PubMed:

34798410

Glial Nrf2 signaling mediates the neuroprotection exerted by Gastrodia elata Blume in Lrrk2-G2019S Parkinson's disease.

Researchers studied the effect of water extracts from the herbal medicine Blume (GE) on G2019S-induced Parkinson's disease (PD) in flies and mice. The study found that treatment with GE improved locomotion and protected dopaminergic neurons. GE suppressed the hyperactivation of G2019S proteins in dopaminergic neurons and activated the antioxidation and detoxification factor Nrf2 mainly in astrocyte-like and ensheathing glia. This glial activation antagonized G2019S-induced Mad/Smad signaling and prevented locomotion defects and neuronal loss in transgenic mice. These findings may offer a potential therapeutic avenue for PD.

Lin YE et al (2021).

Elife.

DOI:

10.7554/eLife.73753

PubMed:

34779396