Coriander, an herb commonly used as a food additive and native to the Mediterranean regions, has been traditionally used to treat a variety of gastrointestinal disorders. All parts of the plant are edible and have been used to treat digestive problems, colic, flatulence, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal diseases.
This study evaluated the potential of Mentha longifolia (MML) to protect against kidney damage caused by serotonin-induced hypoglycemia in diabetic rats. Serotonin treatment caused hypoglycemia, impaired the body's defense system, and caused abnormal kidney histopathology. However, treatment with MML extract rescued these changes and reduced the associated toxicity. The study suggests that using MML may be a useful treatment for preventing kidney damage in diabetic patients.
Rhodiola sacra is a component with many medicinal uses, including anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation. Researchers investigated its neuroprotective effects against transient global cerebral ischemia (tGCI) in male rats. They found that pretreatment or/and post-treatment significantly reduced neuronal injury, inhibited glial activation, and improved cognitive function. Molecular docking showed that Rhodiola sacra targets adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) α2-subunit and upregulates phosphorylated AMPK and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Additionally, Rhodiola sacra increased heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression and activity and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the hippocampal CA1 region. These findings demonstrate that Rhodiola sacra prevents oxidant stress and protects neurons through activating the AMPK/Nrf2 pathway.
Researchers investigated the antidepressant potential of the crude methanolic extract of Abutilon indicum Linn (A. indicum). Tests on Swiss-albino mice showed that A. indicum has significant dose-dependent antidepressant and anxiolytic potential, which peaks at the highest dose. A. indicum has significant pharmacological potential against anxiety and depression.
In this study, computational drug design was used to identify compounds that can inhibit the GSK-3β enzyme, which is implicated in Alzheimer's disease. The researchers found that loganin, a compound found in the common snowberry plant, was the most effective inhibitor. This was confirmed through both molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. The results suggest that loganin and other iridoid glycosides could be promising candidates for Alzheimer's treatment, but further studies are needed.
Researchers assessed the relationship between tree canopy cover and plant diversity in Yekaterinburg, Russia, focusing on the impact of alien ash-leaved maple (Acer negundo). They found that areas dominated by A. negundo had decreased plant diversity compared to areas dominated by native tree species, with a 40% decrease in inter-habitat and 20% in intra-habitat settings. The increased canopy cover from A. negundo limited light for other species, leading to a negative impact on native plant communities.
This study looked at the potential for a flavonoid-rich extract of Betula pendula leaves to protect against neurotoxicity caused by aluminum in rats. The extract was given orally for 21 days and was found to reduce oxidative damage, down-regulate acetylcholinesterase mRNA, and improve histological features in the brain. Molecular interactions were also investigated and strong connections were found with key antioxidant enzymes. These findings suggest a neuroprotective effect of the extract against aluminum-induced neurotoxicity.