Acorus calamus extract and its component α-asarone attenuate murine hippocampal neuronal cell death induced by l-glutamate and tunicamycin.

Researchers investigated the effects of Acorus calamus (an Asian medicinal plant) and its component α-asarone on cell death in hippocampal HT22 cells due to oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Both A. calamus extract and α-asarone were found to reduce cell death induced by oxidative and ER stress, as well as decrease reactive oxygen species production induced by oxidative stress. Additionally, they suppressed the phosphorylation of PERK signaling induced by ER stress, indicating their potential therapeutic use for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

Mikami M et al (2021).

Biosci Biotechnol Biochem.

DOI:

10.1093/bbb/zbaa071

PubMed:

33589895

Phytochemical Screening and Evaluation of Antioxidant Properties and Antimicrobial Activity against Xanthomonas axonopodis of Euphorbia tirucalli Extracts in Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam.

Researchers studied the bioactive properties of the Euphorbia tirucalli plant from Binh Thuan, Vietnam. They analyzed its chemical composition and found alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids in certain extracts. The ethyl acetate fraction had the highest amount of polyphenol and flavonoids and showed the most effective antimicrobial activity against bacteria. Scopoletin, gallic acid, and piperic acid were bioactive compounds found in the ethyl acetate fraction that showed promise for treating plant diseases and citrus bacteria canker. This study highlights the potential medicinal properties of this plant and its extracts.

Le NTM et al (2021).

Molecules.

DOI:

10.3390/molecules26040941

PubMed:

33578946

Neuroprotective potential of Malva neglecta is mediated via down-regulation of cholinesterase and modulation of oxidative stress markers.

Malva neglecta, a plant known for its ability to inhibit acetylcholine esterase in vitro, was studied in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease. Rats were treated with different doses of Malva neglecta extract for 21 days and their behavior and brain chemistry were recorded. Treated rats showed improved memory and cognition, and a dose-dependent decrease in acetylcholine esterase activity, which is linked to an increase in acetylcholine that helps memory retention. Additionally, oxidative stress markers were reduced in a dose-dependent manner in the treatment groups. The study suggests that Malva neglecta could potentially ameliorate Alzheimer's symptoms by reducing acetylcholine esterase activity and oxidative stress.

Saleem U et al (2021).

Metab Brain Dis.

DOI:

10.1007/s11011-021-00683-x

PubMed:

33570733

Icariin improves brain function decline in aging rats by enhancing neuronal autophagy through the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 pathway.

Zheng J et al (2021).

Pharm Biol.

DOI:

10.1080/13880209.2021.1878238

PubMed:

33556283

Dietary Supplement Intake and Its Association with Cognitive Function, Physical Fitness, Depressive Symptoms, Nutritional Status and Biochemical Indices in a 3-Year Follow-Up Among Community Dwelling Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study.

This study looked at how taking dietary supplements affects the health of older adults over time. The researchers wanted to see if taking supplements improved cognitive function, physical fitness, and other measures of health. They found that taking supplements at the start of the study did not have a significant impact on these measures over the course of several years. This suggests that taking supplements may not be very effective for improving health in these areas in older adults.

Vanoh D et al (2021).

Clin Interv Aging.

DOI:

10.2147/CIA.S266587

PubMed:

33531799

Effect of Argemone mexicana on Local Edema and LPS-Induced Neuroinflammation.

Scientists investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of Argemone mexican L., a plant commonly used in Mexican traditional medicine. They tested an extract (AmMeOH), a fraction extracted with ethyl acetate (AmAcOEt), and four sub-fractions (AmF-1 to AmF-4) for their effectiveness against inflammation caused by 2-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and neuroinflammation caused by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Treatment with AmAcOEt and AmF-3 showed the greatest reduction in inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the spleen and brain of mice with neuroinflammation. AmF-3 contains three flavonoids, including isoquercetin, which had the highest concentration. These findings suggest that A. mexican L. may have beneficial effects on inflammatory and nervous medical conditions.

Monterrosas-Brisson N et al (2021).

Chem Biodivers.

DOI:

10.1002/cbdv.202000790

PubMed:

33527713

Polygonatum sibiricum Polysaccharides Protect against MPP-Induced Neurotoxicity via the Akt/mTOR and Nrf2 Pathways.

The study investigated the mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of a Chinese medicine tonic called polysaccharides (PSP) on Parkinson's disease (PD). The researchers found that PSP improved locomotor activity and protected dopaminergic neurons in a mouse model of PD. PSP also reduced oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis, and activated signaling pathways that led to antiapoptotic and antioxidative effects. The study suggests that PSP could be a promising therapy for PD. PSP was also found to have no chronic toxicity in mice.

Huang S et al (2021).

Oxid Med Cell Longev.

DOI:

10.1155/2021/8843899

PubMed:

33520086

Pharmacological and toxicological effects of Ruta chalepensis L. on experimentally induced seizures and electroencephalographic spectral power in mice.

In a recent study, researchers investigated the potential anti-inflammatory effects of Ruta chalepensis L. extract. They administered the extract to mice with induced inflammation and found that it significantly reduced inflammation markers in their blood and tissues. The study demonstrates the potential for Ruta chalepensis L. to be developed into a natural anti-inflammatory treatment option. However, further research is necessary to determine whether it is safe and effective for human use.

González-Trujano ME et al (2021).

J Ethnopharmacol.

DOI:

10.1016/j.jep.2021.113866

PubMed:

33485978