Zingiber officinale ameliorates Alzheimer's disease and Cognitive Impairments: Lessons from preclinical studies.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition that causes cognitive impairments. Researchers are searching for new treatments due to the limited efficacy and side effects of current medications. This study evaluated the potential protective properties of the compounds found in ginger against memory impairments. Both in vitro and in vivo studies were conducted, as well as clinical trials. The results demonstrated that ginger and its components have the potential to improve and prevent memory dysfunctions by targeting oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis. However, more studies are required to evaluate their pharmaceutical aspects.

Talebi M et al (2021).

Biomed Pharmacother.

DOI:

10.1016/j.biopha.2020.111088

PubMed:

33378982

Neuroprotective activity of Ulmus pumila L. in Alzheimer's disease in rats; role of neurotrophic factors.

Hussein RA et al (2020).

Heliyon.

DOI:

10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05678

PubMed:

33367123

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Plagiogyria euphlebia, a fascinating fern with important taxonomic significance.

a group of ferns called the tree ferns. Researchers have successfully sequenced the entire chloroplast genome of a fern called Osmunda claytoniana. The genome consists of 161,046 base pairs, containing 133 genes, including 89 protein-coding genes. The genome revealed that O. claytoniana is closely related to tree ferns. This study offers important taxonomic information and could be used in further studies regarding fern evolution.

Yang X et al (2020).

Mitochondrial DNA B Resour.

DOI:

10.1080/23802359.2020.1716640

PubMed:

33366777

Uncaria rhynchophylla ameliorates unpredictable chronic mild stress-induced depression in mice via activating 5-HT(1A) receptor: Insights from transcriptomics.

Researchers conducted a study to determine if Uncaria rhynchophylla could be effective in treating depression. They induced depression in rats and then administered the herb to some while providing a placebo to others. The rats treated with the herb showed a decrease in depression-like symptoms and an increase in the neurotransmitter serotonin. The study suggests that the herb may be a useful treatment option for depression. However, further research is needed to determine its efficacy in humans.

Qiao YL et al (2021).

Phytomedicine.

DOI:

10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153436

PubMed:

33360346

Pollen morphology of family Solanaceae and its taxonomic significance.

Researchers assessed the pollen micro-morphology of 13 species from 10 genera of the Solanaceae family in different regions of Pakistan. They used light and scanning electron microscopy to examine the qualitative and quantitative features of pollen, including size, shape, polarity, and exine sculpturing. The majority of pollen types were tricolporate and shed as a monad. The researchers developed a taxonomic key and performed Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis to separate the plant species into clusters based on their morphological features. The study emphasizes the importance of palyno-morphological features in identifying Solanaceous taxa and shows that both LM and SEM are crucial in correct identification. Overall, the findings provide a useful tool for accurate and rapid identification of Solanaceous plants in Pakistan.

Ashfaq S et al (2020).

An Acad Bras Cienc.

DOI:

10.1590/0001-3765202020181221

PubMed:

33331396

Indian Medicinal Herbs and Formulations for Alzheimer's Disease, from Traditional Knowledge to Scientific Assessment.

This review focuses on Alzheimer's disease (AD), which causes progressive memory loss, language deficits, depression, and other cognitive impairments. Although commonly used drugs to treat AD often have unsatisfactory results due to its complex causes, there is potential for herbal medicines. This article reviews the experimental evidence for various Indian herbal medicines, including and , which have shown potential in treating cognitive impairment. The popularity of herbal medicines is increasing due to their perceived effectiveness, safety, and affordability. Commonly available herbal formulations for memory impairment in India are also discussed.

Mehla J et al (2020).

Brain Sci.

DOI:

10.3390/brainsci10120964

PubMed:

33321899

Evaluation of the Effect of Hypericum triquetrifolium Turra on Memory Impairment Induced by Chronic Psychosocial Stress in Rats: Role of BDNF.

Chronic stress can damage memory and contribute to depression. While St. John's wort can help with these symptoms, long-term use can have side effects. Researchers investigated whether a plant called Turra, which is similar to St. John's wort, could also help with stress-induced cognitive impairment. Their previous work showed that extracts from Turra are high in antioxidants and hypericin, a component known to combat stress and depression. Results from a rat model of chronic stress showed that Turra did indeed improve cognitive function and reduced the negative effects of stress. Turra could potentially be a natural alternative to synthetic medications for stress-related health issues.

Alzoubi KH et al (2020).

Drug Des Devel Ther.

DOI:

10.2147/DDDT.S278153

PubMed:

33299301

Effect of Artemisia rupestris L. Extract on Gastrointestinal Hormones and Brain-Gut Peptides in Functional Dyspepsia Rats.

Wang C et al (2020).

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.

DOI:

10.1155/2020/2528617

PubMed:

33281909