Ex vivo and in vivo studies of Viola tricolor Linn. as potential cardio protective and hypotensive agent: Inhibition of voltage-gated Ca(++) ion channels.

Viola tricolor Linn. is a traditional medicine used for its cardio-protective and anti-hypertensive effects. The study aimed to evaluate its effects in in vitro and in vivo studies. The crude extract and its fractions were tested on rabbit atria and aorta, and the blood pressure was measured in normotensive ketamine-diazepam anesthetized rats. The results show that Viola tricolor L. has cardio-relaxant, vasorelaxant, hypotensive, and cardioprotective effects mediated through Voltage dependent L-type calcium channels blockage. The study suggests that Viola tricolor L. can be used to treat cardiovascular disorders.

Saqib F et al (2020).

FASEB J.

DOI:

10.1096/fj.202000658R

PubMed:

32475023

Polygala tenuifolia: a source for anti-Alzheimer's disease drugs.

Deng X et al (2020).

Pharm Biol.

DOI:

10.1080/13880209.2020.1758732

PubMed:

32429787

Evaluation of neuroprotective and anti-amnesic effects of Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb. On scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice.

Researchers evaluated the effect of Elaeagnus umbellata, a plant commonly used for medicinal purposes, on learning and memory in mice. The study aimed to determine whether the plant had any anti-amnesic effects. Results showed that E. umbellata improved learning and memory in the mice, suggesting potential benefits for individuals with memory-related health disorders. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Nazir N et al (2020).

BMC Complement Med Ther.

DOI:

10.1186/s12906-020-02942-3

PubMed:

32397979

Network pharmacology-based strategy to investigate pharmacological mechanisms of Tinospora sinensis for treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers set out to investigate the potential of Tinospora sinensis as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD), a common age-related disease. T. sinensis is a traditional folk medicine in China known for its anti-inflammatory properties. The study used network pharmacology and molecular docking to explore the potential mechanisms of T. sinensis in treating AD. The results suggest that T. sinensis has potential to treat AD through several pathways, including reducing inflammation and amyloid beta toxicity. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and efficacy of T. sinensis in treating AD.

Zhou F et al (2020).

J Ethnopharmacol.

DOI:

10.1016/j.jep.2020.112940

PubMed:

32389853

Phylogeny and taxonomy of powdery mildew on Viburnum species.

The taxonomy of powdery mildew on plant species has been reevaluated and two new species, previously hidden under other names, have been described. Morphological and genetic analyses showed that two previously recognized species should be considered as one. Analyzing genetic sequences from powdery mildew collections around the world revealed that two monophyletic groups are separate from all other species. The study emphasizes the unreliability of taxonomic conclusions based solely on morphological distinctions. Overall, the findings provide important insights into the taxonomy of powdery mildew, which could be important for agriculture and plant breeding.

Bradshaw M et al (2020).

Mycologia.

DOI:

10.1080/00275514.2020.1739508

PubMed:

32374657

Polysaccharide extracted from Potentilla anserina L ameliorate acute hypobaric hypoxia-induced brain impairment in rats.

Researchers studied the protective effects of Potentilla anserina L polysaccharide (PAP) on high altitude cerebral edema (HACE), a condition caused by a lack of oxygen at high altitude that can lead to brain swelling. They measured brain water content, evaluated inflammatory markers and antioxidant activity, and found that PAP reduced brain swelling and tissue damage, lowered levels of harmful molecules, and blocked the activation of pro-inflammatory pathways. This potential new treatment for HACE works by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Shi J et al (2020).

Phytother Res.

DOI:

10.1002/ptr.6691

PubMed:

32298011

Neurodegenerative diseases and Withania somnifera (L.): An update.

Dar NJ and MuzamilAhmad (2020).

J Ethnopharmacol.

DOI:

10.1016/j.jep.2020.112769

PubMed:

32240781

Myrtus communis subsp. communis improved cognitive functions in ovariectomized diabetic rats.

Researchers explored whether Myrtus communis subsp. communis (MC) could alleviate cognitive impairment in diabetic rats that had undergone ovariectomy. To test their hypothesis, the team performed various experiments on the rodents and found that MC significantly improved their cognitive function. The study indicates that MC could serve as a potential therapeutic agent for brain-related disorders in both menopausal women with diabetes and those without the condition.

Kadıoğlu Yaman B et al (2020).

Gene.

DOI:

10.1016/j.gene.2020.144616

PubMed:

32222531