Beneficial effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in ocular pathologies, particularly neurodegenerative retinal diseases.
- Fernández-Albarral JA et al (2020).
- Neural Regen Res.
- PubMed:
- 31997799
The plant Centipeda minima has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments. Recent studies show that the ethanol extract of C. minima has anti-bacterial, anti-arthritis, and anti-inflammatory properties, but its effects on neuroinflammation are unknown. No reports have been made on the mechanisms behind this.
In this study, researchers investigated the effects of natural products from a medicinal plant called on brain damage induced by kainic acid. They administered methanolic and acetonic extracts and quercetin at different doses to male Wistar rats and found that the natural products protected against the hyperexcitability underlying the damage caused by kainic acid-induced seizures. The group treated with natural products had decreased seizure severity and increased seizure latency compared to the control group. They also found that the natural products had antioxidant effects that protected against reactive oxygen species (ROS) and modulation of antioxidant enzyme activity. These findings suggest that organic extracts and quercetin from may have potential as anticonvulsant agents.
Researchers investigated the effect of alkaloid extracts from and leaves on aluminum-induced toxicity in fruit flies. The flies were exposed to aluminum and the extracts, then assessed for learning, memory, and movement. The results suggest that the alkaloids improved behavioral and biochemical impairments caused by aluminum toxicity. Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, caffeine, and carpaine were found in the extracts. These findings indicate that alkaloid extracts from these leaves could potentially be used to manage neurodegenerative diseases.