Phytotherapy in treatment of Parkinson's disease: a review.

This review article discusses the potential of medicinal plants in treating Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is a neurological disorder that causes motor disorders such as tremors and stiffness. The article includes 12 plant-derived active ingredients and 18 herbal extracts that have been studied for their effects on PD. These compounds have been found to affect PD by targeting pathways associated with the pathogenesis of the disease. Some herbal extracts and active ingredients have shown positive effects in animal models of PD, but additional studies are needed to investigate potential active ingredients and mechanisms of action. This field offers numerous perspectives for future studies on plants and their bioactive compounds.

Rabiei Z, Solati K and Amini-Khoei H (2019).

Pharm Biol.

DOI:

10.1080/13880209.2019.1618344

PubMed:

31141426

Bioactivities of serotonin transporter mediate antidepressant effects of Acorus tatarinowii Schott.

A. tatarinowii Schott, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used for centuries to treat neuropsychiatric and digestive disorders. Several studies have shown that it has antidepressant effects, but the mechanisms by which it works are still unknown.

Zhang FH et al (2019).

J Ethnopharmacol.

DOI:

10.1016/j.jep.2019.111967

PubMed:

31128148

Evaluation of anticonvulsant and antiepileptogenic activity of Euphorbia nivulia in PTZ-induced kindling model of epilepsy in mice.

Researchers explored the anticonvulsant and antiepileptogenic activity of extracts from various plants, finding that an extract from Euphorbia nivulia showed concentration-dependent anticonvulsant effects and protection against seizure-induced mortality in mice. The extract also reduced the progression of epilepsy when tested against a chemical kindling model. Analysis of the extract's FT-IR spectra suggested the presence of novel compounds responsible for the observed effects. These findings could pave the way for further research on natural treatments for epilepsy.

Rehman AH et al (2019).

Pak J Pharm Sci.

PubMed:

31081782

Central nervous system depressant effects of fractions of methanol leaf extract of Cissus cornifolia (Baker) Planch.

Yaro AH et al (2019).

Pak J Pharm Sci.

PubMed:

31081767

Systems Pharmacological Approach to Investigate the Mechanism of Ohwia caudata for Application to Alzheimer's Disease.

This study explored the potential of a traditional Chinese medicine, OC, for treating Alzheimer's disease. Using computer modeling, the researchers identified new compounds from OC that may improve oral bioavailability and blood-brain barrier permeability. These compounds were found to have multiple effects on AD-related pathways and processes, suggesting that they may have synergistic effects for treating AD. The study sheds light on the complex mechanisms of OC and highlights its potential as a multi-target therapy for AD.

Sun YW et al (2019).

Molecules.

DOI:

10.3390/molecules24081499

PubMed:

30999553

Effects of Oenothera biennis L. and Hypericum perforatum L. extracts on some central nervous system myelin proteins, brain histopathology and oxidative stress in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

This study looked at the effects of two plant extracts, Oenothera biennis and Hypericum perforatum, on brain tissue in mice with multiple sclerosis (MS). The extracts were found to decrease myelin loss, a hallmark of MS, and amyloid deposition on vascular walls. The extracts also improved antioxidant levels and decreased oxidative stress in the brain tissue of the mice. The study suggests that Oenothera biennis and Hypericum perforatum have potential therapeutic benefits for MS treatment.

Selek S et al (2019).

Biotech Histochem.

DOI:

10.1080/10520295.2018.1482001

PubMed:

30957550

Quassinoids from Picrasma quassioides and Their Neuroprotective Effects.

Scientists discovered eight new and 15 known quassinoids in the stems of Picrasma quassioides. These compounds were studied for their ability to protect against cell damage and were found to have neuroprotective properties. Specifically, the compounds appeared to suppress cell apoptosis and reduce caspase-3 activation. This study highlights the potential of quassinoids from P. quassioides as neuroprotective agents.

Zhao WY et al (2019).

J Nat Prod.

DOI:

10.1021/acs.jnatprod.8b00470

PubMed:

30917277

Alkaloids from the rhizomes of Ligusticum striatum exert antimigraine effects through regulating 5-HT(1B) receptor and c-Jun.

Pu ZH et al (2019).

J Ethnopharmacol.

DOI:

10.1016/j.jep.2019.03.026

PubMed:

30880256