Variability of fatty acid profiles in ferns: Relation to fern taxonomy and seasonal development.

Researchers analyzed 23 fern species from Pacific temperate regions to investigate if they were sources of valuable fatty acids. They found that ferns contain long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, including arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acids. The fatty acid profiles were unrelated to fern taxonomy but were affected by spore presence. The absolute content of arachidonic acid was relatively constant for a species in different seasons, while eicosapentaenoic acid was a minor fatty acid that accumulates during the vegetation period. The study also reported for the first time the presence of sciadonic and juniperonic acids in ferns. The findings suggest that ferns from Pacific temperate regions could be a potential source of valuable fatty acids with potential health benefits.

Nekrasov EV et al (2019).

Phytochemistry.

DOI:

10.1016/j.phytochem.2019.02.015

PubMed:

30856529

New bis-thioglycosyl-1,1'-disulfides from Nasturtium officinale R. Br. and their anti-neuroinflammatory effect.

Researchers have discovered three new bis-thioglycosides (compounds 1-3) and 13 known compounds (compounds 4-16) from the Nasturtium officinale plant family. The team used NMR techniques, HRESIMS, and a chemical method to identify the new compounds. They tested all compounds for their ability to inhibit nitric oxide levels in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine microglia BV-2 cells. Compound 5 demonstrated strong inhibitory effects on nitrogen production, while compounds 4 and 15 showed moderate inhibitory activity, suggesting that bis-thioglycosides could help protect the brain and reduce inflammation.

Lee TH et al (2019).

Bioorg Chem.

DOI:

10.1016/j.bioorg.2019.01.062

PubMed:

30776680

Korean Thistle (Cirsium japonicum var. maackii (Maxim.) Matsum.): A Potential Dietary Supplement against Diabetes and Alzheimer's Disease.

Researchers investigated the activity of different parts of Korean thistle for their potential to inhibit diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Ethyl acetate and dichloromethane fractions of the leaf extract showed α-glucosidase and BACE1 inhibitory activity, respectively. Luteolin, an isolated compound, also exhibited non-competitive inhibition against both α-glucosidase and BACE1. Docking studies showed that luteolin formed a strong hydrogen bond with the peripheral binding amino acid residues and hydrophobic interactions with the enzymes. Korean thistle may be a dietary supplement against these diseases, especially the leaves, due to the preponderance of active luteolin. This promising candidate warrants further in vitro and in vivo studies.

Wagle A et al (2019).

Molecules.

DOI:

10.3390/molecules24030649

PubMed:

30759846

Enantiomeric Isoflavones with neuroprotective activities from the Fruits of Maclura tricuspidata.

Hiep NT et al (2019).

Sci Rep.

DOI:

10.1038/s41598-018-36095-8

PubMed:

30741971

Effects of Leontice leontopetalum and Bongardia chrysogonum on oxidative stress and neuroprotection in PTZ kindling epilepsy in rats.

This study investigated the effects of Leontice leontopetalum and Bongardia chrysogonum on brain function in rats with induced seizures. The extracts were found to have antioxidant effects, decreasing oxidative stress and increasing levels of helpful proteins while reducing harmful ones. The GABAA receptor cell number was similar to that in healthy rats despite the seizures. This research suggests that these extracts could be useful in treating conditions involving brain seizures and oxidative stress.

Ergul Erkec O et al (2018).

Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand).

PubMed:

30672439

Siegesbeckia Orientalis L. Extract Attenuates Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction, Systemic Inflammation, and Neuroinflammation.

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a condition where patients experience cognitive impairment after surgery. This study investigated whether pretreatment with extract, a Chinese herbal medicine used for chronic inflammation, could reduce inflammation and improve cognitive performance in postoperative animals. Male mice were fed different doses of the extract for 14 days before laparotomy. Results showed that animals with extract pretreatment demonstrated memory improvement in a dose-dependent manner compared with control. Evidence for the attenuation of systemic and neuroinflammation was also found, indicating a therapeutic potential of in reducing POCD and the possibility of using this traditional Chinese medicine during surgery.

Chu JMT et al (2018).

Exp Neurobiol.

DOI:

10.5607/en.2018.27.6.564

PubMed:

30636906

Artemisia campestris L.: review on taxonomical aspects, cytogeography, biological activities and bioactive compounds.

This article reviews the taxonomic classification, cytogenetic characteristics, and biological properties of Artemisia campestris L., a plant known for its medicinal, pharmacological, and culinary properties. The review highlights the plant's rich polyphenol, flavonoid, and terpenic compound content, as well as its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, wound healing, and analgesic properties, among others. The study also discusses the preservative properties of the plant's extracts and essential oil, which may have practical applications in the agrifood sector. The article suggests a tight link between certain bioactive compounds found in A. campestris L. and their respective biological activity. The taxonomic and cytogenetic analyses shed light on the plant's evolutionary adaptations to diverse environments.

Dib I and El Alaoui-Faris FE (2019).

Biomed Pharmacother.

DOI:

10.1016/j.biopha.2018.10.149

PubMed:

30551444

Nitric oxide inhibitory limonoids as potential anti-neuroinflammatory agents from Swietenia mahagoni.

Researchers have isolated seven limonoids from Swietenia mahagoni which have potential use as anti-neuroinflammatory agents in treating Alzheimer's disease. Three of the compounds were previously known and four were newly discovered. All of the compounds showed anti-neuroinflammatory activity by inhibiting nitric oxide release in cells. One compound in particular, coded as Compound 5, showed the highest inhibition of nitric oxide release. The researchers investigated the possible mechanism of the compounds and found they interact with the inducible nitric oxide synthase protein. These findings suggest that Swietenia mahagoni may contain useful compounds for treating neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease.

Shi Z et al (2019).

Bioorg Chem.

DOI:

10.1016/j.bioorg.2018.11.012

PubMed:

30502629