Effect of an anxiolytic botanical containing Souroubea sympetala and Platanus occidentalis on in-vitro diazepam human cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism.

Scientists have developed a new natural health product for anxious pets, containing extracts from Souroubea sympetala and Platanus occidentalis plants. A study was conducted to investigate whether the plant extracts and their bioactive compounds could interact with conventional anti-anxiety medication diazepam in pets. The research found that the plant extracts did not significantly affect the activity of cytochrome P450 isozymes, which indicates a lower risk of negative drug interactions. The findings highlight the potential benefits of using natural health products to complement traditional medication for pet anxiety. However, further clinical evaluations are needed to determine the full efficacy of the product.

Liu R et al (2019).

J Pharm Pharmacol.

DOI:

10.1111/jphp.13045

PubMed:

30467864

Hypericum perforatum in the treatment of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders: Current evidence and potential mechanisms of action.

Zirak N et al (2019).

J Cell Physiol.

DOI:

10.1002/jcp.27781

PubMed:

30461013

Forestalling the Epidemics of Parkinson's Disease Through Plant-Based Remedies.

This review examines six plants, three from European and Asian traditional medicinal systems, for their potential to treat Parkinson's disease. One of the plants (Datura stramonium) is commonly known for its poisonous effects, but all six plants contain compounds with potential neuroprotective and anti-neurodegenerative effects. Specifically, is known for its high antioxidant potential and neuroprotective/anti-apoptotic activity. Complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) are gaining popularity for the treatment of chronic diseases like Parkinson's, which imposes a heavy burden among individuals and economies worldwide.

Banjari I et al (2018).

Front Nutr.

DOI:

10.3389/fnut.2018.00095

PubMed:

30425989

Mimengosides J and K: two new neuroprotective triterpenoids from the fruits of Buddleja lindleyana.

Researchers isolated two new compounds, mimengosides J and K, from the fruits of Buddleja lindleyana. They also tested these compounds for their protective effects on nerve cells, finding that they may be a candidate for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Seven known compounds were also identified.

Zhang W et al (2019).

J Asian Nat Prod Res.

DOI:

10.1080/10286020.2018.1516211

PubMed:

30404553

Identification of GSK-3 as a Potential Therapeutic Entry Point for Epilepsy.

Aourz N et al (2019).

ACS Chem Neurosci.

DOI:

10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00281

PubMed:

30351911

Eupatilin inhibits microglia activation and attenuates brain injury in intracerebral hemorrhage.

The study aimed to investigate the effect of a flavone called eupatilin on inflammation caused by intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)-induced brain injury. Eupatilin was found to significantly inhibit microglial migration and decrease the production of inflammatory cytokines. The study also found that eupatilin inhibited NF-κB activation in BV2 cells. The results suggest that eupatilin has neurological protective effects and could be used as a therapeutic target for ICH.

Qiao HB et al (2018).

Exp Ther Med.

DOI:

10.3892/etm.2018.6699

PubMed:

30344678

Kaempferol attenuates cognitive deficit via regulating oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in an ovariectomized rat model of sporadic dementia.

The study investigated the effects of kaempferol (Kmp) isolated from medlar leaves on cognitive deficit and biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's disease in rat models. Results showed that Kmp significantly improved spatial learning and memory and increased levels of antioxidant enzymes while decreasing markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. The study suggests that Kmp may be a potential neuroprotective agent against cognitive deficit in Alzheimer's disease.

Kouhestani S, Jafari A and Babaei P (2018).

Neural Regen Res.

DOI:

10.4103/1673-5374.238714

PubMed:

30136699

Volatile Terpenes and Brain Function: Investigation of the Cognitive and Mood Effects of Mentha × Piperita L. Essential Oil with In Vitro Properties Relevant to Central Nervous System Function.

Essential oils from various plants in the Lamiaceae sub-family Nepetoideae have been shown to have cognitive and mood effects possibly related to their effects on neurotransmitters. Researchers conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study to assess the cognitive and mood effects of peppermint essential oil, which showed promising in vitro properties. The study involved 24 participants who consumed single doses of encapsulated placebo and peppermint essential oil. The highest dose of essential oil improved performance on the demanding Rapid Visual Information Processing task and attenuated fatigue, compared to the placebo. Peppermint oil also showed cholinergic inhibitory, calcium regulatory, and GABA/nicotinic receptor binding properties. Future studies should examine higher doses of peppermint essential oil.

Kennedy D et al (2018).

Nutrients.

DOI:

10.3390/nu10081029

PubMed:

30087294