Neuroprotective effect of Decalepis hamiltonii aqueous root extract and purified 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzaldehyde on 6-OHDA induced neurotoxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Scientists investigated the potential for Decalepis hamiltonii to protect against neurotoxicity induced by 6-hydroxy dopamine in Caenorhabditis elegans. They tested two types of extracts, finding the best results with D. hamiltonii Fresh Tuber Extract (DHFE) and D. hamiltonii purified 2H4MB fraction (DHPF). The team observed that both DHFE and DHPF had significant neuroprotective properties against 6-OHDA-induced toxicity, improving mitochondrial function, dopamine content, and antioxidant defence mechanisms. This indicates a potential use for Decalepis hamiltonii in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

Kamireddy K et al (2018).

Biomed Pharmacother.

DOI:

10.1016/j.biopha.2018.06.002

PubMed:

30021395

Stachys sieboldii Extract Supplementation Attenuates Memory Deficits by Modulating BDNF-CREB and Its Downstream Molecules, in Animal Models of Memory Impairment.

Ravichandran VA et al (2018).

Nutrients.

DOI:

10.3390/nu10070917

PubMed:

30018265

Neuroprotective properties of Cantharellus cibarius polysaccharide fractions in different in vitro models of neurodegeneration.

Researchers investigated the neuroprotective properties of Cantharellus cibarius polysaccharides fractions in models of neurodegeneration. The fractions were tested for their influence on neuron viability and antioxidant capacity using various tests. The studies revealed that two tested fractions (CC2a, CC3) had a beneficial effect on neuron viability and outgrowth, as well as demonstrated antioxidant capacity, effectively countering negative changes induced by glutamatergic system activators. These findings suggest that the investigated compounds could be developed for a safe and effective strategy for treating neurodegenerative diseases.

Lemieszek MK et al (2018).

Carbohydr Polym.

DOI:

10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.06.038

PubMed:

30007652

Green leafy vegetables from two Solanum spp. (Solanum nigrum L and Solanum macrocarpon L) ameliorate scopolamine-induced cognitive and neurochemical impairments in rats.

This study looked at the effect of two plants on cognitive function and brain enzymes in rats given a drug that causes cognitive impairment. The rats were given either Black nightshade or African eggplant before being given the drug. The results showed that those who had been given the plants had better memory and better brain enzyme activity than those who had not. The plants also improved the rats' antioxidant status. The study concludes that these plants may be useful in preventing and managing cognitive impairment diseases such as Alzheimer's.

Ogunsuyi OB et al (2018).

Food Sci Nutr.

DOI:

10.1002/fsn3.628

PubMed:

29983948

Dl-3-n-Butylphthalide (NBP): A Promising Therapeutic Agent for Ischemic Stroke.

Ischemic stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, with few treatment options. Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) is the only FDA-approved drug, but its strict therapeutic window limits its use. Dl-3-n-Butylphthalide (NBP), a synthetic compound derived from seeds of the Apium graveolens plant, has shown promise in treating ischemic stroke in multiple clinical studies. NBP has multiple mechanisms of action, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-thrombotic effects, as well as protecting mitochondria. This review highlights the potential of NBP as a powerful multi-target therapy for ischemic stroke.

Wang S et al (2018).

CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets.

DOI:

10.2174/1871527317666180612125843

PubMed:

29895257

Phytochemistry, bioactivity: suggestion of Ceratonia siliqua L. as neurodegenerative disease therapy.

Lakkab I et al (2018).

J Complement Integr Med.

DOI:

10.1515/jcim-2018-0013

PubMed:

29813031

An extract of Synedrella nodiflora (L) Gaertn exhibits antidepressant properties through monoaminergic mechanisms.

Amoateng P et al (2018).

Metab Brain Dis.

DOI:

10.1007/s11011-018-0244-0

PubMed:

29754167

Amanita muscaria (fly agaric): from a shamanistic hallucinogen to the search for acetylcholine.

The mushroom Amanita muscaria, historically used as a fly poison, contains four hallucinogenic compounds. Eastern Siberian shamans have used it as a hallucinogen and inebriant. Henry Dale and Otto Loewi discovered that muscarine was not the transmitter at parasympathetic nerve endings, but acetylcholine was. The receptor is called cholinergic or muscarinic. This knowledge has helped develop drugs like pilocarpine and ipratropium that are used for glaucoma and lung diseases.

Lee MR, Dukan E and Milne I (2018).

J R Coll Physicians Edinb.

DOI:

10.4997/JRCPE.2018.119

PubMed:

29741535