Antioxidant activity, acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibitory potential of Pulmonaria officinalis and Centarium umbellatum extracts.

The study tested the antioxidant activity, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory potential, and tyrosinase inhibitory potential of two extracts (aqueous and ethanolic) of two medicinal plants. The extracts of the plants were found to have high levels of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, flavones, and proanthocyanidins. The extracts showed significant acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibitory activity, as well as DPPH radical inhibition. These plants could potentially be used as natural sources of antioxidants in the food industry and for the management of neurodegenerative disorders.

Neagu E et al (2018).

Saudi J Biol Sci.

DOI:

10.1016/j.sjbs.2016.02.016

PubMed:

29686522

Polygonum aviculare L. extract reduces fatigue by inhibiting neuroinflammation in restraint-stressed mice.

This study tested whether PAE could alleviate neuropsychological symptoms in chronic fatigue patients. They found that PAE treatment reduced pain and depression scores in the patients, and improved immune system functioning. The researchers suggest that PAE may be a potential new treatment option for chronic fatigue patients, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Park SH et al (2018).

Phytomedicine.

DOI:

10.1016/j.phymed.2018.03.042

PubMed:

29655685

Antioxidant Properties of Crocus Sativus L. and Its Constituents and Relevance to Neurodegenerative Diseases; Focus on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease.

In this study, researchers investigated the effects of the medicinal plant Crocus Sativus L. on reactive oxygen-nitrogen species, which are produced during cellular reactions. They found that certain compounds in the plant were able to reduce these harmful species, potentially providing a protective effect against oxidative stress. This study highlights the potential benefits of using medicinal plants as natural remedies for oxidative stress-related diseases.

Hatziagapiou K et al (2019).

Curr Neuropharmacol.

DOI:

10.2174/1570159X16666180321095705

PubMed:

29564976

The neuroprotective and antioxidant profiles of selenium-containing polysaccharides from the fruit of Rosa laevigata.

Researchers have developed a method for extracting and separating polysaccharides from Rosa laevigata fruit using microwave-assisted aqueous two-phase extraction. Two selenium-containing polysaccharides, Se-RLFP-1 and Se-RLFP-2, were isolated and found to have antioxidant properties, particularly at high concentrations. They were also found to have a neuroprotective effect against oxidative stress induced by HO in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, with Se-RLFP-1 exhibiting significant activity at a concentration of 100 μg/mL. These findings suggest that R. laevigata fruit and its polysaccharides may have potential health benefits.

Liu X et al (2018).

Food Funct.

DOI:

10.1039/c7fo01725a

PubMed:

29513319

A Review on Central Nervous System Effects of Gastrodin.

Gastrodin, a compound found in the Chinese herb , has been traditionally used for treating various disorders. Recent studies have investigated its effects on the central nervous system (CNS) and found that it has beneficial effects on diseases such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease through several mechanisms. These mechanisms include modulating neurotransmitters, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, and regulating neurotrophins. Despite the promising preclinical data, more clinical studies are needed to determine its effectiveness in treating neurological disorders.

Liu Y et al (2018).

Front Pharmacol.

DOI:

10.3389/fphar.2018.00024

PubMed:

29456504

The potential role of herbal products in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a disease of the nervous system that causes loss of certain brain cells, leading to movement problems like tremors or stiffness. It may be caused by oxidative stress and an imbalance of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Certain herbal products may contain compounds that act as antioxidants and could be helpful in treating PD. This review summarized the active compounds present in herbal extracts including Baicalei, Curcuma longa, and Paeoniae Alba Radix, among others. These extracts could be useful for designing future treatments for PD.

Amro MS et al (2018).

Clin Ter.

DOI:

10.7417/T.2018.2050

PubMed:

29446788

Hibiscus rosa sinensis mediate anxiolytic effect via modulation of ionotropic GABA-A receptors: possible mechanism of action.

Begum Z and Younus I (2018).

Metab Brain Dis.

DOI:

10.1007/s11011-018-0188-4

PubMed:

29372452

The water extract of tutsan (Hypericum androsaemum L.) red berries exerts antidepressive-like effects and in vivo antioxidant activity in a mouse model of post-stroke depression.

Hypericum androsaemum L., also known as tutsan, is a plant commonly grown for its ornamental value and has been used in traditional Portuguese and Spanish medicine to treat depression. In this study, researchers tested the water extract of its red berries (WE) in a mouse model of post-stroke depression. They found that the highest dose of WE significantly reduced depression symptoms and increased endogenous antioxidant defenses in the mouse brain. The study identified four bioactive compounds in WE, including shikimic acid and chlorogenic acid. This is the first study to demonstrate the protective effects of WE in post-stroke depression in vivo, which suggests that tutsan may have potential as an alternative treatment for depression.

Nabavi SM et al (2018).

Biomed Pharmacother.

DOI:

10.1016/j.biopha.2018.01.073

PubMed:

29353203