Neuroscience Studies

Interaction of α-synuclein with Rhus typhina tannin - Implication for Parkinson's disease.

Researchers have found that 3,6-bis-О-di-О-galloyl-1,2,4-tri-О-galloyl-β-d-glucose, a tannin found in Rhus typhina, can strongly interact with α-synuclein, an important protein in the development of Parkinson's disease. This interaction inhibits α-synuclein aggregation, suggesting that the tannin could be a potential preventive compound against Parkinson's disease. However, the tannin also strongly interacts with human serum albumin, which reduces its bioavailability in the body. The study used fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism analysis to investigate the interaction between the tannin and the proteins. This research provides insight into the possible mechanisms for preventing Parkinson's disease.

Neuroscience Rhus typhina
Sekowski S et al (2017).
Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces.
DOI:
10.1016/j.colsurfb.2017.04.007
PubMed:
28419945

Ameliorative potential of Colebrookea oppositifolia methanolic root extract against experimental models of epilepsy: Possible role of GABA mediated mechanism.

Colebrookea oppositifolia Smith plant is used by various folk medicine groups in sub-Himalayan regions of India to treat epilepsy.

Neuroscience Colebrookea oppositifolia
Viswanatha GL, Venkataranganna MV and Prasad NBL (2017).
Biomed Pharmacother.
DOI:
10.1016/j.biopha.2017.03.078
PubMed:
28391167

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate-Induced Hippocampus-Derived Neural Stem Cells Proliferation.

A study investigated the effects of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and a hydroethanolic extract on the proliferation of neural stem cells (NSCs) derived from rat hippocampus, aiming to find phytochemical candidates for treating neurological diseases. The cells were treated with different concentrations of DEHP and the extract, and growth rates and gene expressions were measured. The highest growth rate was observed in the groups treated with 400 µM DEHP and 800 µg/ml extract. DEHP significantly increased gene expression in NSCs compared to the control group. The phytochemicals present in the extract, which included 2-ethyl-1-hexanamine and n-heptacosane, were also identified using GC/MS. These findings suggest the potential application of C. vulgure phytochemicals in promoting endogenous adult NSCs proliferation for the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases.

Neuroscience Cirsium vulgare
Abdanipour A et al (2017).
Cell J.
PubMed:
28367427

Anticonvulsant activity and acute neurotoxic profile of Achyranthes aspera Linn.

Achyranthes aspera Linn. (A. aspera) root powder is used in Indian traditional medicine to manage epilepsy. This study aims to investigate its efficacy. The experimenters conducted a study on rats and found that A. aspera root powder had anticonvulsant effects, reduced the frequency and duration of seizures, and improved memory function. These results suggest that A. aspera may be a promising natural alternative for managing epilepsy. However, further research is needed to confirm and understand its therapeutic mechanisms.

Neuroscience Achyranthes aspera
Gawande DY et al (2017).
J Ethnopharmacol.
DOI:
10.1016/j.jep.2017.03.018
PubMed:
28315457

Neuroprotective effect of Spilanthes acmella Murr. on pesticide-induced neuronal cells death.

Researchers aimed to test whether extracts from the S. acmella plant could protect dopamine-producing cells in the brain from death caused by exposure to pesticides. They used dopamine-producing cell lines and measured cell death rates. Results showed that S. acmella extracts protected these cells from pesticide-induced death by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. This suggests that S. acmella could be a potential natural treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's, that are caused by the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain.

Neuroscience Spilanthes acmella
Suwanjang W et al (2017).
Asian Pac J Trop Med.
DOI:
10.1016/j.apjtm.2016.11.012
PubMed:
28107862
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