GABA-A Receptor Modulation and Anticonvulsant, Anxiolytic, and Antidepressant Activities of Constituents from Artemisia indica Linn.

Artemisia indica (Mugwort) has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes. Researchers isolated three compounds from the herb - carnosol, ursolic acid, and oleanolic acid. These compounds were tested on GABA-A receptors in Xenopus oocytes and in mouse models of acute toxicity, convulsions, depression, and anxiety. The compounds were found to be beneficial for the central nervous system and were demonstrated to have anticonvulsant, antidepressant, and anxiolytic effects. The effects were linked to the benzodiazepine binding site of GABA-A receptors. The study provides evidence of the positive effects of nonvolatile components of Artemisia indica on the central nervous system.

Khan I et al (2016).

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.

DOI:

10.1155/2016/1215393

PubMed:

27143980

Cognitive-Enhancing Effect of Dianthus superbus var. Longicalycinus on Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment in Mice.

Weon JB, Jung YS and Ma CJ (2016).

Biomol Ther (Seoul).

DOI:

10.4062/biomolther.2015.083

PubMed:

27133261

Neuroprotective Properties of Compounds Extracted from Dianthus superbus L. against Glutamate-induced Cell Death in HT22 Cells.

Yun BR et al (2016).

Pharmacogn Mag.

DOI:

10.4103/0973-1296.177905

PubMed:

27076746

A Review on Potential Mechanisms of Terminalia chebula in Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease is currently treated with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) and NMDA receptor antagonists, which have drawbacks. A medicinal plant called Terminalia chebula has been studied for its potential as a therapeutic alternative due to its biochemicals, including hydrolysable tannins, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids. The use of this plant was reviewed in various databases, and it was found that T. chebula extracts and its constituents have AChEI and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, all of which are relevant to the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Afshari AR, Sadeghnia HR and Mollazadeh H (2016).

Adv Pharmacol Sci.

DOI:

10.1155/2016/8964849

PubMed:

26941792

Lycopodium clavatum exine microcapsules enable safe oral delivery of 3,4-diaminopyridine for treatment of botulinum neurotoxin A intoxication.

Scientists have been investigating the use of 3,4-diaminopyridine to reverse botulinum intoxication, but its narrow therapeutic window and poor pharmacokinetics have limited its use. To address these problems, researchers developed an oral delivery system using the exines from club moss spores. These microcapsules slowed the absorption of the drug, reduced seizures, and allowed for higher doses to be administered, which improved survival rates in mice with botulinum neurotoxin A intoxication. This new delivery platform could potentially have broad implications for the treatment of botulinum intoxication.

Harris TL et al (2016).

Chem Commun (Camb).

DOI:

10.1039/c6cc00615a

PubMed:

26906286

Neuroprotective effects of phytosterols and flavonoids from Cirsium setidens and Aster scaber in human brain neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells.

In this study, researchers looked at three compounds found in edible plants and whether they can protect against cell death in human brain cells. The compounds tested (daucosterol, pectolinarin, and astragalin) were found to have neuroprotective effects and may have potential as treatments for brain-related conditions. The study focused on the action mechanism of the compounds, which means how they work to protect cells. The research was done using H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) to induce cell death in the SK-N-SH cells, which are a type of human brain cell.

Chung MJ et al (2016).

Life Sci.

DOI:

10.1016/j.lfs.2016.02.035

PubMed:

26874034

'Candidatus Phytoplasma cirsii', a novel taxon from creeping thistle [Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop].

Researchers confirmed the presence of phytoplasma infection in creeping thistle and dahlia plants using standard PCR and RFLP analysis. Genetic analysis revealed that the detected phytoplasma strains belong to the new 16SrXI-E subgroup and represent a novel taxon proposed as 'Candidatus Phytoplasma cirsii'. These strains are unique in their host range and geographical distribution, only infecting dicotyledonous plants in Europe. The study concludes that these phytoplasma strains are a discrete and specific group different from their closest relatives.

Šafárˇová D et al (2016).

Int J Syst Evol Microbiol.

DOI:

10.1099/ijsem.0.000937

PubMed:

26849880

Antioxidant Defenses in Plants with Attention to Prunus and Citrus spp.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are by-products of oxidation/reduction reactions that can damage higher plant cells through oxidative stress. This review discusses enzymatic antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), as well as non-enzymatic defenses like ascorbic acid, glutathione, flavonoids, carotenoids, and tocopherols that protect against ROS. The study explores the role of ROS scavenging systems during seasonal changes and developmental events like fruit ripening and senescence that impact fruit quality and highlights Prunus and Citrus species due to their nutritional and antioxidant properties. These findings help to understand the importance of antioxidants in protecting plants and their potential health benefits for humans.

Racchi ML et al (2013).

Antioxidants (Basel).

DOI:

10.3390/antiox2040340

PubMed:

26784469