Aralia elata prevents neuronal death by downregulating tonicity response element binding protein in diabetic retinopathy.
- Kim SJ et al (2015).
- Ophthalmic Res.
- DOI:
- 10.1159/000437356
- PubMed:
- 26278282
Researchers used high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify and analyze the alkaloid profile of Lobelia inflata L, a plant with potential pharmacotherapy for methamphetamine abuse. They identified 52 alkaloids in the plant, some of which were previously unknown, including several propyl homologue lobelia alkaloids and five hydroxypiperidine derivatives. They also found a new natural product, a 3-hydroxy-3-phenylpropanoic acid ester of hydroxyallosedamine ring-substituted. The study demonstrates the usefulness of this method for routine screening of plants for bioactive constituents, quality control, alkaloid production studies, breeding, and chemotaxonomy.
Researchers investigated the antiepileptic effects of Marsilea quadrifolia Linn. (MQ) in rats by identifying its active component responsible for minimizing oxidative damage in the brain. MQ is traditionally used for insomnia and epileptic disorders in Indian medicine. Results showed that treatment with the active component led to a decrease in oxidative damage and a reduction in epileptic seizures compared to a control group. This study suggests the potential usefulness of MQ in the treatment of epilepsy and highlights the importance of further research on traditional medicinal practices.
Coconut oil contains unique medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) that are easily absorbed and metabolized by the liver and can convert to ketones, providing an alternative energy source for the brain. Evidence suggests that coconut may be beneficial in the treatment of obesity, dyslipidemia, elevated LDL, insulin resistance, hypertension, and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Coconut is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, phenolic compounds, and hormones that may assist in preventing the aggregation of amyloid-β peptide, a key step in the pathogenesis of AD. The study explores the physiology of coconut and discusses its potential role as a therapeutic option for the prevention and management of AD. Coconut is considered a highly nutritious 'functional food.'
Curculigo orchioides (Kali Musli) is a plant known for its adaptogenic and anti-osteoporotic activities. This study evaluated its potential neuroprotective effect in animals treated with cyclophosphamide to induce neurotoxicity. The plant was extracted using methanol and phytochemical studies were performed. Results showed that C. orchioides at 400mg/kg significantly restored levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione as well as decreased levels of malondialdehyde. It was also observed that the plant extract is rich in phytochemicals such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which have a reputed neuroprotective effect. These findings suggest that C. orchioides may hold potential for the prevention or treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.