Salvia miltiorrhiza: A source for anti-Alzheimer's disease drugs.
- Zhang XZ et al (2016).
- Pharm Biol.
- PubMed:
- 25857808
Researchers analyzed the composition of leaf waxes in eight populations of three subspecies of Satureja montana found in the Balkan Peninsula. They identified 15 types of n-alkanes in the leaf waxes, with n-nonacosane (C29) being the most common in all samples. The differences in the levels of three other dominant n-alkanes allowed for the separation of coastal and continental populations. Statistical analyses showed a strong correlation between the leaf-n-alkane pattern and the geographical distribution of the populations. Temperature-related bioclimatic parameters were also found to have a significant impact on the differentiation of coastal and continental populations. These findings may have implications for understanding the evolution and adaptation of S. montana subspecies in different environments.
In a study on mice, researchers investigated the effects of bilberry on memory and learning impairments caused by Alzheimer's disease. The mice were divided into four groups, one of which was treated with 5% bilberry. The results showed that the group treated with both bilberry and Alzheimer's disease had a significant increase in probe crossing frequency during the probe test and an extended escape latency compared to the Alzheimer's disease control group. Additionally, bilberry significantly increased the time spent in the lighted area during the passive avoidance test. This suggests that bilberry may help to improve memory and learning abilities in Alzheimer's disease. However, there was no statistical significance found for the finding time of the hidden platform.
Researchers isolated six compounds from the roots of a plant called Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra and tested their effects on brain tumor metastasis formation. Two of the compounds, helioxanthin (3) and (7E)-7,8-dehydroheliobuphthalmin (4), inhibited the migration of melanoma and brain endothelial cells. Compound 3 also reduced the adhesion of melanoma cells to the brain endothelium and enhanced the barrier function of the blood-brain barrier. These findings suggest that compounds 3 and 4 have the potential to interfere with different steps of brain metastasis formation and to enhance the barrier function of cerebral endothelial cells.
In a study, researchers investigated the effects of Acorus tatarinowii Schott, an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine, on treadmill running endurance in rats. They also looked at the levels of certain neurotransmitters and proteins in the rats' brains. The results showed that the rats who were given the herb had greater endurance and increased levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can affect mood and behavior. The researchers suggest that Acorus tatarinowii Schott may have potential as an anti-fatigue supplement, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects on the central nervous system.
Researchers have isolated two flavonoids from the Rumex aquaticus plant, quercetin-3-O-galactoside and quercetin-3-O-arabinoside, which show promise in protecting brain cells from damage caused by ischemic stroke. The study used a rat cell line and found that the flavonoids significantly improved cell survival and neurite outgrowth in a model of ischemia. Additionally, one of the flavonoids was found to enhance the expression of synaptophysin, a marker of synapses and synaptic plasticity. These results suggest that the flavonoids could be useful in promoting stroke recovery by protecting and promoting the growth of brain cells.