Anticholinesterase, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects of Tripleurospermum disciforme and Dracocephalum multicaule.

In recent years, there has been renewed interest in using medicinal plants for drug development. This study explores the potential of these natural sources as candidates for new medicinal agents. While the implications of the study are broad, the focus is on the methods and results achieved, highlighting the power of the study.

Mandegary A et al (2014).

J Ayurveda Integr Med.

DOI:

10.4103/0975-9476.140474

PubMed:

25336847

The histo structure of galls induced by aphids as a useful taxonomic character: the case of Rectinasus (Hemiptera, Aphididae, Eriosomatinae).

Researchers examined galls induced by Rectinasus buxtoni on Pistacia palaestina to determine the real taxonomic position of the gall inducer. They found that the morphological differentiation of gall tissues can be used to determine the taxonomic position. Histological examination of the walls of the galls revealed that Rectinasus should be placed in the same group as Geoica and Baizongia rather than Paracletus and Forda. This study provides evidence for a more accurate understanding of the taxonomic position of genus Rectinasus.

Álvarez R et al (2014).

Zootaxa.

DOI:

10.11646/zootaxa.3861.5.6

PubMed:

25283424

Analgesic, antibacterial and central nervous system depressant activities of Albizia procera leaves.

Khatoon MM et al (2014).

Asian Pac J Trop Biomed.

DOI:

10.12980/APJTB.4.2014C348

PubMed:

25182551

Protective effect of madecassoside against cognitive impairment induced by D-galactose in mice.

Lin X et al (2014).

Pharmacol Biochem Behav.

DOI:

10.1016/j.pbb.2014.07.014

PubMed:

25106808

Assessment of in vitro pharmacological effect of Neotropical Piperaceae in GABAergic bioassays in relation to plants traditionally used for folk illness by the Yanesha (Peru).

Previous research found that the Piperaceae family was important in traditional Q'echi׳ Maya medicine for treating epilepsy and anxiety disorders. To investigate further, researchers conducted a botanical survey in Peru and collected 47 Piperaceae species, including 21 used by the indigenous Yanesha community for medicinal purposes. The Piperaceae family has been shown to have activity in the GABA system, which is involved in anxiety and epilepsy. These findings suggest that the traditional use of Piperaceae plants in indigenous medicine may have scientific validity.

Picard G et al (2014).

J Ethnopharmacol.

DOI:

10.1016/j.jep.2014.07.039

PubMed:

25091465

The role for nitric oxide on the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Achillea wilhelmsii on seizure.

The study aimed to investigate how a plant extract called Achillea wilhelmsii affects seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), a compound that can cause seizures. Nitric oxide (NO) is known to play a role in epilepsy, so the researchers wanted to see if NO was involved in the effects of the plant extract on seizures. The researchers found that the plant extract reduced the severity and frequency of seizures, potentially by reducing the levels of NO. This study suggests that A. wilhelmsii may have potential as a treatment for epilepsy, but more research would be needed to confirm this.

Hosseini M et al (2014).

Avicenna J Phytomed.

PubMed:

25068139

Lycodine-type alkaloids from Lycopodiastrum casuarinoides and their acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity.

Researchers have isolated four new alkaloids and ten known analogues from the whole plant of Lycopodiastrum casuarinoides. The new compounds' structures were determined using a variety of spectroscopic and chemical methods. Notably, compound 4 was a lycopodium alkaloidal glycoside never before reported. Four of the isolated compounds showed significant inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase, which is linked to Alzheimer's disease. The structure-activity relationships were discussed, potentially informing future treatments.

Zhang DB et al (2014).

Molecules.

DOI:

10.3390/molecules19079999

PubMed:

25014530

Flavonoids and other constituents from Aletris spicata and their chemotaxonomic significance.

Researchers identified 11 compounds from Aletris spicata, including four flavonoids and a steroid saponin. Seven of these compounds had not been previously reported from the Liliaceae family, and six were new to the genus Aletris. The study helps expand the understanding of chemotaxonomy in this plant family.

Li LZ et al (2014).

Nat Prod Res.

DOI:

10.1080/14786419.2014.921918

PubMed:

24896299