Ipomoea batatas attenuates amyloid β peptide-induced neurotoxicity in ICR mice.

A study evaluated 17 Korean native plants for their ability to protect against oxidative stress caused by amyloid β peptide (Aβ). Ipomoea batatas was found to have the highest protective effects and was further investigated. When fed to mice with Aβ-induced neuronal deficits, I. batatas significantly reversed neurotoxicity and reduced lipid peroxidation levels. I. batatas may be beneficial for Alzheimer's disease by limiting oxidative stress in the brain.

Kim JK et al (2011).

J Med Food.

DOI:

10.1089/jmf.2010.0047

PubMed:

21142943

Anxiolytic-like effects of standardized extract of Justicia pectoralis (SEJP) in mice: Involvement of GABA/benzodiazepine in receptor.

An extract from Justicia pectoralis, a plant used for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, was tested in mice for its anxiolytic effects. The extract was administered intragastrically at varying doses and compared to diazepam as a standard drug. Results showed that the extract had an anxiolytic-like effect similar to diazepam in the elevated plus maze test without causing sedative effects. This suggests that the extract could have potential as an alternative treatment for anxiety disorders. Flumazenil was used to evaluate the participation of benzodiazepinic receptors.

Venâncio ET et al (2011).

Phytother Res.

DOI:

10.1002/ptr.3274

PubMed:

20737656

Nicotinic plant poisoning.

Plants containing nicotinic and nicotinic-like alkaloids can be toxic to humans and have similar symptoms. This review focuses on the taxonomy and principal alkaloids of these plants, their mechanisms of toxicity, and how to manage poisoning. The study provides valuable information for healthcare professionals to identify and treat plant-related toxicities in patients.

Schep LJ, Slaughter RJ and Beasley DM (2009).

Clin Toxicol (Phila).

DOI:

10.1080/15563650903252186

PubMed:

19778187

Achyranthes bidentata Blume extract protects cultured hippocampal neurons against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity.

Zhou S et al (2009).

J Ethnopharmacol.

DOI:

10.1016/j.jep.2009.01.025

PubMed:

19429326

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity and chemical composition of commercial essential oils.

Researchers screened commercially available essential oils and their components for their acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity through a microplate assay method. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was carried out to characterize oil profiles and the relationships between the oil components and AChE inhibitory activity. All oils, except Artemisia dracunculus L. from Hungary, exhibited AChE inhibitory activity. Eugenol was found to be a potent AChE inhibitor, and this is the first study to report its IC(50) value. However, the ratio of active components contributing to the AChE inhibitory activity of the oils was low, raising concerns about their potential risks. This study is the first to reveal the AChE inhibitory activity of Inula graveolens L. oil.

Dohi S, Terasaki M and Makino M (2009).

J Agric Food Chem.

DOI:

10.1021/jf804013j

PubMed:

19358605

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory and antioxidant properties of Cyclotrichium niveum, Thymus praecox subsp. caucasicus var. caucasicus, Echinacea purpurea and E. pallida.

Researchers evaluated the anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and antioxidant activities of extracts and essential oils from Cyclotrichium niveum, Thymus praecox subsp. caucasicus var. caucasicus, Echinacea purpurea, and E. pallida. They found that ethyl acetate and dichloromethane extracts of CN had the highest AChE inhibition while ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts of TP showed significant antioxidant activity. Water extracts of CN and TP and the chloroform extract of EPU displayed the highest ferrous ion-chelating effect. TP's leaf and flower essential oils had the best antioxidant power. These findings suggest that these plant extracts and oils may have potential therapeutic applications.

Orhan I et al (2009).

Food Chem Toxicol.

DOI:

10.1016/j.fct.2009.03.004

PubMed:

19285534

Antidepressant activity of standardised extract of Marsilea minuta Linn.

Marsilea minuta, a plant used in traditional Indian medicine for insomnia and mental disorders, contains the compound marsiline, known for its sedative and anticonvulsant properties. Researchers extracted Marsilea minuta ethanol to study its antidepressant effects, standardizing for marsiline content at 1.15%. The study aimed to investigate the potential antidepressant activity of the extract. This research adds to the growing body of literature supporting the use of natural remedies in mental healthcare. Further research is needed to determine the extent of its clinical benefits.

Bhattamisra SK et al (2008).

J Ethnopharmacol.

DOI:

10.1016/j.jep.2008.01.012

PubMed:

18299179

Inbreeding depression in Solanum carolinense (Solanaceae), a species with a plastic self-incompatibility response.

This study investigated the effect of inbreeding on the success of horsenettle, a successful weed with a self-incompatibility system. Controlled self- and cross-pollinations of 16 genets were performed to obtain progeny with different levels of inbreeding, which were then grown in greenhouse and field conditions. The researchers found that inbreeding depression varied by family, but overall, inbred progeny showed reduced growth and reproductive success compared to outcrossed progeny. The study highlights the importance of genetic diversity in the success of plant species and suggests that the plasticity of self-incompatibility in horsenettle may allow it to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Mena-Ali JI, Keser LH and Stephenson AG (2008).

BMC Evol Biol.

DOI:

10.1186/1471-2148-8-10

PubMed:

18199336