Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase by extracts and constituents from Angelica archangelica and Geranium sylvaticum.

This study investigated the ability of Icelandic medicinal herbs to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Two extracts, Angelica archangelica seeds and Geranium sylvaticum aerial parts, were effective in inhibiting AChE. Xanthotoxin from A. archangelica was more potent than imperatorin. However, furanocoumarins likely played a minor role in the extract's total activity. A synergistic effect was observed when the extracts of A. archangelica and G. sylvaticum were combined. Other medicinal herbs did not show AChE inhibitory activity. This research highlights the potential of these specific Icelandic herbs for developing treatments for disorders associated with AChE inhibition, such as Alzheimer's disease.

Sigurdsson S and Gudbjarnason S (2007).

Z Naturforsch C J Biosci.

PubMed:

18069242

Chemotaxonomy of iridoids in Linaria vulgaris.

Researchers analyzed the chemicals found in Linaria vulgaris and found similar patterns to other Linaria plants, with the presence of several compounds including a new one called 4-carboxy-boonein. The study's findings could have implications for the use of these plants in traditional medicine.

Guiso M et al (2007).

Nat Prod Res.

PubMed:

17987503

Mercurial-induced hydrogen peroxide generation in mouse brain mitochondria: protective effects of quercetin.

The plant Polygala has previously been shown to protect against nerve cell death and cognitive impairment. Researchers tested three compounds from the plant against the toxic effects of mercury in mouse brain cells. One compound, quercetin, prevented mercury-induced damage to the cells' mitochondria and prevented glutathione oxidation. The study also revealed that mercury increased the production of hydrogen peroxide in the brain's mitochondria, which quercetin prevented. These findings highlight quercetin's potential as a protective agent against mercury poisoning and contribute to our understanding of the toxic effects of mercury on brain cells.

Franco JL et al (2007).

Chem Res Toxicol.

PubMed:

17944542

Antiplasmodial and GABA(A)-benzodiazepine receptor binding activities of five plants used in traditional medicine in Mali, West Africa.

Bah S et al (2007).

J Ethnopharmacol.

PubMed:

17126508

Pharmacological actions of Thespesia populnea relevant to Alzheimer's disease.

Vasudevan M and Parle M (2006).

Phytomedicine.

PubMed:

16860552

Antinociceptive and antidepressant like effects of Securidaca longepedunculata root extract in mice.

Adebiyi RA et al (2006).

J Ethnopharmacol.

PubMed:

16647235

Taxonomical markers in two endemic plants of Sardinia: Verbascum conocarpum and Scrophularia trifoliata.

Researchers analyzed the chemical properties of two plants, Verbascum conocarpum and Scrophularia trifoliata, native to Sardinia. They focused on specific chemical markers found in the iridoids aucubin, verbascoside, and catalpol, which are commonly found in plants of the Scrophulariaceae family. This study helps to identify these plants and their unique chemical makeup, which can aid in future research and potential medicinal uses.

Ramunno A et al (2006).

Nat Prod Res.

PubMed:

16644551

Protective effects of Polygala paniculata extract against methylmercury-induced neurotoxicity in mice.

Researchers studied the protective effects of Polygala paniculata extract on adult mice exposed to methylmercury (MeHg). MeHg exposure reduced glutathione peroxidase and increased glutathione reductase activity, as well as increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the brain. Polygala extract prevented these effects, except for glutathione reductase activity in the cerebral cortex. MeHg-exposed animals had poor motor performance, which was improved by Polygala extract co-administration. This study demonstrated the in-vivo protective effects of Polygala extract against MeHg-induced neurotoxicity and encourages further research on its use for neurological conditions related to excitotoxicity and oxidative stress.

Farina M et al (2005).

J Pharm Pharmacol.

PubMed:

16259784