Melissa officinalis extract suppresses endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis in the brain of hypothyroidism-induced rats exposed to γ-radiation.

This study investigates the neuroprotective effect of Melissa officinalis extract (MEE) in rats with hypothyroidism induced by propylthiouracil (PTU) and/or γ-radiation (IR). Hypothyroidism and/or IR led to decreased thyroid hormone levels and increased oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress in the brain. The administration of MEE reduced oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress, prevented proapoptotic gene expression, and protected neuronal cells. Additionally, MEE improved the histological structure of brain tissue. These findings suggest that MEE may be effective in preventing hypothyroidism-induced brain damage by reducing oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Abo-Zaid OA et al (2023).

Cell Stress Chaperones.

DOI:

10.1007/s12192-023-01363-8

PubMed:

37368180

Hecogenin a Plant Derived Small Molecule as an Antagonist to BACE-1: A Potential Target for Neurodegenerative Disorders.

Padmanabhan D et al (2023).

Metabolites.

DOI:

10.3390/metabo13060758

PubMed:

37367915

Tenuifolin in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease-like phenotypes: Investigation of the mechanisms from the perspectives of calpain system, ferroptosis, and apoptosis.

Li C et al (2023).

Phytother Res.

DOI:

10.1002/ptr.7930

PubMed:

37364988

Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra) Prevents Insulin Resistance and Restores Neuron Autophagy by Regulating Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 and Thus Improving Hippocampal Function.

In this study, researchers investigated the connection between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease (AD). They focused on a type of diabetes called Type 2 diabetes (T2D), which is characterized by insulin resistance. The researchers tested a compound called AE, found in okra, and its effects on insulin resistance and neuron damage in the hippocampus. They found that AE was able to attenuate insulin resistance and improve the survival of hippocampal neurons. These findings suggest that AE may be a potential treatment for preventing the damage caused by insulin resistance in AD. Further research is needed to confirm these results in human clinical trials.

Huang CN et al (2023).

J Med Food.

DOI:

10.1089/jmf.2023.K.0014

PubMed:

37358589

Ameliorative effect of scopolamine-induced cognitive dysfunction by Fufangmuniziqi formula: The roles of alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids.

The Fufangmuniziqi formula (FFMN) is a traditional Uyghur medicine in China, composed of 13 herbs. Several of these herbs, including Peganum harmala L., Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., and Nigella glandulifera, have shown potential effects against Alzheimer's disease (AD) by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE), reducing neuroinflammation, and acting as antioxidants. Despite these promising findings, further research is required to uncover FFMN's precise mechanism of action and to confirm its effectiveness against AD.

Zhao X et al (2023).

J Ethnopharmacol.

DOI:

10.1016/j.jep.2023.116792

PubMed:

37356745

Antidepressant effect of Perilla frutescens essential oil through monoamine neurotransmitters and BDNF/TrkB signal pathway.

A new study explores the potential of Perilla frutescens as a treatment for depression. Traditional Chinese medicine suggests that depression is caused by affect-mind ill-being and stagnation of Qi movement. Perilla frutescens has shown promise in regulating Qi and relieving depressive symptoms. However, the mechanism behind its antidepressant effects through inhalation is still not fully understood. This research highlights the importance of alternative therapies in treating neuropsychiatric diseases and further understanding their mechanisms for better treatment options.

Zhong Y et al (2023).

J Ethnopharmacol.

DOI:

10.1016/j.jep.2023.116840

PubMed:

37355083

Corrigendum to "Platycladus orientalis seed extract as a potential triple reuptake MAO inhibitor rescue depression phenotype through restoring monoamine neurotransmitters" [J. Ethnopharmacol. 295 (2022 Sep 15) 115302].

Yan L et al (2024).

J Ethnopharmacol.

DOI:

10.1016/j.jep.2023.116821

PubMed:

37353393

Eugenol relieves the pathological manifestations of Alzheimer's disease in 5×FAD mice.

Summary: Eugenol, a compound found in Syzygium aromaticum, has been found to have therapeutic effects in Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the buildup of amyloid-β and excessive neuroinflammation, leading to cognitive decline. Eugenol has shown neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential treatment option. This research highlights the importance of finding novel ways to combat AD and improve cognitive function.

Jung MJ et al (2023).

Phytomedicine.

DOI:

10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154930

PubMed:

37348246