Neuroscience Studies

Targeting autophagy to discover the Piper wallichii petroleum ether fraction exhibiting antiaging and anti-Alzheimer's disease effects in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Scientists studied the effects of natural medicines on autophagy and aging-related Alzheimer's disease using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). They found that the incidence of Alzheimer's disease is increasing along with decreased autophagy activity due to population aging. Multiple C. elegans models were used to evaluate autophagy and investigate the potential therapeutic effects of natural medicine in antiaging and anti-AD effects. This research provides valuable insights into understanding and treating aging-related diseases.

Zhu FD et al (2023).
Phytomedicine.
PubMed:
37327643

Essential oils for treating anxiety: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and network meta-analysis.

Study compares efficacy of essential oils (EOs) for treating anxiety, aiming to clarify discrepancies in previous research. Researchers analyze results of multiple RCTs to provide insights into potential benefits of EOs.

Tan L et al (2023).
Front Public Health.
PubMed:
37325306

Vertigoheel promotes rodent cognitive performance in multiple memory tests.

A study was conducted to assess the potential cognitive benefits of VH-04, a drug that has been used for decades to treat vertigo. The researchers investigated its effects on memory and explored the biological mechanisms behind its activity. Cognitive impairment in older individuals and those with brain disorders can be debilitating, and current therapies only offer temporary improvement. This research aims to find new, safe, and effective therapeutics to reverse or delay cognitive impairment. By repurposing VH-04, a drug with a proven safety record, there is hope for developing a more successful treatment option.

Ott K et al (2023).
Front Neurosci.
PubMed:
37325043

Neuroprotection of low-molecular-weight galactan obtained from Cantharellus cibarius Fr. against Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers have found that a specific polysaccharide, called α-1,6-galactan, derived from the chanterelle mushroom, can improve memory and reduce the harmful buildup of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD) mice. By reducing the molecular weight of the polysaccharide, its absorption and solubility are improved, leading to better results. The study suggests that these effects are due to the polysaccharide's anti-neuroinflammatory properties. This research may contribute to the development of new treatments for AD using natural polysaccharides.

Zhou A et al (2023).
Carbohydr Polym.
PubMed:
37321728

GBA1 in Parkinson's disease: variant detection and pathogenicity scoring matters.

GBA1 variants are the primary genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease. However, their impact on the disease is not fully known and their occurrence is different across populations.

Gabbert C et al (2023).
BMC Genomics.
PubMed:
37312046

Mechanism of ligusticum cycloprolactam against neuroinflammation based on network pharmacology and experimental verification.

Researchers have synthesized a derivative of ligustilide, a natural compound with anti-inflammatory properties, called ligusticum cycloprolactam (LIGc) to make it more stable. Using network pharmacological methods and experimental verification, they investigated the effects and mechanisms of ligustilide and LIGc on neuroinflammation. They identified four key targets of ligustilide that exert an anti-inflammatory effect, with the NF-κB signal pathway as the main signaling pathway. LIGc was found to downregulate the activation of the NF-κB signal pathway in BV2 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide and suppress the production of inflammatory cytokines, providing support for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs based on ligustilide or its derivatives.

Gao J et al (2023).
Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol.
PubMed:
37308175

Hippocampal proteins discovery of Panax quinquefolius and Acorus gramineus ameliorating cognitive impairment in diabetic rats.

Identifying diabetic cognitive impairment (DCI) early and finding effective treatments can delay or prevent irreversible dementia.

Huan S et al (2023).
Psychopharmacology (Berl).
PubMed:
37306736

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of an Herbal Formulation of Boswellia sacra Flueck. In Improving Cognitive and Behavioral Symptoms in Patients with Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease.

Researchers investigated an herbal formula for improving symptoms in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the formula on cognitive and behavioral symptoms. The findings might suggest future treatment options for MCI and AD patients.

Panahishokouh M et al (2023).
J Res Pharm Pract.
PubMed:
37304222