Protective effect of Gastrodia elata Blume in a Caenorhabditis elegans model of Alzheimer's disease based on network pharmacology.

Researchers used network pharmacology to study the potential protective effect of Blume against Alzheimer's disease. They identified key targets of Blume and conducted protein-protein interaction and molecular docking analyses, finding that the components 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenyl methane and protocatechuic aldehyde were most strongly associated with AD, along with five core targets including GAPDH, EP300, HSP90AB1, KDM6B, and CREBBP. Both components were found to delay paralysis and inhibit aggregation of Aβ plaques in a model, with DM upregulating the expression of KDM6B and both components upregulating HSP90AB1. These results suggest that DM and PA may be potential active components of Blume in the treatment of AD.

Shi X et al (2023).

Biomed Rep.

DOI:

10.3892/br.2023.1620

PubMed:

37113386

Memophenol(TM) Prevents Amyloid-β Deposition and Attenuates Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in the Brain of an Alzheimer's Disease Rat.

Researchers administered Memophenol, a polyphenol compound made from French grape and North American blueberry extracts, to rats with Alzheimer's disease (AD) for 30 days. The rats had been administered AlCl and D-galactose for 60 days and showed behavioral alterations and hippocampus neuronal degeneration. Memophenol reduced behavioral alterations and hippocampus neuronal degeneration, lowered phosphorylated Tau levels and APP overexpression, and reduced beta-amyloid buildup. The compound also reduced the pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory hippocampus changes caused by AD. These findings suggest Memophenol could be a therapeutic option for AD.

Impellizzeri D et al (2023).

Int J Mol Sci.

DOI:

10.3390/ijms24086938

PubMed:

37108102

By-Product Extracts from Castanea sativa Counteract Hallmarks of Neuroinflammation in a Microglial Model.

Chestnut leaf extracts have been found to have a higher anti-neuroinflammatory effect than spiny bur extracts in a study using BV-2 microglial cells as a model of neuroinflammation. The study also discovered specific flavonoids and unsaturated fatty acids in the leaf extract that are responsible for the observed effects. This research demonstrates the potential of chestnut by-products as a source of bioactive compounds and provides opportunities for the valorization of waste material generated during chestnut processing while satisfying consumer demand for natural compounds.

Marrazzo P et al (2023).

Antioxidants (Basel).

DOI:

10.3390/antiox12040808

PubMed:

37107183

Matrine exerts its neuroprotective effects by modulating multiple neuronal pathways.

Protein misfolding and clumping in the brain may cause multiple neurological illnesses. Matrine, a compound from the Sophora flavescens Aiton plant, may have therapeutic effects on neurological disorders including Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer’s. Matrine alters multiple signaling pathways to protect neurons and can cross the blood-brain barrier. This review aims to lay the foundation for future clinical research on matrine as a neuroprotective agent with therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric illnesses. Future research on matrine may lead to exciting discoveries with broader implications.

Chhabra S and Mehan S (2023).

Metab Brain Dis.

DOI:

10.1007/s11011-023-01214-6

PubMed:

37103719

Gut microbiota-based metabolites of Xiaoyao Pills (a typical Traditional Chinese medicine) ameliorate depression by inhibiting fatty acid amide hydrolase levels in brain.

XYPs are a commonly used Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for treating depression. However, since they are taken orally, they may interact with gut bacteria and affect the therapeutic outcomes of TCMs. The chemical complexity of XYPs makes understanding their biological effects a challenge.

Zhang ZW et al (2023).

J Ethnopharmacol.

DOI:

10.1016/j.jep.2023.116555

PubMed:

37100263

In-vitro antioxidant potential and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effect of Ficus benghalensis aerial root extract.

Researchers evaluated the antioxidant effect and AChE inhibition of extracts from the aerial root of a plant. Phytochemical screening was also done. The study's power is that it could lead to new treatments for oxidative stress-related diseases and neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's.

Ramasamy A, Anandakumar K and Kathiresan K (2022).

Afr Health Sci.

DOI:

10.4314/ahs.v22i4.34

PubMed:

37092053

Corrigendum to "Jatamansinol from Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don) DC. Protects Aβ42-induced neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease Drosophila model", [Neurotoxicology 90 (2022) 62-78].

Anupama KP et al (2023).

Neurotoxicology.

DOI:

10.1016/j.neuro.2023.04.002

PubMed:

37088667

Rosa canina L. improves learning and memory-associated cognitive impairment by regulating glucose levels and reducing hippocampal insulin resistance in high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Studies suggest that there is a connection between Type-2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease in regards to neurological damage and memory impairment. Rosa canina L. (R. canina) has been used for centuries in Persian medicine for nervous diseases. However, its impact on memory impairment in diabetes is unknown. Further research is needed to determine if R. canina has potential therapeutic effects on cognitive decline associated with Type-2 diabetes.

Ertas B et al (2023).

J Ethnopharmacol.

DOI:

10.1016/j.jep.2023.116541

PubMed:

37088237