Synthetic Cathinones and Neurotoxicity Risks: A Systematic Review.

Synthetic cathinones (SCs) are the second largest class of new psychoactive substances (NPS) monitored by the EU Early Warning System. They have similar structure to cathinone and cause various neurological events, including increased alertness, mild agitation, severe psychosis, hyperthermia, and death. A systematic literature search was conducted, and 76 studies were included in the present review, highlighting neurotoxic mechanisms and toxic effects on animals and humans. Adverse effects include encephalopathy, coma, convulsions, and hallucinogenic toxidromes, as well as excited/agitated delirium syndrome and serotonin syndrome. These findings suggest that synthetic cathinones pose a significant public health and forensic toxicology challenge.

Daziani G et al (2023).

Int J Mol Sci.

DOI:

10.3390/ijms24076230

PubMed:

37047201

Systematic review on the anxiolytic and hypnotic effects of flower extracts in in vivo pre-clinical studies published from 2010 to 2020.

Researchers conducted a systematic review of scientific articles published between 2010 and 2020 that evaluated the anxiolytic, sedative, and/or hypnotic effects of flower extracts in pre-clinical animal models. They found that some flower extracts have an anxiolytic effect comparable to diazepam, but their therapeutic utility in anxiety disorders needs more investigation. The study compiled the characteristics of anxiety studies in animal models, evaluated locomotor activity, and the hypnotic effect of the extracts. The study revealed that matricaria chamomilla had a sedative effect, and 23 other flower plants had anxiolytic effects. However, more reliable behavioral tests and better experimental designs are needed to obtain more conclusive evidence with clinical significance.

Meneses C et al (2023).

Phytother Res.

DOI:

10.1002/ptr.7830

PubMed:

37039741

Potential role of Nigella Sativa and its Constituent (Thymoquinone) in Ischemic Stroke.

Nigella sativa shows promise as a treatment for ischemic stroke due to its therapeutic properties and presence of thymoquinone, potentially offering a complementary therapy for patients and exploring preventive and treatment possibilities.

Azami S and Forouzanfar F (2023).

Curr Mol Med.

DOI:

10.2174/1566524023666230410101724

PubMed:

37038292

15, 16-Dihydrotanshinone I protects against ischemic stroke by inhibiting ferroptosis via the activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2.

The study investigated the effects of DHT on ischemic stroke. DHT is a naturally occurring compound extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, that has various pharmacological effects. The study found that DHT has a protective effect against ischemic stroke by increasing Nrf2 expression. Nrf2 is a key regulator of antioxidative stress responses and is associated with ferroptosis inhibition, a process involved in stroke. These findings suggest that DHT has therapeutic potential for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Wu C et al (2023).

Phytomedicine.

DOI:

10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154790

PubMed:

37028247

Postharvest melatonin treatment enhanced antioxidant activity and promoted GABA biosynthesis in yellow-flesh peach.

Researchers explored how postharvest melatonin treatment affected antioxidant activity and GABA biosynthesis in stored peach fruit. They found that melatonin treatment helped maintain firmness, color, and sugar content in the fruit. It also decreased levels of harmful compounds while boosting antioxidant enzymes and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems. Melatonin treatment increased GABA content and up-regulated the expression of GABA biosynthesis genes while suppressing the degradation gene, promoting the accumulation of endogenous GABA. This study shows that melatonin treatment is an effective way to improve peach fruit quality.

Wu C et al (2023).

Food Chem.

DOI:

10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.136088

PubMed:

37023675

Loureirin C, from Chinese Dragon's Blood (Dracaena cochinchinensis S.C. Chen), is a novel selective estrogen receptor α modulator with anti-Alzheimer's disease effects.

Xu P et al (2023).

Fitoterapia.

DOI:

10.1016/j.fitote.2023.105497

PubMed:

37019369

Myorelaxant and antispasmodic effects of the essential oil of Artemisia campestris L., and the molecular docking of its major constituents with the muscarinic receptor and the L-type voltage-gated Ca(2).

In eastern Morocco, Artemisia campestris L. is used to treat digestive system issues. Many individuals suffer from gastrointestinal disorders that cause discomfort. This plant is among the many aromatic and medicinal plants utilized to alleviate pain and eliminate symptoms.

Marghich M et al (2023).

J Ethnopharmacol.

DOI:

10.1016/j.jep.2023.116456

PubMed:

37019158

A pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model based on the SSA-1DCNN-Attention network and the semicompartment method.

Yang J and Li Y (2023).

Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev.

DOI:

10.1080/02648725.2023.2199232

PubMed:

37018446