Neuroscience Studies

Bioinformatics and computational chemistry approaches to explore the mechanism of the anti-depressive effect of ligustilide.

Depression can lead to negative outcomes, and antidepressants can cause side effects. Ligustilide (LIG), a component in angelica sinensis, has been used to treat depression with fewer side effects. This study found that LIG interacts with multiple targets, including AKT1, MAPK14, and ESR1, and the pathways of PI3K/AKT and MAPK, to exert an anti-depressive effect. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations supported these findings. This study presents a new strategy to explore the molecular mechanisms of LIG in treating depression.

Neuroscience Angelica sinensis
Zhang K et al (2023).
Sci Rep.
DOI:
10.1038/s41598-023-32495-7
PubMed:
37012370

A randomized, open-label clinical trial in mild cognitive impairment with EGb 761 examining blood markers of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Researchers are studying the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by examining blood markers before and after a 12-month treatment period in 100 patients. They are also assessing cognitive test scores. The study is expected to be complete by 2023.

ImmunologyNeuroscience Ginkgo biloba
Morató X et al (2023).
Sci Rep.
DOI:
10.1038/s41598-023-32515-6
PubMed:
37012306

Effectiveness of the Shugan Jieyu Capsule against Psychiatric Symptoms in Epilepsy: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

Psychiatric symptoms like depression, anxiety, and insomnia are common in epilepsy patients and affect their quality of life. Available antiepileptic drugs do little to alleviate these symptoms, and there's insufficient evidence on existing drugs. This study tested the efficacy of Shugan Jieyu capsule (SJC), a traditional herbal medicine containing and , in treating psychiatric symptoms in epilepsy patients. The study showed that SJC offered significant relief from psychiatric symptoms, making it a potentially viable treatment option for these patients.

Neuroscience Hypericum perforatum
Kim S, Kim Y and Cho SH (2023).
J Pharmacopuncture.
DOI:
10.3831/KPI.2023.26.1.38
PubMed:
37007289

Cucurbita maxima Seeds Reduce Anxiety and Depression and Improve Memory.

This study evaluated the benefits of a common seed for brain function. The researchers tested anxiety, depression, memory, and motor coordination, as well as brain chemicals. The seed improved anxiety, depression, and memory with no effects on motor skills. The seed may work by elevating norepinephrine, a brain chemical linked to antidepressant effects. The benefits may come from secondary metabolites like antioxidants, polyphenolic compounds, and beta-sitosterol. Overall, this study suggests that the seed could reduce neurological problems like anxiety and depression.

Neuroscience Cucurbita maxima
Wahid S, Alqahtani A and Khan RA (2023).
Behav Neurol.
DOI:
10.1155/2023/7509937
PubMed:
37006627

Pomegranate and cognitive performance: A systematic review.

Nutrition might have a role in preventing and worsening neurodegenerative diseases like dementia, which affect memory, perception, and problem-solving. More research is needed on the subject.

Neuroscience Punica granatum
Molani-Gol R et al (2023).
Curr Pharm Des.
DOI:
10.2174/1381612829666230330163645
PubMed:
37005403

Mechanism and Molecular Targets of a Water-Soluble Extract of Artemisia annua on the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation.

Oxidative stress plays a key role in Alzheimer's disease (AD), leading to cognitive dysfunction. A water-soluble extract of a traditional Chinese herbal medicine has been found to have strong anti-oxidant function and improves cognitive function in 3xTg AD mice. Using network pharmacology and experimental approaches, key genes and signaling pathways associated with oxidative stress were identified. The extract was found to have anti-oxidant/neuronal survival action against HO-induced damage, thus preventing cognitive decline and pathological changes in 3xTg mice. The findings suggest the potential of the extract as a therapy for AD.

Neuroscience Artemisia annua
Zhou WS et al (2023).
Am J Chin Med.
DOI:
10.1142/S0192415X23500295
PubMed:
36999542

The Zebrafish Model as a New Discovery Path for Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease.

Medicinal herbs have emerged as a promising therapy option for Parkinson's disease (PD). Zebrafish are a potentially cost-effective and efficient animal model for studying PD due to their molecular history and bioimaging properties. A review revealed that only six plants had been investigated as potential PD treatments using zebrafish, and only two - Centella asiatica and Bacopa monnieri - showed potential anti-PD activity. The study explores these plants' mechanisms of action and suggests accessible assays for further investigation.

Neuroscience Centella asiatica
Modarresi Chahardehi A et al (2023).
CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets.
DOI:
10.2174/1871527322666230330111712
PubMed:
36999188

Polygonum sibiricum polysaccharides exert the antidepressant-like effects in chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depressive mice by modulating microbiota-gut-brain axis.

Researchers studied the effects of Polygonum sibiricum polysaccharides (PSP), a component of a traditional Chinese medicine, on mice with depression caused by chronic mild stress. The study aimed to determine if PSP worked through the microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis. Mice treated with fecal microbiota transplantation from PSP-treated mice exhibited improved depressive behaviors and increased levels of neurotransmitters 5-hydroxytryptamine and norepinephrine while reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and corticosterone. Administration of PSP and fecal microbiota transplantation also regulated signaling pathways, indicating that PSP exerts its antidepressant effects through the MGB axis.

GastroenterologyNeuroscience Polygonatum sibiricum
Zhang Y et al (2023).
Phytother Res.
DOI:
10.1002/ptr.7813
PubMed:
36996849
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