Thymol improves autism-like behaviour in VPA-induced ASD rats through the Pin1/p38 MAPK pathway.

Researchers investigated the effects of thymol on autism-like behaviors in rats and related molecular mechanisms. VPA-exposed rats showed increased inflammation in the brain and decreased levels of proteins associated with neuronal function. Thymol treatment improved autism-like behaviors and rescued altered levels of inflammatory proteins and neuronal function-related proteins. Thymol achieved its effect by reducing inflammation through regulating Pin1/p38 MAPK and promoting neurodevelopment. These results suggest the potential of thymol as a therapeutic avenue for autism.

Xiong Y et al (2023).

Int Immunopharmacol.

DOI:

10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109885

PubMed:

36842231

Neuroprotective effects of bornyl acetate on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis via anti-inflammatory effects and maintaining blood-brain-barrier integrity.

Researchers investigated the immunomodulatory effects of BA on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). They found that BA decreased the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines from PBMCs and decreased the proliferation of T cells. These findings suggest that BA may have potential therapeutic effects on autoimmune diseases. However, further studies are needed to fully explore the mechanisms and efficacy of BA in treating these diseases.

Lee JI et al (2023).

Phytomedicine.

DOI:

10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154569

PubMed:

36842217

Caloric Restriction (CR) Plus High-Nitrate Beetroot Juice Does Not Amplify CR-Induced Metabolic Adaptation and Improves Vascular and Cognitive Functions in Overweight Adults: A 14-Day Pilot Randomised Trial.

Combining caloric restriction with beetroot juice improves vascular and cognitive function in overweight adults, finds a pilot study. The CR+BRJ group had better results in microvascular flux, endothelial activity, cognitive scores, and urinary 8-isoprostane concentrations.

Alharbi M et al (2023).

Nutrients.

DOI:

10.3390/nu15040890

PubMed:

36839248

Characterization of Polysaccharides from the Pericarp of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim by Saccharide Mapping and Their Neuroprotective Effects.

This study investigated the properties of the pericarp of maxim (PZM), a common Chinese spice and herbal medicine. Using various techniques, the study found that PZM contained certain chemical compounds that helped protect PC12 cells from oxidative damage induced by Aβ, a peptide linked to Alzheimer's disease. PZM treatment increased cell viability, reduced ROS levels, and downregulated caspase-3 and Bax mRNA expressions while upregulating Bcl-2 and Nrf2/HO-1 expressions. These findings suggest that PZM could be used as a potential protective agent against Aβ-induced neurotoxicity.

Hu MB et al (2023).

Molecules.

DOI:

10.3390/molecules28041813

PubMed:

36838801

Gastrodin Improves Cognitive Dysfunction in REM Sleep-Deprived Rats by Regulating TLR4/NF-κB and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathways.

Gastrodin, previously shown to improve cerebral ischemia-reperfusion and hypoperfusion injury and cognitive deficit in Alzheimer's disease, was administered orally to rats for 7 days to examine its effects on REM sleep deprivation. Results showed that gastrodin improved sleep disturbance, cognitive deficits, and neuron damage in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. It did so by regulating the TLR4/NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. Gastrodin shows potential as a treatment for REM sleep deprivation.

Liu B et al (2023).

Brain Sci.

DOI:

10.3390/brainsci13020179

PubMed:

36831722

In Vivo Anti-Alzheimer and Antioxidant Properties of Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) Honey from Southern Spain.

Researchers studied monofloral avocado honey (AH) to determine its potential biomedical properties. They found that AH had a high antioxidant capacity and prevented accumulation of reactive oxygen species under oxidative stress. AH also showed potential for preventing amyloid-β aggregation, which is relevant for Alzheimer's disease prevention. However, AH exacerbated locomotive impairment in a tauopathy model, and the mechanisms of this effect remain unclear. More research is needed to better understand the potential benefits and risks of using AH.

Romero-Márquez JM et al (2023).

Antioxidants (Basel).

DOI:

10.3390/antiox12020404

PubMed:

36829962

Highly Oxidized Ecdysteroids from a Commercial Cyanotis arachnoidea Root Extract as Potent Blood-Brain Barrier Protective Agents.

Tóth G et al (2023).

J Nat Prod.

DOI:

10.1021/acs.jnatprod.2c00948

PubMed:

36825873

Sarglamides A-E, Indolidinoid-Monoterpenoid Hybrids with Anti-neuroinflammatory Activity from a Sarcandra Species.

Researchers isolated Sarglamides A-E from a plant and found that compounds - and - have unique structures. They proposed possible pathways for their creation and found that compounds - can reduce inflammation.

Zhou B et al (2023).

Org Lett.

DOI:

10.1021/acs.orglett.3c00196

PubMed:

36825855