Neuroscience Studies

Efficacy of Artemisia annua Linné in improving cognitive impairment in a chronic cerebral hypoperfusion-induced vascular dementia animal model.

Artemisia annua Linné (AA) has antioxidant properties, but little is known about its effects on cognitive impairment. Researchers analyzed its potential in treating vascular dementia (VaD), the second most common type of dementia. There are currently no FDA-approved drugs for VaD. The findings show that AA may improve cognitive dysfunction by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. Further studies are needed to explore the therapeutic potential of AA for VaD.

Kim SY et al (2023).
Phytomedicine.
PubMed:
36738479

Preventive Effect of Indian Gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica L.) Fruit Extract on Cognitive Decline in High-Fat Diet (HFD)-Fed Rats.

The study investigated the mechanism by which Indian gooseberry fruit prevents obesity-induced cognitive decline. It was found that methylglyoxal (MG)-derived advanced glycation end products (AGEs) bind to a receptor, worsening obesity and cognitive decline. Indian gooseberries have antiobesity properties, but the mechanism by which they prevent cognitive decline was not known.

Chen YY et al (2023).
Mol Nutr Food Res.
PubMed:
36738163

Therapeutic potential of blackberry extract in the preventing memory deficits and neurochemical alterations in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum of a rat model with amnesia.

This study looked at the effects of blackberry extract on memory and brain chemistry in rats with amnesia caused by scopolamine. The rats were given blackberry extract or a drug called donepezil for 10 days and then subjected to memory tests. The extract prevented memory loss and reduced brain damage caused by scopolamine. The study suggests that blackberry extract could be used in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases due to its potential to improve memory and reduce damage in the brain.

de Mello JE et al (2023).
Metab Brain Dis.
PubMed:
36735154

Neuroprotective effects of Geranium Robertianum L. Aqueous extract on the cellular Parkinson's disease model.

Botanical medicines, such as Geranium robertianum L., have gained attention as alternative therapies for Parkinson's Disease. This Geraniaceae family plant is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but its neuroprotective potential has yet to be confirmed.

Arslan ME and Yılmaz A (2023).
Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci.
PubMed:
36734700

Modulation of GABA(A) receptors and of GABAergic synapses by the natural alkaloid gelsemine.

Gelsemine, an alkaloid found in plants with therapeutic and toxic effects, may be involved in the modulation of GABA receptors (GABARs) responsible for the properties of benzodiazepines (BDZs), drugs used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and pain. Through electrophysiological recordings in HEK293 cells and cortical neurons, researchers discovered that gelsemine acts as a negative modulator of GABARs and GABAergic synaptic function, leading to toxicity. However, its presynaptic effects also provide a potential mechanism for its therapeutic effects. These findings improve understanding of gelsemine's effects in the nervous system and suggest potential new targets for therapeutic agents.

Marileo AM et al (2023).
Front Mol Neurosci.
PubMed:
36733271

Investigation of biological activities of two cultivars of Cicer arietinum proteins mass associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers tested the inhibition activity of chickpea protein from two cultivars against Alzheimer's disease (AD) proteins. They found that the proteins could inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with no activity on butyrylcholine esterase (BChE). Both varieties showed a suppressive effect on β-amyloid peptide (βA) accumulation and have biometal chelating activity. More notably, molecular docking revealed that vicilin and legumin have good potential to interact with AChE. These findings propose that chickpea protein may possess new therapeutic peptide candidates to treat Alzheimer's disease. Further experimental work is needed.

Mafakher L et al (2023).
Proteins.
PubMed:
36729014