Neuroscience Studies

Protective effects of berberine against β-amyloid-induced neurotoxicity in HT22 cells via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

This study explored the potential neuroprotective effects of berberine (BBR) against Alzheimer's disease (AD) in vitro. Researchers established an apoptotic model in HT22 cells induced by Aβ and treated them with BBR. Results showed that BBR improved cell viability, inhibited Aβ-induced apoptosis and intracellular ROS levels, and intensified the activity of Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidants in HT22 cells. It also restrained the mitochondrial pathway of cellular apoptosis by decreasing the rate of p-p65/p65, cytochrome C, and cleaved caspase-3. This led the researchers to conclude that BBR provides neuroprotectiveness by alleviating oxidative stress and inhibiting the mitochondrial pathway of cellular apoptosis.

Zhang RL et al (2023).
Bioorg Chem.
PubMed:
36724611

Lactobacillus paracasei HP7 with Portulaca oleracea Linn. Alleviates Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Decline via Regulation of Neurotrophic Factor and Inflammation Signals in Mice.

A study found that a combination of HP7 and Linn. herbs (HP7A) had the best effect on increasing BDNF expression and suppressing Aβ40 expression, which can help with cognitive deterioration. Mice were given scopolamine to induce cognitive decline, and the HP7A group had the best performance in the acquisition test and the shortest escape latency in the probe test on day 6. The study suggests that HP7A can help ameliorate cognitive decline by increasing BDNF expression and suppressing Aβ40 expression.

Kim JH et al (2022).
Prev Nutr Food Sci.
PubMed:
36721752

Acute and Subacute Toxicity of Rhamnus prinoides Leaves on Histopathology of Liver, Kidney, and Brain Tissues, and Biochemical Profile of Rats.

This study evaluated the toxicity of a plant found in Ethiopia that is used for medicinal purposes. Rats were given different doses of the plant extract, and their organs were examined for changes. The study found that a single high dose did not cause mortality and a four-week administration did not produce any changes in food intake, weight, or organ function. This suggests that the plant extract may not be toxic in the short term, but further research is needed to evaluate its long-term safety.

Abebe MS et al (2023).
J Toxicol.
PubMed:
36711227

N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor 2A functionalized stationary phase: A reliable method for pursuing potential ligands against Alzheimer's disease from natural products.

This study looked at developing a new way to identify drugs that target a specific receptor involved in Alzheimer's disease. The receptor, called NMDA-2A, plays a role in brain development. The researchers wanted to find natural products that could selectively interact with this receptor, hopefully leading to new drugs for Alzheimer's disease. Their approach could help identify potential treatments that are more precise and effective.

Chen YY et al (2023).
CNS Neurosci Ther.
PubMed:
36708133

Ameliorative effect of Brassica oleracea var. Italica extract on oxidative damage of arsenic in the rat's brain: biochemical, pathological, and behavioral aspects.

This study aimed to determine the impact of broccoli extract on brain damage caused by metal accumulation. Female rats were categorized into four groups and tested using behavioral, biochemical, and pathological assessments. Results showed improved cognitive function and decreased inflammation in the group that received broccoli extract plus arsenic. Additionally, the extract increased estrogen and gonadotropin hormones, and the cortical neurons appeared improved. The study suggests that broccoli extract has potential medicinal benefits for treating brain damage caused by metal accumulation.

Raeeszadeh M et al (2023).
Metab Brain Dis.
PubMed:
36701015

The effects of Artemisia absinthium L. on scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairment and brain tissue oxidative damage in adult rats.

Researchers investigated how Lactobacillus (L.) affects memory impairment caused by scopolamine in rats. They also looked at its impact on oxidative damage to brain tissue. The study's findings could reveal the potential of Lactobacillus as a preventive and therapeutic measure for memory disorders.

Rahimi M et al (2023).
Avicenna J Phytomed.
PubMed:
36698740

A GC-MS and LC-HRMS perspective on the chemotaxonomic investigation of the natural hybrid Origanum × lirium and its parents, O. vulgare subsp. hirtum and O. scabrum.

This study focused on the classification of nine species and three natural hybrids of the Origanum L. plant genus present in Greece. There is currently no agreement on their precise botanical classification in previous research. One particular taxon, Origanum × lirium, has been referred to as both a separate species and a natural hybrid between Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum and Origanum scabrum.

Petrakis EA et al (2023).
Phytochem Anal.
PubMed:
36698289

Diversity of sesquiterpenoids from Stellera chamaejasme with neuroprotective effects.

Researchers identified 20 sesquiterpenoids from the roots of Stellera chamaejasme, including six that showed neuroprotective effects on PC-12 cells damaged by sodium nitroprusside. One of these compounds, stelleraguaianone B, was found to reduce oxidative stress and promote mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes. The study provides insights into potential natural compounds for treating neurological disorders caused by oxidative stress.

Yuan FY et al (2023).
Phytochemistry.
PubMed:
36693579