Neuroscience Studies

Baicalin attenuates chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced hippocampal neuronal apoptosis through regulating SIRT1/PARP1 signaling pathway.

Baicalin, a compound found in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, has been reported to have antidepressant effects. In this study, the researchers investigated how it works by exploring the role of the PARP1 signaling pathway in depression. They found that administration of baicalin alleviated depressive-like behaviors induced by chronic stress in mice by reducing neuronal damage in the hippocampus and increasing anti-apoptotic proteins while decreasing pro-apoptotic proteins. They also found that baicalin works by regulating the SIRT1/PARP1 signaling pathway. These findings suggest that baicalin may be a potential therapeutic option for depression.

Ma Z et al (2023).
Behav Brain Res.
PubMed:
36642102

Phytotherapy of mood disorders in the light of microbiota-gut-brain axis.

Research has revealed potential herbal medicines for treating mild mood disorders, but with unclear active components. The microbiota-gut-brain axis offers new avenues for treatment and prevention of mood disorders.

Korczak M et al (2023).
Phytomedicine.
PubMed:
36641978

Curcumin attenuates morphine dependence by modulating μ-opioid receptors and glial cell-activated neuroinflammation in rat.

Curcumin, a natural compound found in turmeric, was investigated for its potential to reduce opioid dependence in rats. The study used immunofluorescence staining and ELISA methods to evaluate cytokine levels, and western blotting to evaluate the expression of μ-opioid receptors. Results showed that curcumin administration significantly attenuated the symptoms of morphine withdrawal syndrome and reduced cytokine levels and inflammation in the prefrontal cortex. Additionally, the expression of μ-opioid receptors was reduced by curcumin. This study highlights the potential of curcumin as a treatment for opioid dependence by targeting neuroinflammation.

Sheikholeslami MA et al (2023).
Neuropeptides.
PubMed:
36640553

Antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like actions of Cajanus cajan seed extract mediated through monoaminergic, nitric oxide-cyclic GMP and GABAergic pathways.

The study examined the effects of ethanol seed extract of Cajanus cajan (CC) on mice that mimic antidepressant and anxiety-like properties. The seeds of CC have traditionally been used in alternative medicine for treating neurological disorders and anxiety. The study could lead to future development of CC-based therapies for these disorders.

Olubodun-Obadun TG et al (2023).
J Ethnopharmacol.
PubMed:
36638856

Microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids mediate the effects of dengzhan shengmai in ameliorating cerebral ischemia via the gut-brain axis.

Researchers investigated the molecular mechanism behind the popular herbal medicine Dengzhan shengmai (DZSM) formula, which is commonly used to aid recovery from ischemic cerebrovascular diseases. The formula is composed of four herbal medicines and the study found that it promotes angiogenesis, which improves blood flow and aids in the recovery process. The study provides valuable insight into the potential benefits of traditional herbal medicines in treating vascular diseases.

Guo HH et al (2023).
J Ethnopharmacol.
PubMed:
36638854

Chiral analysis of E-ε-viniferin enantiomers, towards a new chemotaxonomic marker of the vine.

To avoid economic damage to the wine industry, accurate identification of grapevine cultivars is crucial. Researchers have developed morphological, molecular, and chemical tools for positive identification of grape varieties.

Gabaston J et al (2023).
J Sci Food Agric.
PubMed:
36636878