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Xanthoceraside ameliorates mitochondrial dysfunction contributing to the improvement of learning and memory impairment in mice with intracerebroventricular injection of aβ1-42. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 2014:969342. [PMID: 24976855 PMCID: PMC4058193 DOI: 10.1155/2014/969342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Revised: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The effects of xanthoceraside on learning and memory impairment were investigated and the possible mechanism associated with the protection of mitochondria was also preliminarily explored in Alzheimer's disease (AD) mice model induced by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of Aβ1-42. The results indicated that xanthoceraside (0.08–0.32 mg/kg) significantly improved learning and memory impairment in Morris water maze test and Y-maze test. Xanthoceraside significantly reversed the aberrant decrease of ATP levels and attenuated the abnormal increase of ROS levels both in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus in mice injected with Aβ1-42. Moreover, xanthoceraside dose dependently reversed the decrease of COX, PDHC, and KGDHC activity in isolated cerebral cortex mitochondria of the mice compared with Aβ1-42 injected model mice. In conclusion, xanthoceraside could improve learning and memory impairment, promote the function of mitochondria, decrease the production of ROS, and inhibit oxidative stress. The improvement effects on mitochondria may be through withstanding the damage of Aβ to mitochondrial respiratory chain and the key enzymes in Kreb's cycle. Therefore, the results from present study and previous study indicate that xanthoceraside could be a competitive candidate for the treatment of AD.
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152
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Mao XY, Cao DF, Li X, Yin JY, Wang ZB, Zhang Y, Mao CX, Zhou HH, Liu ZQ. Huperzine A ameliorates cognitive deficits in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:7667-83. [PMID: 24857910 PMCID: PMC4057698 DOI: 10.3390/ijms15057667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Revised: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study was designed to probe the effects of Huperzine A (HupA) on diabetes-associated cognitive decline (DACD) using a streptozotocin (STZ)-injected rat model. Diabetic rats were treated with HupA (0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg) for seven weeks. Memory functions were evaluated by the water maze test. Nissl staining was selected for detecting neuronal loss. Protein and mRNA levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were analyzed by ELISA and real-time PCR, respectively. The activities of choline acetylase (ChAT), Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), NF-κB p65 unit, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and caspase-3 were measured using corresponding kits. After seven weeks, diabetic rats exhibited remarkable reductions in: body weight, percentage of time spent in target quadrant, number of times crossing the platform, ChAT and BDNF levels, SOD, GSH-Px and CAT accompanied with increases in neuronal damage, plasma glucose levels, escape latency, mean path length, AChE, MDA level as well as CAT, NF-κB p65 unit, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and caspase-3 in cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Supplementation with HupA significantly and dose-dependently reversed the corresponding values in diabetes. It is concluded that HupA ameliorates DACD via modulating BDNF, oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yuan Mao
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.
| | - Dan-Feng Cao
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China.
| | - Xi Li
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.
| | - Ji-Ye Yin
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.
| | - Zhi-Bin Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Ying Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.
| | - Chen-Xue Mao
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.
| | - Hong-Hao Zhou
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.
| | - Zhao-Qian Liu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.
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153
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Wu JG, Wang YY, Zhang ZL, Yu B. Herbal medicine in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Chin J Integr Med 2014; 21:102-7. [PMID: 24752473 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-014-1337-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Associated with the aging of our world population is a sharp increase in the incidence of Alzheimer's disease, which not only poses a significant health issue but also presents a serious social problem. Although pharmacological treatments were developed based on existing hypotheses, the disease pathogenesis remains to be fully elucidated. Given the complexity of Alzheimer's disease, Chinese herbal medicine appears to have therapeutic potential for Alzheimer's disease through multi-target and multi-pathway approach at cellular and molecular levels and holistic adjustment of the body at organ system levels. Recently, a significant breakthrough has been made in the research of Chinese medicine for Alzheimer's disease. In this article, we review the experimental research progress in understanding how Chinese medicine could be used for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-guo Wu
- Tianjin University of Traditional Medicine, Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
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154
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Text mining of the classical medical literature for medicines that show potential in diabetic nephropathy. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 2014:189125. [PMID: 24744808 PMCID: PMC3976881 DOI: 10.1155/2014/189125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2013] [Revised: 12/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. To apply modern text-mining methods to identify candidate herbs and formulae for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy. Methods. The method we developed includes three steps: (1) identification of candidate ancient terms; (2) systemic search and assessment of medical records written in classical Chinese; (3) preliminary evaluation of the effect and safety of candidates.
Results. Ancient terms Xia Xiao, Shen Xiao, and Xiao Shen were determined as the most likely to correspond with diabetic nephropathy and used in text mining. A total of 80 Chinese formulae for treating conditions congruent with diabetic nephropathy recorded in medical books from Tang Dynasty to Qing Dynasty were collected. Sao si tang (also called Reeling Silk Decoction) was chosen to show the process of preliminary evaluation of the candidates. It had promising potential for development as new agent for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy. However, further investigations about the safety to patients with renal insufficiency are still needed.
Conclusions. The methods developed in this study offer a targeted approach to identifying traditional herbs and/or formulae as candidates for further investigation in the search for new drugs for modern disease. However, more effort is still required to improve our techniques, especially with regard to compound formulae.
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Jain S, Sangma T, Shukla SK, Mediratta PK. Effect ofCinnamomum zeylanicumextract on scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment and oxidative stress in rats. Nutr Neurosci 2014; 18:210-6. [DOI: 10.1179/1476830514y.0000000113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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156
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Feng L, Liu ZM, Xu L, Lv X, Ning J, Hou J, Ge GB, Cui JN, Yang L. A highly selective long-wavelength fluorescent probe for the detection of human carboxylesterase 2 and its biomedical applications. Chem Commun (Camb) 2014; 50:14519-22. [DOI: 10.1039/c4cc06642a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A highly selective long-wavelength fluorescent probe for the detection of human carboxylesterase 2 (hCE2) has been developed and well characterized. The probe can be used for measuring the real activities of hCE2 in complex biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals
- Dalian University of Technology
- Dalian, China
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Zhao-Ming Liu
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Dalian, China
| | - Liang Xu
- School of Chemistry
- Dalian University of Technology
- Dalian, China
| | - Xia Lv
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Dalian, China
| | - Jing Ning
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Dalian, China
| | - Jie Hou
- Dalian Medical University
- Dalian 116044, China
| | - Guang-Bo Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals
- Dalian University of Technology
- Dalian, China
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Jing-Nan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals
- Dalian University of Technology
- Dalian, China
| | - Ling Yang
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Dalian, China
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Ruan Q, Hu X, Ao H, Ma H, Gao Z, Liu F, Kong D, Bao Z, Yu Z. The Neurovascular Protective Effects of Huperzine A on D-Galactose-Induced Inflammatory Damage in the Rat Hippocampus. Gerontology 2014; 60:424-39. [DOI: 10.1159/000358235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 12/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Kalaria DR, Patel P, Merino V, Patravale VB, Kalia YN. Controlled iontophoretic transport of huperzine A across skin in vitro and in vivo: effect of delivery conditions and comparison of pharmacokinetic models. Mol Pharm 2013; 10:4322-9. [PMID: 24028565 DOI: 10.1021/mp4004173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate constant current anodal iontophoresis of Huperzine A (HupA) in vitro and in vivo and hence to evaluate the feasibility of using electrically assisted delivery to administer therapeutic amounts of the drug across the skin for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Preliminary experiments were performed using porcine and human skin in vitro. Stability studies demonstrated that HupA was not degraded upon exposure to epidermis or dermis for 12 h and that it was also stable in the presence of an electric current (0.5 mA · cm(-2)). Passive permeation of HupA (2 mM) was minimal (1.1 ± 0.1 μg · cm(-2)); iontophoresis at 0.15, 0.3, and 0.5 mA · cm(-2) produced 106-, 134-, and 184-fold increases in its transport across the skin. Surprisingly, despite the use of a salt bridge to isolate the formulation compartment from the anodal chamber, which contained 133 mM NaCl, iontophoresis of HupA was shown to increase linearly with its concentration (1, 2, and 4 mM in 25 mM MES, pH 5.0) (r(2) = 0.99). This was attributed to the low ratio of drug to Cl¯ (in the skin and in the receiver compartment) which competed strongly to carry current, its depletion, and to possible competition from the zwitterionic MES. Co-iontophoresis of acetaminophen confirmed that electromigration was the dominant electrotransport mechanism. Total delivery across human and porcine skin was found to be statistically equivalent (243.2 ± 33.1 and 235.6 ± 13.7 μg · cm(-2), respectively). Although the transport efficiency was ∼ 1%, the iontophoretic delivery efficiency (i.e., the fraction of the drug load delivered) was extremely high, in the range of 46-81% depending on the current density. Cumulative permeation of HupA from a Carbopol gel formulation after iontophoresis for 6 h at 0.5 mA · cm(-2) was less than that from solution (135.3 ± 25.2 and 202.9 ± 5.2 μg · cm(-2), respectively) but sufficient for therapeutic delivery. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined in male Wistar rats in vivo (4 mM HupA; 0.5 mA · cm(-2) for 5 h with Ag/AgCl electrodes) using two-compartment models with either constant or time-variant input rates. A superior fit was obtained using the time-variant model, and the input rate in vivo was significantly greater than that in vitro. Based on these results and the known pharmacokinetics, it was estimated that therapeutic amounts of HupA could be delivered for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease using a reasonably sized patch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhaval R Kalaria
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva & University of Lausanne , 30 Quai Ernest Ansermet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
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159
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Pera M, Camps P, Muñoz-Torrero D, Perez B, Badia A, Clos Guillen MV. Undifferentiated and differentiated PC12 cells protected by huprines against injury induced by hydrogen peroxide. PLoS One 2013; 8:e74344. [PMID: 24086337 PMCID: PMC3781080 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) plays a central role in the stress. Huprines, a group of potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs), have shown a broad cholinergic pharmacological profile. Recently, it has been observed that huprine X (HX) improves cognition in non transgenic middle aged mice and shows a neuroprotective activity (increased synaptophysin expression) in 3xTg-AD mice. Consequently, in the present experiments the potential neuroprotective effect of huprines (HX, HY, HZ) has been analyzed in two different in vitro conditions: undifferentiated and NGF-differentiated PC12 cells. Cells were subjected to oxidative insult (H2O2, 200 µM) and the protective effects of HX, HY and HZ (0.01 µM–1 µM) were analyzed after a pre-incubation period of 24 and 48 hours. All huprines showed protective effects in both undifferentiated and NGF-differentiated cells, however only in differentiated cells the effect was dependent on cholinergic receptors as atropine (muscarinic antagonist, 0.1 µM) and mecamylamine (nicotinic antagonist, 100 µM) reverted the neuroprotection action of huprines. The decrease in SOD activity observed after oxidative insult was overcome in the presence of huprines and this effect was not mediated by muscarinic or nicotinic receptors. In conclusion, huprines displayed neuroprotective properties as previously observed in in vivo studies. In addition, these effects were mediated by cholinergic receptors only in differentiated cells. However, a non-cholinergic mechanism, probably through an increase in SOD activity, seems to be also involved in the neuroprotective effects of huprines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Pera
- Departament de Farmacologia, de Terapèutica i de Toxicologia, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
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160
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Andersson CD, Forsgren N, Akfur C, Allgardsson A, Berg L, Engdahl C, Qian W, Ekström F, Linusson A. Divergent Structure–Activity Relationships of Structurally Similar Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2013; 56:7615-24. [DOI: 10.1021/jm400990p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nina Forsgren
- Swedish Defense Research Agency, CBRN Defense and Security, SE-906 21 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Christine Akfur
- Swedish Defense Research Agency, CBRN Defense and Security, SE-906 21 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Anders Allgardsson
- Swedish Defense Research Agency, CBRN Defense and Security, SE-906 21 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Lotta Berg
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Engdahl
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
- Swedish Defense Research Agency, CBRN Defense and Security, SE-906 21 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Weixing Qian
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
- Laboratories
for Chemical Biology Umeå (LCBU), Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Ekström
- Swedish Defense Research Agency, CBRN Defense and Security, SE-906 21 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Anna Linusson
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
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161
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Bradshaw B, Luque-Corredera C, Saborit G, Cativiela C, Dorel R, Bo C, Bonjoch J. Synthetic and DFT Studies Towards a Unified Approach to Phlegmarine Alkaloids: Aza-Michael Intramolecular Processes Leading to 5-Oxodecahydroquinolines. Chemistry 2013; 19:13881-92. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201301715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ben Bradshaw
- Laboratori de Química Orgànica, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII s/n, 08028-Barcelona (Spain), Fax: (+34) 934024539.
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Tang Y, Fu Y, Xiong J, Li M, Ma GL, Yang GX, Wei BG, Zhao Y, Zhang HY, Hu JF. Casuarinines A-J, lycodine-type alkaloids from Lycopodiastrum casuarinoides. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2013; 76:1475-1484. [PMID: 23941108 DOI: 10.1021/np4003355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Ten new lycodine-type alkaloids, named casuarinines A-J (1-10), along with eight known analogues (11-18), were isolated from the whole plant of Lycopodiastrum casuarinoides . The new structures were established by spectroscopic methods and chemical transformations. Casuarinines A-D (1-4) and J (10) are common lycodine alkaloids possessing four connected six-membered rings, while tricyclic casuarinines E-H (5-8) are the piperidine ring cleavage products. In particular, casuarinine I (9) has an unprecedented five-membered tetrahydropyrrole ring instead of the piperidine ring. A plausible biosynthetic pathway to 9 is proposed. Among the compounds reported, casuarinine H (8) exhibited significant neuroprotective effect against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced neuronal cell damage in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, while casuarinines C (3) and I (9) showed moderate inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Tang
- Department of Natural Products Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
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163
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Liang W, Lam WP, Tang HC, Leung PC, Yew DT. Current Evidence of Chinese Herbal Constituents with Effects on NMDA Receptor Blockade. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2013; 6:1039-54. [PMID: 24276380 PMCID: PMC3817734 DOI: 10.3390/ph6081039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Revised: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
NMDA receptor (NMDA-R) is an important molecular entity governing a wide range of functions in the central nervous system. For example, the NMDA-R is involved in memory and cognition, and impairment of both (as in Alzheimer's Disease) is attributed to NMDA-mediated neurotoxicity. With greater understanding of the NMDA-R structure, antagonists with varying degrees of binding-site and subtype selectivity have been developed and put into clinical use. Discovery of target-specific Chinese herbs have also been made in parallel. This article provides an overview of the known active sites on the NMDA-R, followed by a discussion of the relevant herbs and their constituents. Experimental evidence supporting the inhibitory role of the herbal compounds on the NMDA-R is highlighted. For some of the compounds, potential research directions are also proposed to further elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the herbs. It is envisaged that future investigations based on the present data will allow more clinically relevant herbs to be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willmann Liang
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; E-Mails: (W.P.L.); (H.C.T.); (P.C.L.)
| | | | | | | | - David T. Yew
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; E-Mails: (W.P.L.); (H.C.T.); (P.C.L.)
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164
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Zhang L, Cao H, Wen J, Xu M. Green tea polyphenol (–)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate enhances the inhibitory effect of huperzine A on acetylcholinesterase by increasing the affinity with serum albumin. Nutr Neurosci 2013; 12:142-8. [DOI: 10.1179/147683009x423283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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165
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Phase I study on the pharmacokinetics and tolerance of ZT-1, a prodrug of huperzine A, for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2013; 34:976-82. [PMID: 23624756 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2013.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 01/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Huperzine A isolated from the Chinese herb Huperzia serrata (Thunb) Trev is a novel reversible and selective AChE inhibitor. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and tolerance of single and multiple doses of ZT-1, a novel analogue of huperzine A, in healthy Chinese subjects. METHODS This was a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized, single- and multiple-dose study. For the single-dose study, 9 subjects were randomly divided into 3 groups receiving ZT-1 (0.5, 0.75 or 1 mg, po) according to a Three-way Latin Square Design. For the multiple-dose study, 9 subjects receiving ZT-1 (0.75 mg/d, po) for 8 consecutive days. In the tolerance study, 40 subjects were randomly divided into 5 groups receiving a single dose of ZT-1 (0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25 or 1.5 mg, po). Plasma and urine concentrations of ZT-1 and Hup A were determined using LC-MS/MS. Pharmacokinetic parameters, including Cmax, AUC0-72 h and AUC0-∞ were calculated. Tolerance assessments were conducted throughout the study. RESULTS ZT-1 was rapidly absorbed and converted into huperzine A, thus the plasma and urine concentrations of ZT-1 were below the limit of quantification (<0.05 ng/mL). After single-dose administration of ZT-1, the mean tmax of huperzine A was 0.76-0.82 h; the AUC0-72 h and Cmax of huperzine A showed approximately dose-proportional increase over the dose range of 0.5-1 mg. After the multiple-dose administration of ZT-1, a steady-state level of huperzine A was achieved within 2 d. No serious adverse events were observed. CONCLUSION ZT-1 is a pro-drug that is rapidly absorbed and converted into huperzine A, and ZT-1 is well tolerated in healthy Chinese volunteers.
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Xiang JG, Shan WG, Liang DE, Ying YM, Gan LS, Wang JW, Zhan ZJ. N-Bearing Furanone Derivatives from an Endophytic Fungus inHuperzia serrata. Helv Chim Acta 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/hlca.201200622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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167
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The use of borneol as an enhancer for targeting aprotinin-conjugated PEG-PLGA nanoparticles to the brain. Pharm Res 2013; 30:2560-72. [PMID: 23615859 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-013-1055-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of borneol on the brain targeting efficiency of aprotinin-conjugated poly (ethyleneglycol)-poly (L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (Apr-NP) and the activity of huperzine A (Hup A) loaded nanoparticles to AD rats . METHOD Apr-NP was prepared by emulsion and solvent evaporation method. The uptake of Apr-NP alone or combined with borneol by brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) was evaluated by incorporating coumarin-6 as a tracer. In vivo imaging and the distribution of Hup A in the brain were measured to investigate the brain delivery of Apr-NP in rats, with or without the oral administration of borneol. Morris water maze was used to evaluate the memory improvement effect of Hup A loaded nanoparticles (Apr-NP-Hup). RESULTS Co-incubation with borneol could increase the uptake of nanoparticles by BCECs. Nanoparticles delivered into the rat brain were enhanced significantly by the co-administration of borneol. The pharmacological effects of Hup A loaded nanoparticles on improving the memory impairment of AD rats were greatly improved when combined with borneol. CONCLUSIONS Borneol is a promising enhancer for brain-targeting delivery systems. When co-administered with aprotinin-modified nanoparticles, borneol could improve the brain targeting efficiency of nanoparticles significantly.
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168
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Tao Y, Fang L, Yang Y, Jiang H, Yang H, Zhang H, Zhou H. Quantitative proteomic analysis reveals the neuroprotective effects of huperzine A for amyloid beta treated neuroblastoma N2a cells. Proteomics 2013; 13:1314-24. [DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201200437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2012] [Revised: 11/25/2012] [Accepted: 11/26/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hualiang Jiang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Shanghai; China
| | - Huaiyu Yang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Shanghai; China
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Lunardi P, Nardin P, Guerra MC, Abib R, Leite MC, Gonçalves CA. Huperzine A, but not tacrine, stimulates S100B secretion in astrocyte cultures. Life Sci 2013; 92:701-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2013.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2012] [Revised: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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170
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Huperzine A promotes hippocampal neurogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Brain Res 2013; 1506:35-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2012] [Revised: 02/02/2013] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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171
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Abstract
Herbal medicines supported by evidence of safety and efficacy in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, cognitive enhancement, mental focus, and sexual function are useful as monotherapies, multiherb combinations, and as adjuncts to prescription psychotropics. Relevant mechanisms of action and clinical guidelines for herbs in common use can assist clinicians who want to enhance treatment outcomes by integrating phytomedicinals into their treatment regimens. Research is needed to strengthen the evidence base and to expand the range of disorders that can be treated with herbal extracts. Studies of herbal genomic effects may lead to more targeted and effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia L Gerbarg
- New York Medical College, 40 Sunshine Cottage Road, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA.
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172
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Chan ESY, Bautista D, You Y, Long JT, Ling L, Li W, Chen C. Traditional Chinese herbal medicine for vascular dementia. Hippokratia 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd010284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Edwin SY Chan
- Office of Clinical Sciences, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School; Centre for Quantitative Medicine; Nanos Building #02-01 31 Biopolis Way Singapore Singapore 138669
| | - Dianne Bautista
- Singapore Clinical Research Institute; Epidemiology; 31 Biopolis Way, Nanos #02-01 Singapore Singapore 138669
| | - Yong You
- First Affiliated Hospital of Nanhua University; Neurology; 69 Chan Shuan Road Hengyang Hunan China 421001
| | - Jian Ting Long
- 1st Affiliated Hospital, Nanhua University; Department of Neurology; Nanhua China
| | - Lu Ling
- 1st Affiliated Hospital, Nanhua University; Department of Neurology; Nanhua China
| | - Wenyun Li
- Office of Clinical Sciences, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School; Centre for Quantitative Medicine,; Singapore Singapore
| | - Christopher Chen
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore; Department of Pharmacology; Clinical Research Center Bldng MD11, Level 5 10 Medical Drive Singapore Singapore 117597
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173
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Ruan Q, Liu F, Gao Z, Kong D, Hu X, Shi D, Bao Z, Yu Z. The anti-inflamm-aging and hepatoprotective effects of huperzine A in D-galactose-treated rats. Mech Ageing Dev 2013; 134:89-97. [PMID: 23313706 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2012.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2012] [Revised: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress contributes to a chronic inflammatory process referred to as "inflamm-aging". Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEI) can enhance cholinergic transmission and act as anti-inflammatory agents via immunocompetent cells expressing α-7 acetylcholine receptors (AChR). The present study explores the possible role of huperzine A, a reversible and selective AChEI, against D-gal-induced oxidative damage, cell toxicity and inflamm-aging in rat livers. In two-month-old rats with normal liver function, an 8-week administration of D-gal (300 mg/kg subcutaneously (s.c.) injected), significantly increased hepatic impairment, ROS generation and oxidative damage, hepatic senescence, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation and inflammatory responses. An 8-week co-administration of both D-gal (300 mg/kg s.c.) and huperzine A (0.1 mg/kg s.c.) not only significantly decreased hepatic function impairment, ROS generation, oxidative damage, but also suppressed inflamm-aging by inhibiting hepatic replicative senescence, AChE activity, IκBα degradation, NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation and inflammatory responses. The expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA and proteins, such as TNFα, IL-1β and IL-6 decrease significantly, and the protein levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 display an obvious increase. These findings indicated that D-gal-induced hepatic injury and inflamm-aging in the rat liver was associated with the development of a pro-inflammatory phenotype in this organ. D-gal induced damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) because oxidative damages might play an important role in D-gal-induced hepatic sterile inflammation. Huperzine A exhibited protective effects against D-gal-induced hepatotoxicity and inflamm-aging by inhibiting AChE activity and via the activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. The huperzine A mechanism might be involved in the inhibition of DAMPs-mediated NF-κB nuclear localization and activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingwei Ruan
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Institute of Geriatrics, Huadong Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 221 West Yan An Road, Shanghai 200040, PR China.
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174
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Zhang L, Song Y, Lu C, Zhang J, Yuan J, Wang T, Fu F. The effects of huperzine A on gastrointestinal acetylcholinesterase activity and motility after single and multiple dosing in mice. Exp Ther Med 2013; 5:793-796. [PMID: 23403922 PMCID: PMC3570168 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2013.883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2012] [Accepted: 12/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI), huperzine A has been used in the treatment of the cognitive deterioration associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the side-effects of huperzine A associated with increased cholinergic activity, particularly in the gastrointestinal system, are evident. It is not yet known how quickly these side-effects become tolerated; this information would provide guidance to doctors on how to use huperzine A so as to attenuate the adverse events. The present study aimed to observe the effects of huperzine A on gastrointestinal motility and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in mice. After oral administration of huperzine A with single and multiple dosing, the gastrointestinal motility and AChE activity of the mice were examined. The results revealed that, following a single dose of huperzine A, the AChE activity in the stomach and duodenum were significantly inhibited and the gastrointestinal motility was significantly increased. However, following multiple doses (7 or 28 doses, one dose per day), no significant changes in the AChE activity and gastrointestinal motility were identified. These findings indicate that the gastrointestinal adverse effects of huperzine A may be well-tolerated relatively quickly and do not recur. Additionally, it suggests that patients with AD are likely to have minimal gastrointestinal side-effects after taking multiple doses of huperzine A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leiming Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong 264005, P.R. China
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175
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has been proposed as a condition of intermediate symptomatology between the cognitive changes of ageing and fully developed symptoms of dementia. Treatment in the stages of MCI may delay the deterioration of cognitive impairment and delay the progression to dementia. Currently, the treatments for Alzheimer's disease have been focused on increasing acetylcholine levels in the brain. However, these drugs have not been proven to be effective for MCI and have numerous side effects. Huperzine A may have some beneficial effects in MCI. OBJECTIVES To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of huperzine A for the treatment of patients with MCI. SEARCH METHODS We searched ALOIS: the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group's Specialized Register on 23 May 2011 using the terms: huperzine, ayapin, scoparon. ALOIS contains records of clinical trials identified from monthly searches of a number of major healthcare databases, numerous trial registries and grey literature sources. Additional searches were also performed separately in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, LILACS, clinicalTrials.gov, the ICTRP (WHO portal), CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library) and Web of Science with Conference Proceedings.The following Chinese databases were searched: The Chinese Biomedical Database, VIP Chinese Science and Technique Journals Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and The Chinese Clinical Trials Register. In addition, we handsearched 20 Chinese traditional medicine journals from between 1970 and 1989. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trials comparing huperzine A with placebo in patients with MCI were eligible for inclusion. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed studies for their eligibility for inclusion. MAIN RESULTS No eligible trials were identified. In the absence of any suitable randomised placebo-controlled trials in this area, we were unable to perform a meta-analysis. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The currently available evidence is insufficient to assess the potential for huperzine A in the treatment of MCI. Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trials are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jirong Yue
- West China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityDepartment of GeriatricsNo. 37, Guo Xue XiangChengduChina610041
| | - Bi Rong Dong
- West China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityDepartment of GeriatricsNo. 37, Guo Xue XiangChengduChina610041
| | - Xiufang Lin
- West China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityDepartment of GeriatricsNo. 37, Guo Xue XiangChengduChina610041
| | - Ming Yang
- West China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityDepartment of GeriatricsNo. 37, Guo Xue XiangChengduChina610041
| | - Hong Mei Wu
- West China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityDepartment of GeriatricsNo. 37, Guo Xue XiangChengduChina610041
| | - Taixiang Wu
- West China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChinese Clinical Trial Registry, Chinese Ethics Committee of Registering Clinical TrialsNo. 37, Guo Xue XiangChengduChina610041
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176
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Wang Y, Wei Y, Oguntayo S, Doctor BP, Nambiar MP. A combination of [+] and [-]-Huperzine A improves protection against soman toxicity compared to [+]-Huperzine A in guinea pigs. Chem Biol Interact 2012; 203:120-4. [PMID: 23123250 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2012.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2012] [Revised: 10/10/2012] [Accepted: 10/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The neuropathologic mechanisms after exposure to lethal doses of nerve agent are complex and involve multiple biochemical pathways. Effective treatment requires drugs that can simultaneously protect by reversible binding to the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and blocking cascades of seizure related brain damage, inflammation, neuronal degeneration as well as promoting induction of neuroregeneration. [-]-Huperzine A ([-]-Hup A), is a naturally occurring potent reversible AChE inhibitor that penetrates the blood-brain barrier. It also has several neuroprotective effects including modification of beta-amyloid peptide, reduction of oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and induction and regulation of nerve growth factor. Toxicities at higher doses restrict the neuroporotective ability of [-]-Hup A for treatment. The synthetic stereoisomer, [+]-Hup A, is less toxic due to poor AChE inhibition and is suitable for both pre-/post-exposure treatments of nerve agent toxicity. [+]-Hup A block the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced seizure in rats, reduce excitatory amino acid induced neurotoxicity and also prevent soman induced toxicity with minimum performance decrement. Unique combinations of two stereo-isomers of Hup A may provide an excellent pre/post-treatment drug for the nerve agent induced seizure/status epilepticus. We investigated a combination of [+]-Hup A with a small dose of [-]-Hup A ([+] and [-]-Hup A) against soman toxicity. Our data showed that pretreatment with a combination [+] and [-]-Hup A significantly increased the survival rate and reduced behavioral abnormalities after exposure to 1.2 × LD(50) soman compared to [+]-Hup A in guinea pigs. In addition, [+] and [-]-Hup A pretreatment inhibited the development of high power of EEG better than [+]-Hup A pretreatment alone. These data suggest that a combination of [+] and [-]-Hup A offers better protection than [+]-Hup A and serves as a potent medical countermeasure against lethal dose nerve agent toxicity in guinea pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Blast-Induced Neurotrauma Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA.
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177
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Promising therapeutics with natural bioactive compounds for improving learning and memory--a review of randomized trials. Molecules 2012; 17:10503-39. [PMID: 22945029 PMCID: PMC6268692 DOI: 10.3390/molecules170910503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Revised: 08/06/2012] [Accepted: 08/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive disorders can be associated with brain trauma, neurodegenerative disease or as a part of physiological aging. Aging in humans is generally associated with deterioration of cognitive performance and, in particular, learning and memory. Different therapeutic approaches are available to treat cognitive impairment during physiological aging and neurodegenerative or psychiatric disorders. Traditional herbal medicine and numerous plants, either directly as supplements or indirectly in the form of food, improve brain functions including memory and attention. More than a hundred herbal medicinal plants have been traditionally used for learning and memory improvement, but only a few have been tested in randomized clinical trials. Here, we will enumerate those medicinal plants that show positive effects on various cognitive functions in learning and memory clinical trials. Moreover, besides natural products that show promising effects in clinical trials, we briefly discuss medicinal plants that have promising experimental data or initial clinical data and might have potential to reach a clinical trial in the near future.
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178
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Zhang H, Liang H, Kuang P, Yuan Q, Wang Y. Simultaneously preparative purification of Huperzine A and Huperzine B from Huperzia serrata by macroporous resin and preparative high performance liquid chromatography. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2012; 904:65-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2012.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2012] [Revised: 07/16/2012] [Accepted: 07/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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179
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Abstract
Huperzine A, an active Lycopodium alkaloid extracted from traditional Chinese herb, is a potent, selective and reversible acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor and has been widely used in China for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Accordingly, some new mechanisms of action for huperzine A have been discovered over the past decades. In addition to its AChE inhibitory effect, potent multifaceted neuroprotective effect through activating cholinergic system and directly acting on mitochondria have been explored. Moreover, in order to maximize the efficacy and safety of huperzine A therapy, great efforts have been made to optimize drug delivery system. In the present article, an attempt is made to discuss the current progress and future perspective for huperzine A therapy in AD.
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180
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Liu X, Kim DH, Kim JM, Park SJ, Cai M, Jang DS, Ryu JH. The Memory-Ameliorating Effects of Artemisia princeps var. orientalis Against Cholinergic Dysfunction in Mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2012; 40:993-1005. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x12500735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Artemisia princeps var. orientalis (Compositae) is widely distributed in China, Japan and Korea and is known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. The ethyl acetate fraction of ethanolic extract of A. princeps var. orientalis (AEA) was found to inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity in a dose-dependent manner in vitro (IC50 value: 541.4 ± 67.5 μg/ml). Therefore, we investigated the effects of AEA on scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairment using the passive avoidance, the Y-maze, and the Morris water maze tasks in mice. AEA (100 or 200 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly ameliorated scopolamine-induced cognitive impairments in the passive avoidance and Y-maze tasks (p < 0.05). In the Morris water maze task, AEA (200 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly shortened escape latencies in training trials and increased both swimming time spent in the target zone and probe crossing numbers during the probe trial as compared with scopolamine-treated mice (p < 0.05). Additionally, the ameliorating effect of AEA on scopolamine-induced memory impairment was antagonized by a subeffective dose of MK-801. These results suggest that AEA could be an effective treatment against cholinergic dysfunction and its effect is mediated by the enhancement of the cholinergic neurotransmitter system via NMDA receptor signaling or acetylcholinesterase inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Liu
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Kim
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Min Kim
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Jin Park
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Mudan Cai
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Sik Jang
- Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
- Kyung Hee East-West Pharmaceutical Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Hoon Ryu
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
- Oriental Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
- Kyung Hee East-West Pharmaceutical Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
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181
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Sun Y, Zhu R, Ye H, Tang K, Zhao J, Chen Y, Liu Q, Cao Z. Towards a bioinformatics analysis of anti-Alzheimer's herbal medicines from a target network perspective. Brief Bioinform 2012; 14:327-43. [DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbs025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
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182
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Santos WP, da Silva Carvalho AC, dos Santos Estevam C, Santana AEG, Marçal RM. In vitro and ex vivo anticholinesterase activities of Erythrina velutina leaf extracts. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2012; 50:919-924. [PMID: 22480245 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2011.649429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Erythrina velutina (EV) Willd (Fabaceae-Faboideae) is a medicinal tree that is commonly used in Brazil for the treatment of several central nervous system disorders. OBJECTIVE The anticholinesterase activity of EV is described in this work. METHODS Concentration-response curves (0-1.6 mg/mL) for EV leaf aqueous extract (AE) and alkaloid-rich extracts (AKEs) were performed in vitro. Cholinesterase inhibition was examined in mouse brains, as the cholinesterase source, and in pure acetylcholinesterase (AChE) or butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). Mice were treated with AE or AKE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) and their brains were used for the measurement of cholinesterase activity (CA) ex vivo. RESULTS CA was inhibited by AE (IC(50) = 0.57 [0.43-0.75] mg/mL) and AKE (IC(50) = 0.52 [0.39-0.70] mg/mL) in brain homogenates in a concentration-dependent manner. The ex vivo experiments indicated that AE (400 mg/kg, p < 0.05, 32.2 ± 3.9% of inhibition) and AKE (all doses: p < 0.05-p < 0.001, 29.6 ± 3.2% as the maximum inhibition) significantly inhibited CA in the central nervous system after oral administration. AE and AKE inhibited AChE and BuChE activities in a concentration-dependent manner (AE: IC(50AChE) = 0.56 [0.38-0.81] mg/mL, IC(50BuChE) = 2.95 [1.51-5.76] mg/mL, AKE: IC(50AChE) = 0.87 [0.60-12.5] mg/mL, IC(50BuChE) = 2.67 [0.87-8.11] mg/mL). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS These data indicated that AE and AKE crossed the blood-brain barrier to inhibit CA in the brain. AE and AKE also exhibited a dual inhibitory action on acetyl- and BuChE.
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183
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Ratia M, Giménez-Llort L, Camps P, Muñoz-Torrero D, Pérez B, Clos MV, Badia A. Huprine X and huperzine A improve cognition and regulate some neurochemical processes related with Alzheimer's disease in triple transgenic mice (3xTg-AD). NEURODEGENER DIS 2012; 11:129-40. [PMID: 22626981 DOI: 10.1159/000336427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2011] [Accepted: 01/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Different studies have established that cholinergic neurodegeneration could be a major pathological feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Thus, enhancement of the central cholinergic neurotransmission has been regarded as one of the most promising strategies for the symptomatic treatment of AD, mainly by means of reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs). The cognitive-enhancing properties of both huprine X, a new AChEI, and the structurally related huperzine A, as well as their effects on the regulation of several neurochemical processes related to AD have been studied in triple transgenic mice (3xTg-AD). METHODS Seven-month-old homozygous 3xTg-AD male mice, which received chronic intraperitoneal treatment with either saline, huprine X (0.12 µmol·kg(-1)) or huperzine A (0.8 µmol·kg(-1)) were subjected to a battery of behavioural tests after 3 weeks of treatment and thereafter the brains were dissected to study the neurochemical effects induced by the two AChEIs. RESULTS Treatments with huprine X and huperzine A improved learning and memory in the Morris water maze and some indicators of emotionality without inducing important adverse effects. Moreover, huprine X and huperzine A activate protein kinase C/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway signalling, α-secretases (ADAM 10 and TACE) and increase the fraction of phospho-glycogen synthase kinase 3-β. CONCLUSION Results obtained herein using a sample of 3xTg-AD animals strongly suggest that the treatment with the two AChEIs not only improves the cognitive performance of the animals but also induces some neurochemical changes that could contribute to the beneficial effects observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ratia
- Departament de Farmacologia, de Terapèutica i de Toxicologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
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184
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Wang J, Chen F, Zheng P, Deng W, Yuan J, Peng B, Wang R, Liu W, Zhao H, Wang Y, Wu G. Huperzine A ameliorates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis via the suppression of T cell-mediated neuronal inflammation in mice. Exp Neurol 2012; 236:79-87. [PMID: 22524989 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2012.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Revised: 03/27/2012] [Accepted: 03/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Huperzine A (HupA), a sesquiterpene alkaloid and a potent and reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, possesses potential anti-inflammatory properties and is used for the treatment of certain neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. However, it is still unknown whether this chemical is beneficial in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, a progressive inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. In this study, we examined the immunomodulatory properties of HupA in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a T-cell mediated murine model of multiple sclerosis. The following results were obtained: (1) intraperitoneal injections of HupA significantly attenuate the neurological severity of EAE in mice. (2) HupA decreases the accumulation of inflammatory cells, autoimmune-related demyelination and axonal injury in the spinal cords of EAE mice. (3) HupA down-regulates mRNA levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-17) and chemokines (MCP-1, RANTES, and TWEAK) while enhancing levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) in the spinal cords of EAE mice. (4) HupA inhibits MOG(35-55) stimulation-induced T-cell proliferation and IFN-γ and IL-17 secretion in cultured splenocytes. (5) HupA inhibition of T-cell proliferation is reversed by the nicotinic acetylcholinergic receptor antagonist mecamylamine. We conclude that HupA can ameliorate EAE by suppressing autoimmune responses, inflammatory reactions, subsequent demyelination and axonal injury in the spinal cord. Therefore, HupA may have a potential therapeutic value for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and as a neuroimmunomodulatory drug to control human CNS pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Shanghai Medical College, Institute of Acupuncture Research, WHO Collaborating Center for Traditional Medicine, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Ebrahimi A, Schluesener H. Natural polyphenols against neurodegenerative disorders: potentials and pitfalls. Ageing Res Rev 2012; 11:329-45. [PMID: 22336470 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2012.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2011] [Revised: 12/23/2011] [Accepted: 01/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Within the last years, a rapidly growing number of polyphenolic compounds with neuroprotective effects have been described. Many efforts have been made to explore the mechanisms behind the neuroprotective action of polyphenols. However, many pathways and mechanisms considered for mediating these effects are rather general than specific. Moreover, despite the beneficial effects of polyphenols in experimental treatment of neurodegeneration, little has been achieved in bringing them into routine clinical applications. In this review, we have summarized the protective effects of polyphenols against neurodegeneration, and we have also discussed some of the barricades in translating these biochemical compounds, into relevant therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases.
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186
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Tudhope SR, Bellamy JA, Ball A, Rajasekar D, Azadi-Ardakani M, Meera HS, Gnanadeepam JM, Saiganesh R, Gibson F, He L, Behrens CH, Underiner G, Marfurt J, Favre N. Development of a Large-Scale Synthetic Route to Manufacture (−)-Huperzine A. Org Process Res Dev 2012. [DOI: 10.1021/op200360b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen R. Tudhope
- Shasun Pharma
Solutions Limited, Dudley, Cramlington, Northumberland NE23 7QG, U.K
| | - Julie A. Bellamy
- Shasun Pharma
Solutions Limited, Dudley, Cramlington, Northumberland NE23 7QG, U.K
| | - Anthony Ball
- Shasun Pharma
Solutions Limited, Dudley, Cramlington, Northumberland NE23 7QG, U.K
| | - Dewakar Rajasekar
- Shasun Pharma
Solutions Limited, Dudley, Cramlington, Northumberland NE23 7QG, U.K
| | | | - Harihara Subramanian Meera
- Shasun
Research Centre, 27, Vandaloor Kelambakkam Road, Keelakottaiyur Village,
Melakottaiyur, Chennai - 600 048, India
| | - Jesudoss Mercy Gnanadeepam
- Shasun
Research Centre, 27, Vandaloor Kelambakkam Road, Keelakottaiyur Village,
Melakottaiyur, Chennai - 600 048, India
| | - Ramanathan Saiganesh
- Shasun
Research Centre, 27, Vandaloor Kelambakkam Road, Keelakottaiyur Village,
Melakottaiyur, Chennai - 600 048, India
| | - Frank Gibson
- Rhodia Pharma
Solutions, Chambers Works, Route 130, Deepwater, New Jersey 08023,
United States
| | - Linli He
- Rhodia Pharma
Solutions, Chambers Works, Route 130, Deepwater, New Jersey 08023,
United States
| | - Carl H. Behrens
- Rhodia Pharma
Solutions, Chambers Works, Route 130, Deepwater, New Jersey 08023,
United States
| | - Gail Underiner
- Rhodia Pharma
Solutions, Chambers Works, Route 130, Deepwater, New Jersey 08023,
United States
| | - Judith Marfurt
- Debiopharm
S. A. Forum “après-demain”, Chemin Messidor 5-7,
Case Postale 5911, CH - 1002 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Favre
- Debiopharm
S. A. Forum “après-demain”, Chemin Messidor 5-7,
Case Postale 5911, CH - 1002 Lausanne, Switzerland
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187
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Lane RM, He Y. Butyrylcholinesterase genotype and gender influence Alzheimer's disease phenotype. Alzheimers Dement 2012; 9:e1-73. [PMID: 22402324 DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2010.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2010] [Revised: 09/04/2010] [Accepted: 12/02/2010] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Retrospective data are presented to support a spectrum of early Alzheimer's disease (AD) along a continuum defined by gender and genotype. The putative neurodegenerative mechanisms driving distinct phenotypes at each end of the spectrum are glial hypoactivity associated with early failure of synaptic cholinergic neurotransmission and glial overactivation associated with loss of neural network connectivity due to accelerated age-related breakdown of myelin. In early AD, male butyrylcholinesterase K-variant carriers with one or two apolipoprotein ɛ4 alleles have prominent medial temporal atrophy, synaptic failure, cognitive decline, and accumulation of aggregated beta-amyloid peptide. Increasing synaptic acetylcholine in damaged but still functional cholinergic synapses improves cognitive symptoms, whereas increasing the ability of glia to support synapses and to clear beta-amyloid peptide might be disease-modifying. Conversely, chronic glial overactivation can also drive degenerative processes and in butyrylcholinesterase K-variant negative females generalized glial overactivation may be the main driver from mild cognitive impairment to AD. Females are more likely than males to have accelerated age-related myelin breakdown, more widespread white matter loss, loss of neural network connectivity, whole brain atrophy, and functional decline. Increasing extracellular acetylcholine levels blocks glial activation, reduces myelin loss and damage to neural network connectivity, and is disease-modifying. Between extremes characterized by gender, genotype, and age, pathophysiology may be mixed and this spectrum may explain much of the heterogeneity of amnestic mild cognitive impairment. Preservation of the functional integrity of the neural network may be an important component of strengthening cognitive reserve and significantly delaying the onset and progression of dementia, particularly in females. Prospective confirmation of these hypotheses is required. Implications for future research and therapeutic opportunities are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger M Lane
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Global Clinical Research, Wallingford, CT, USA.
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188
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Li C, Wang T, Jiang N, Yu P, DU Y, Ren R, Fu F. Steady and fluctuant methods of inhibition of acetylcholinesterase differentially regulate neurotrophic factors in the hippocampus of juvenile mice. Exp Ther Med 2012; 3:269-272. [PMID: 22969880 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2011.391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2011] [Accepted: 11/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of steady and fluctuant inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity on neurotrophic factors in the hippocampus of juvenile mice. Steady inhibition of AChE activity was induced by an intramuscular injection of huperizine A (HupA) sustained-release microspheres. Fluctuant inhibition of AChE activity was induced by an intragastric administration of HupA tablets. Six days after cessation of steady AChE inhibition, there was a significant increase in the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF). In contrast, fluctuant AChE inhibition had no effect on BDNF and NGF levels. Additionally, neither steady nor fluctuant inhibition of AChE activity altered the choline acetyltransferase activity or spatial learning in juvenile mice. These findings indicate that steady and fluctuant methods of inhibition of AChE have different effects on the levels of BDNF and NGF in the hippocampus. In addition, the effects of AChE inhibitors may not improve learning in normal juvenile animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, P.R. China
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189
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Pachauri SD, Tota S, Khandelwal K, Verma PRP, Nath C, Hanif K, Shukla R, Saxena JK, Dwivedi AK. Protective effect of fruits of Morinda citrifolia L. on scopolamine induced memory impairment in mice: a behavioral, biochemical and cerebral blood flow study. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2012; 139:34-41. [PMID: 22107832 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.09.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2011] [Revised: 08/05/2011] [Accepted: 09/30/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) is widely used for different illnesses including CNS disorders. Recently Noni has been reported to prevent amyloid beta induced memory impairment in mice. However, the influence of Noni on cholinergic system has not been explored so far. Therefore, present study was designed to investigate effect of Noni fruit on memory, cerebral blood flow (CBF), oxidative stress and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in scopolamine induced amnesia model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mice were orally treated with ethanolic extract of Noni fruit and chloroform, ethyl acetate and butanol fractions of ethanolic extract for three days. Scopolamine was administered 5 min prior to acquisition trial and memory function was evaluated by passive avoidance test. CBF was measured by laser doppler flowmetry. AChE activity and oxidative stress parameters were estimated in mice brain at the end of behavioral studies. Further, effect of ethanolic extract and its fractions (5-400 μg/ml) on AChE activity was measured in vitro. RESULTS Scopolamine caused memory impairment along with reduced CBF, increased AChE activity and oxidative stress in mice brain. Ethanolic extract of Noni fruits and its chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions significantly improved memory and CBF. However, butanol fraction had no effect. Further, increased oxidative stress and AChE activity following scopolamine was significantly attenuated by ethanolic extract of Noni and its fractions. Moreover ethanolic extract and its fractions showed dose dependent inhibition of AChE activity in vitro. CONCLUSION These observations suggest that Noni may be useful in memory impairment due to its effect on CBF, AChE and oxidative stress.
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190
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Wallentin CJ, Orentas E, Johnson MT, Báthori NB, Butkus E, Wendt OF, Wärnmark K, Öhrström L. Synthetic and crystallographic studies of bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane derivatives: from strong to weak hydrogen bonds and the stereochemistry of network formation. CrystEngComm 2012. [DOI: 10.1039/c1ce05673e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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191
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Shi J, Cong W, Wang Y, Liu Q, Luo G. Microemulsion-based patch for transdermal delivery of huperzine A and ligustrazine phosphate in treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2011; 38:752-61. [DOI: 10.3109/03639045.2011.625031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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192
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Man SC, Chan KW, Lu JH, Durairajan SSK, Liu LF, Li M. Systematic review on the efficacy and safety of herbal medicines for vascular dementia. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2011; 2012:426215. [PMID: 22235231 PMCID: PMC3250997 DOI: 10.1155/2012/426215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2011] [Revised: 04/20/2011] [Accepted: 05/27/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We present a systematic review of existing research that aims to assess the efficacy and safety of herbal medications (HM), as either monotherapy or adjunct to orthodox medications (OM), mainly comprised of cholinesterase inhibitors, for vascular dementia (VaD). We included 47 studies conducted in mainland China, each testing different HM. Of 43 HM monotherapy studies, 37 reported HM to be significantly better than OM or placebo; six reported similar efficacy between HM and OM. All four HM adjuvant studies reported significant efficacy. No major adverse events for HM were reported. Heterogeneity in diagnostic criteria, interventions and outcome measures hindered comprehensive data analysis. Studies suggested that HM can be a safe and effective treatment for VaD, either alone or in conjunction with OM. However, methodological flaws in the design of the studies limited the extent to which the results could be interpreted. Thirty most commonly used herbal constituents, including Rhizoma Chuanxiong (Chuanxiong in Chinese), Radix Polygoni Multiflori (Heshouwu in Chinese) and Radix Astragali (Huangqi in Chinese). were ranked. Further multi-center trials with large sample sizes, high methodological quality and standardized HM ingredients are necessary for clinical recommendations to be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sui Cheung Man
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Kam Wa Chan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Jia-Hong Lu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | | | - Liang-Feng Liu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Min Li
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
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193
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Comparative study of gas accumulations in the Permian Changxing reefs and Triassic Feixianguan oolitic reservoirs between Longgang and Luojiazhai-Puguang in the Sichuan Basin. CHINESE SCIENCE BULLETIN-CHINESE 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s11434-011-4668-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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194
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Vida G, Peña G, Kanashiro A, Thompson-Bonilla MDR, Palange D, Deitch EA, Ulloa L. β2-Adrenoreceptors of regulatory lymphocytes are essential for vagal neuromodulation of the innate immune system. FASEB J 2011; 25:4476-85. [PMID: 21840939 DOI: 10.1096/fj.11-191007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system is classically organized into sympathetic and parasympathetic systems acting in opposition to maintain physiological homeostasis. Here, we report that both systems converge in the activation of β2-adrenoceptors of splenic regulatory lymphocytes to control systemic inflammation. Vagus nerve stimulation fails to control serum TNF levels in either β2-knockout or lymphocyte-deficient nude mice. Unlike typical suppressor CD25(+) cells, the transfer of CD4(+)CD25(-) regulatory lymphocytes reestablishes the anti-inflammatory potential of the vagus nerve and β2-agonists to control inflammation in both β2-knockout and nude mice. β2-Agonists inhibit cytokine production in splenocytes (IC(50)≈ 1 μM) and prevent systemic inflammation in wild-type but not in β2-knockout mice. β2-Agonists rescue wild-type mice from established polymicrobial peritonitis in a clinically relevant time frame. Regulatory lymphocytes reestablish the anti-inflammatory potential of β2-agonists to control systemic inflammation, organ damage, and lethal endotoxic shock in β2-knockout mice. These results indicate that β2-adrenoceptors in regulatory lymphocytes are critical for the anti-inflammatory potential of the parasympathetic vagus nerve, and they represent a potential pharmacological target for sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergely Vida
- Laboratory of Immunity and Infection, Department of Surgery, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Ave., Newark, NJ 07103, USA
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195
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[+]-Huperzine A Protects Against Soman Toxicity in Guinea Pigs. Neurochem Res 2011; 36:2381-90. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-011-0564-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2011] [Revised: 07/25/2011] [Accepted: 07/27/2011] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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196
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Rafii MS, Walsh S, Little JT, Behan K, Reynolds B, Ward C, Jin S, Thomas R, Aisen PS. A phase II trial of huperzine A in mild to moderate Alzheimer disease. Neurology 2011; 76:1389-94. [PMID: 21502597 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0b013e318216eb7b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Huperzine A is a natural cholinesterase inhibitor derived from the Chinese herb Huperzia serrata that may compare favorably in symptomatic efficacy to cholinesterase inhibitors currently in use for Alzheimer disease (AD). METHODS We assessed the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of huperzine A in mild to moderate AD in a multicenter trial in which 210 individuals were randomized to receive placebo (n = 70) or huperzine A (200 μg BID [n = 70] or 400 μg BID [n = 70]), for at least 16 weeks, with 177 subjects completing the treatment phase. The primary analysis assessed the cognitive effects of huperzine A 200 μg BID (change in Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale [ADAS-Cog] at week 16 at 200 μg BID compared to placebo). Secondary analyses assessed the effect of huperzine A 400 μg BID, as well as effect on other outcomes including Mini-Mental State Examination, Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study-Clinical Global Impression of Change scale, Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study Activities of Daily Living scale, and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). RESULTS Huperzine A 200 μg BID did not influence change in ADAS-Cog at 16 weeks. In secondary analyses, huperzine A 400 μg BID showed a 2.27-point improvement in ADAS-Cog at 11 weeks vs 0.29-point decline in the placebo group (p = 0.001), and a 1.92-point improvement vs 0.34-point improvement in the placebo arm (p = 0.07) at week 16. Changes in clinical global impression of change, NPI, and activities of daily living were not significant at either dose. CONCLUSION The primary efficacy analysis did not show cognitive benefit with huperzine A 200 μg BID. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE This study provides Class III evidence that huperzine A 200 μg BID has no demonstrable cognitive effect in patients with mild to moderate AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Rafii
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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197
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Howes MJR, Perry E. The Role of Phytochemicals in the Treatment and Prevention of Dementia. Drugs Aging 2011; 28:439-68. [DOI: 10.2165/11591310-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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198
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Wu TY, Chen CP, Jinn TR. Traditional Chinese medicines and Alzheimer’s disease. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2011; 50:131-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2011.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/10/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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199
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Ho YS, So KF, Chang RCC. Drug discovery from Chinese medicine against neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. Chin Med 2011; 6:15. [PMID: 21513513 PMCID: PMC3097009 DOI: 10.1186/1749-8546-6-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2010] [Accepted: 04/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia are two major diseases associated with dementia, which is common among the elderly. While the etiology of dementia is multi-factorial and complex, neurodegeneration may be the major cause of these two diseases. Effective drugs for treating dementia are still to be discovered. Current western pharmacological approaches against neurodegeneration in dementia develop symptom-relieving and disease-modifying drugs. Current integrative and holistic approaches of Chinese medicine to discovering drugs for neurodegeneration in dementia include (1) single molecules from the herbs, (2) standardized extracts from a single herb, and (3) herbal formula with definite composition. This article not only reviews the concept of dementia in western medicine and Chinese medicine but also evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuen-Shan Ho
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Anatomy, The University of Hong Kong Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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200
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Huperzine A activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling and enhances the nonamyloidogenic pathway in an Alzheimer transgenic mouse model. Neuropsychopharmacology 2011; 36:1073-89. [PMID: 21289607 PMCID: PMC3077275 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2010.245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Huperzine A (HupA) is a reversible and selective inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and it has multiple targets when used for Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapy. In this study, we searched for new mechanisms by which HupA could activate Wnt signaling and reduce amyloidosis in AD brain. A nasal gel containing HupA was prepared. No obvious toxicity of intranasal administration of HupA was found in mice. HupA was administered intranasally to β-amyloid (Aβ) precursor protein and presenilin-1 double-transgenic mice for 4 months. We observed an increase in ADAM10 and a decrease in BACE1 and APP695 protein levels and, subsequently, a reduction in Aβ levels and Aβ burden were present in HupA-treated mouse brain, suggesting that HupA enhances the nonamyloidogenic APP cleavage pathway. Importantly, our results further showed that HupA inhibited GSK3α/β activity, and enhanced the β-catenin level in the transgenic mouse brain and in SH-SY5Y cells overexpressing Swedish mutation APP, suggesting that the neuroprotective effect of HupA is not related simply to its AChE inhibition and antioxidation, but also involves other mechanisms, including targeting of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in AD brain.
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