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Valotto Neto LJ, Reverete de Araujo M, Moretti Junior RC, Mendes Machado N, Joshi RK, dos Santos Buglio D, Barbalho Lamas C, Direito R, Fornari Laurindo L, Tanaka M, Barbalho SM. Investigating the Neuroprotective and Cognitive-Enhancing Effects of Bacopa monnieri: A Systematic Review Focused on Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Apoptosis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:393. [PMID: 38671841 PMCID: PMC11047749 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13040393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The aging of the global population has increased the prevalence of neurodegenerative conditions. Bacopa monnieri (BM), an herb with active compounds, such as bacosides A and B, betulinic acid, loliolide, asiatic acid, and quercetin, demonstrates the potential for brain health. Limited research has been conducted on the therapeutic applications of BM in neurodegenerative conditions. This systematic review aims to project BM's beneficial role in brain disorders. BM has anti-apoptotic and antioxidant actions and can repair damaged neurons, stimulate kinase activity, restore synaptic function, improve nerve transmission, and increase neuroprotection. The included twenty-two clinical trials demonstrated that BM can reduce Nuclear Factor-κB phosphorylation, improve emotional function, cognitive functions, anhedonia, hyperactivity, sleep routine, depression, attention deficit, learning problems, memory retention, impulsivity, and psychiatric problems. Moreover, BM can reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress. Here, we highlight that BM provides notable therapeutic benefits and can serve as a complementary approach for the care of patients with neurodegenerative conditions associated with brain disorders. This review adds to the growing interest in natural products and their potential therapeutic applications by improving our understanding of the mechanisms underlying cognitive function and neurodegeneration and informing the development of new therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz José Valotto Neto
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil; (L.J.V.N.); (M.R.d.A.); (R.C.M.J.); (N.M.M.); (D.d.S.B.)
- Department of Education, Government of Uttarakhand, Nainital 263001, India;
| | - Matheus Reverete de Araujo
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil; (L.J.V.N.); (M.R.d.A.); (R.C.M.J.); (N.M.M.); (D.d.S.B.)
| | - Renato Cesar Moretti Junior
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil; (L.J.V.N.); (M.R.d.A.); (R.C.M.J.); (N.M.M.); (D.d.S.B.)
| | - Nathalia Mendes Machado
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil; (L.J.V.N.); (M.R.d.A.); (R.C.M.J.); (N.M.M.); (D.d.S.B.)
| | - Rakesh Kumar Joshi
- Department of Education, Government of Uttarakhand, Nainital 263001, India;
| | - Daiane dos Santos Buglio
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil; (L.J.V.N.); (M.R.d.A.); (R.C.M.J.); (N.M.M.); (D.d.S.B.)
| | - Caroline Barbalho Lamas
- Department of Gerontology, School of Gerontology, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos 13565-905, SP, Brazil;
| | - Rosa Direito
- Laboratory of Systems Integration Pharmacology, Clinical & Regulatory Science, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy de Farmácia, University of Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Lucas Fornari Laurindo
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Medical School of Marilia (FAMEMA), Marília 17519-030, SP, Brazil;
| | - Masaru Tanaka
- Danube Neuroscience Research Laboratory, HUN-REN-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Hungarian Research Network, University of Szeged (HUN-REN-SZTE), Tisza Lajos krt. 113, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Sandra Maria Barbalho
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil; (L.J.V.N.); (M.R.d.A.); (R.C.M.J.); (N.M.M.); (D.d.S.B.)
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, School of Food and Technology of Marília (FATEC), Marília 17500-000, SP, Brazil
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Balkrishna A, Bhattacharya K, Shukla S, Varshney A. Neuroprotection by Polyherbal Medicine Divya-Medha-Vati Against Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Impairment Through Modulation of Oxidative Stress, Acetylcholine Activity, and Cell Signaling. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:1363-1382. [PMID: 37707741 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03601-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer disease is associated with cognitive impairments and neuronal damages. In this study, Scopolamine, a model drug used for the generation of Alzheimer-like symptoms induced cognitive dysfunction in C57BL/6 mice. It also elevated acetylcholine esterase (AcHE) activity, and reduced antioxidant (superoxide dismutase and catalase) activity in cortex tissue. Scop reduced neuronal density and increased pyknotic neurons in hippocampus tissue. In mouse neuroblastoma (Neuro2a) cells, Scop triggered a dose-dependent loss of cell viability and neurite outgrowth reduction. Scop-treated Neuro2a cells showed oxidative stress and reduction in mRNA expression for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor-1 (NGF-1), and Synapsin-1 (SYN-1) genes. Mice treated with Divya-Medha-Vati (DMV), an Ayurvedic polyherbal medicine showed protection against Scop-induced cognitive impairment (Morris Water Maze Escape Latency, and Elevated Plus Maze Transfer Latency). DMV protected against Scop-induced AcHE activity, and loss of antioxidant activities in the mice brain cortex while sustaining neuronal density in the hippocampus region. In the Neuro2a cells, DMV reduced Scop-induced loss of cell viability and neurite outgrowth loss. DMV protected the cells against induction of oxidative stress and promoted mRNA expression of BDNF, NGF-1, and SYN-1 genes. Phytochemical profiling of DMV showed the presence of Withanolide A, Withanolide B, Bacopaside II, Jujubogenin, Apigenin, Gallic acid, Caffeic acid, and Quercetin that are associated with antioxidant and neurostimulatory activities. In conclusion, the study showed that Divya-Medha-Vati was capable of promoting neuronal health and inhibiting Alzheimer-like cognitive dysfunction through enhanced antioxidant activities and modulation of neuronal activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Acharya Balkrishna
- Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Foundation, Uttarakhand, Haridwar, 249 405, India
- Department of Allied and Applied Sciences, University of Patanjali, Patanjali Yog Peeth, Uttarakhand, Haridwar, 249 405, India
- Patanjali Yog Peeth (UK) Trust, 40 Lambhill Street, Kinning Park, Glasgow, G41 1AU, UK
- Vedic Acharya Samaj Foundation Inc, NFP 21725 CR 33, Groveland, FL, 34736, USA
| | - Kunal Bhattacharya
- Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Foundation, Uttarakhand, Haridwar, 249 405, India.
| | - Sunil Shukla
- Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Foundation, Uttarakhand, Haridwar, 249 405, India
| | - Anurag Varshney
- Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Foundation, Uttarakhand, Haridwar, 249 405, India.
- Department of Allied and Applied Sciences, University of Patanjali, Patanjali Yog Peeth, Uttarakhand, Haridwar, 249 405, India.
- Special Centre for Systems Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110 067, India.
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Du X, Amin N, Xu L, Botchway BOA, Zhang B, Fang M. Pharmacological intervention of curcumin via the NLRP3 inflammasome in ischemic stroke. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1249644. [PMID: 37915409 PMCID: PMC10616488 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1249644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischemic-induced neuronal injury arises due to low oxygen/nutrient levels and an inflammatory response that exacerbates neuronal loss. NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) is an important regulator of inflammation after ischemic stroke, with its inhibition being involved in nerve regeneration. Curcumin, a main active ingredient in Chinese herbs, plays a positive role in neuronal repair and neuroprotection by regulating the NLRP3 signaling pathway. Nevertheless, the signaling mechanisms relating to how curcumin regulates NLRP3 inflammasome in inflammation and neural restoration following ischemic stroke are unknown. In this report, we summarize the main biological functions of the NLRP3 inflammasome along with the neuroprotective effects and underlying mechanisms of curcumin via impairment of the NLRP3 pathway in ischemic brain injury. We also discuss the role of medicinal interventions that target the NLRP3 and potential pathways, as well as possible directions for curcumin therapy to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and hinder inflammation in ischemic stroke. This report conclusively demonstrates that curcumin has neuroprotective properties that inhibit inflammation and prevent nerve cell loss, thereby delaying the progression of ischemic brain damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Du
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nashwa Amin
- Institute of System Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt
| | - Linhao Xu
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Benson O. A. Botchway
- Department of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Centre for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
- Pharmacy Department, Bupa Cromwell Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Marong Fang
- Department of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Centre for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
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Zhao Y, Yu Y, Guo J, Zhang Y, Huang L. Rapid and Efficient Optimization Method for a Genetic Transformation System of Medicinal Plants Erigeron breviscapus. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065611. [PMID: 36982685 PMCID: PMC10058539 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Erigeron breviscapus is an important medicinal plant with high medicinal and economic value. It is currently the best natural biological drug for the treatment of obliterative cerebrovascular disease and the sequela of cerebral hemorrhage. Therefore, to solve the contradiction between supply and demand, the study of genetic transformation of E. breviscapus is essential for targeted breeding. However, establishing an efficient genetic transformation system is a lengthy process. In this study, we established a rapid and efficient optimized protocol for genetic transformation of E. breviscapus using the hybrid orthogonal method. The effect of different concentrations of selection pressure (Hygromycin B) on callus induction and the optimal pre-culture time of 7 days were demonstrated. The optimal transformation conditions were as follows: precipitant agents MgCl2 + PEG, target tissue distance 9 cm, helium pressure 650 psi, bombardment once, plasmid DNA concentration 1.0 μg·μL−1, and chamber vacuum pressure 27 mmHg. Integration of the desired genes was verified by amplifying 1.02 kb of htp gene from the T0 transgenic line. Genetic transformation of E. breviscapus was carried out by particle bombardment under the optimized conditions, and a stable transformation efficiency of 36.7% was achieved. This method will also contribute to improving the genetic transformation rate of other medicinal plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China; (Y.Z.)
| | - Yifan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China; (Y.Z.)
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Juan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China; (Y.Z.)
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China; (Y.Z.)
| | - Luqi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China; (Y.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-010-6408-7469
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Said SA, Abdulbaset A, El-Kholy AA, Besckales O, Sabri NA. The effect of Ni gella sativa and vitamin D3 supplementation on the clinical outcome in COVID-19 patients: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1011522. [PMID: 36425571 PMCID: PMC9681154 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1011522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel coronavirus that causes severe infection in the respiratory system. Since the immune status plays an essential role in combating COVID-19, herbal medicines, which have an immunomodulatory effect, may help prevent and even treat COVID-19. Nigella sativa is one of the herbal medicines with antiviral and immunomodulatory activities, and its therapeutic effectiveness makes it a promising add-on therapy for COVID-19. In addition, vitamin D3 has an immunomodulatory role, but the effect of therapeutic vitamin D3 supplementation in SARS-CoV-2 infection is still not well-known. Objective: This study aims to investigate the effects of Nigella sativa and vitamin D3 as single supplemental therapies and in combination on viral clearance indicated by a negative polymerase chain reaction and the alleviation of symptoms during the study follow-up duration of 14 days. Patients and Methods: The study design was an open-label randomized controlled clinical trial conducted at the Respiratory Hospital at the Kobry El Qobba Armed Forces Medical Complex. In total, 120 COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate symptoms were randomly assigned to four groups, with thirty patients each, as follows: Group 1 received an oral dose of 900 mg Nigella sativa through 450 mg soft gelatin capsules twice daily for two weeks; Group 2 received 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 through 1000-IU tablets given as two tablets, once daily; Group 3 received 900 mg of Nigella sativa and 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 in the same manner of dosing as in the previous groups; and Group 4 was the control group. All groups received standard therapy for COVID-19 infections and clinical management of COVID-19's clinical symptoms. Results: The Nigella sativa-vitamin D3 combination in addition to the standard therapy for COVID-19 infections significantly contributed to the alleviation of most COVID-19 symptoms: 50% of patients were free of cough after 7 days, 70% showed an absence of fatigue after 4 days, 80% had no headache after 5 days, 90% were free of rhinorrhea after 7 days, and 86.7% of the patients had no dyspnea after 7 days. Moreover, patients in the four studied groups showed a reduced median temperature after 3 days of treatment. Negative results of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test recorded on the 7th and 14th day of therapy were superior in the Nigella sativa and vitamin D3 combination arm compared to those of the other studied arms where the value of the odds ratio (OR) on the 7th day was 0.13 with 95% CI: 0.03-0.45 and that of the 14th day was 0.09 with 95% CI: 0.02-0.3. Conclusion: The results of this study showed a promising therapeutic benefit of the administration of Nigella sativa and vitamin D3 combination in COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate symptoms. Additionally, the remarkable viral clearance in a short time interval and reduction in the severity and progression of symptoms recommended the use of this combination as an add-on therapy for the management of COVID-19 patients. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT04981743.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimaa A. Said
- Respiratory Specialized Hospital, Kobry Al Qobba Military Complex, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Alsayyed Abdulbaset
- Respiratory Specialized Hospital, Kobry Al Qobba Military Complex, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amal A. El-Kholy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Osama Besckales
- Respiratory Specialized Hospital, Kobry Al Qobba Military Complex, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nagwa A. Sabri
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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