Morus nigra and its major phenolic, syringic acid, have antidepressant-like and neuroprotective effects in mice

Antidepressant-like and antioxidant effects of Morus nigra L. in rats subjected to the unpredictable chronic mild stress model

This study aimed to evaluate the antidepressant-like and antioxidant potential of the aqueous leaf extract of Morus nigra L. in rats subjected to unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS). Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups, control and stressed, and treated with saline or aqueous extract of M. nigra. The dose administered was 10 mg/kg daily by gavage for 5 weeks concurrently with UCMS. M. nigra extract which showed syringic acid, quercetin, and rutin, as major phenolic compounds decreased the immobility time without changes in locomotor activity of stressed rats, in the forced swimming and open field tests, respectively. In addition, the extract diminished carbonylated proteins, lipid peroxidation, and nitrite levels in the brains of rats subjected to UCMS. These data reinforced antidepressant-like properties with the involvement of oxidative stress modulation by M. nigra extract pointing it as a possible new adjuvant treatment for depression.

Neuroprotective effects of total phenolics from Hemerocallis citrina Baroni leaves through the PI3K/AKT pathway

Neurological injury, as a major pathogenic mechanism in depression, holds significant importance in the research and development of antidepressant drugs. Hemerocallis citrina Baroni (H. citrina), referred to as "Forgetting Sadness Grass," has been confirmed to possess remarkable neuroprotective effects. Studies have identified that the total phenolics in H. citrina Baroni leaves (HLTP) consist of flavonoids and phenolic acids and numerous studies have substantiated the neuroprotective effects of them. Based on this, we propose that HLTP may possess neuroprotective properties. To confirm this hypothesis, we initially employed network pharmacology techniques to predict potential targets for the neuroprotective effects of HLTP based on the Swiss Target Prediction database. GO and KEGG analyses were conducted to predict potential pathways, and a component-target-pathway network was constructed. Molecular docking experiments were then performed to analyze the binding abilities of the selected active components with the main targets. Furthermore, we validated the neuroprotective effects of HLTP and key targets selected through network pharmacology using a corticosterone-induced PC12 neuronal cell damage model. Network pharmacology research has identified that in the HLTP, Quercetin, Rutin, Apigenin, and Isoquercitrin are potential active components that may exert neuroprotective effects by modulating key targets such as AKT1, TNF, TP53, and CASP3 through crucial pathways including PI3K/AKT and apoptosis. Molecular docking revealed that 4-O-Caffeoylquinic acid, 5-O-Caffeoylshikimic acid, 4-p-Coumaroylquinic acid, and 5-O-Feruloylquinic acid exhibit low binding energies with key targets. Particularly, 4-O-Caffeoylquinic acid forms stable binding through hydrogen bonding with residues such as LYS389, GLU49, GLN47, LYS30, ASP44, and GLU40 in AKT1. PC12 cells were stimulated with 200 μmol/L Corticosterone (Cort) for 24 h, and then treated with 50, 100 and 200 μg/mL of HLTP for 24 h. The cell viability of damaged cells were significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner by 9.50%, 10.42% and 21.25%, respectively (P < 0.01). Western blot analysis confirmed that HLTP significantly (P < 0.01) increased the protein expression of PI3K and AKT by 15.24%, 30.44%, 41.03%, and 21.78%, 43.63%, 12.86%, respectively. In addition, through biochemical method, flow cytometry and WB analysis, we found that different concentrations of HLTP can all improve cell damage by reducing ROS, MDA, Ca2+, Cyt-C, Caspase-3, TNF-α and IL-1β, and increasing SOD, CAT, MMP, Bcl-2/Bax and IL-10. In particular, the HLTP at 200 μg/mL, compared with the Model group, decreased by 140.2%, 54.66%, 51.34%, 65.26%, 40.32%, 63.87%, and 55.38%, and increased by 39.65%, 35.45%, 38.38%, 28.54%, and 39.98%, respectively. Through the above experiments, we verified that HLTP may exert neuroprotective effects by mediating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to counteract oxidative stress damage, improve mitochondrial dysfunction, and alleviate inflammatory injury.

The effect of black mulberry (Morus nigra) consumption on cognition in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's dementia: A pilot feasibility study

The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility and the possible effects of black mulberry on cognitive functions in Alzheimer's disease (AD). A total of 39 participants aged 65+ with mild-to-moderate AD were involved and 20 subjects were administered 20g of black mulberry concentrate daily for 12 weeks (intervention group), while 19 received no intervention (control group). Cognitive assessment utilized with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and AD Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog) tests; Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) used for depression screening. At the end of the study, although MMSE scores decreased (p = 0.003) and GDS-15 scores increased (p = 0.034) in control group, there was no change in intervention group. On the contrary, ADAS-Cog scores decreased in intervention group (p = 0.002) while the control group showed no improvement. This study showed that treatment of black mulberry (Morus nigra) for 12 weeks may slightly improve cognitive function in patients with AD.

Polyphenols as novel interventions for depression: exploring the efficacy, mechanisms of action, and implications for future research

Numerous animal and human studies have assessed the relationship between polyphenols and outcomes related to depression. However, no comprehensive synthesis of the main findings has been conducted. The aim of this manuscript was to systematically review the available evidence from animal and human studies on the association and the effects of dietary polyphenols on depression and provide recommendations for future research. We based our review on 163 preclinical animal, 16 observational and 44 intervention articles assessing the relationship between polyphenols and outcomes related to depression. Most animal studies demonstrated that exposure to polyphenols alleviated behaviours reported to be associated with depression. However, human studies are less clear, with some studies reporting and inverse relationship between the intake of some polyphenols, and polyphenol rich foods and depression risk and symptoms, while others reporting no association or effect. Hence, while there has been extensive research conducted in animals and there is some supporting evidence in humans, further human studies are required, particularly in younger and clinical populations.

NMDA receptor-mediated modulation on glutamine synthetase and glial glutamate transporter GLT-1 is involved in the antidepressant-like and neuroprotective effects of guanosine

Guanosine has been reported to elicit antidepressant-like responses in rodents, but if these actions are associated with its ability to afford neuroprotection against glutamate-induced toxicity still needs to be fully understood. Therefore, this study investigated the antidepressant-like and neuroprotective effects elicited by guanosine in mice and evaluated the possible involvement of NMDA receptors, glutamine synthetase, and GLT-1 in these responses. We found that guanosine (0.05 mg/kg, but not 0.01 mg/kg, p. o.) was effective in producing an antidepressant-like effect and protecting hippocampal and prefrontocortical slices against glutamate-induced damage. Our results also unveiled that ketamine (1 mg/kg, but not 0.1 mg/kg, i. p, an NMDA receptor antagonist) effectively elicited antidepressant-like actions and protected hippocampal and prefrontocortical slices against glutamatergic toxicity. Furthermore, the combined administration of sub-effective doses of guanosine (0.01 mg/kg, p. o.) with ketamine (0.1 mg/kg, i. p.) promoted an antidepressant-like effect and augmented glutamine synthetase activity and GLT-1 immunocontent in the hippocampus, but not in the prefrontal cortex. Our results also showed that the combination of sub-effective doses of ketamine and guanosine, at the same protocol schedule that exhibited an antidepressant-like effect, effectively abolished glutamate-induced damage in hippocampal and prefrontocortical slices. Our in vitro results reinforce that guanosine, ketamine, or sub-effective concentrations of guanosine plus ketamine protect against glutamate exposure by modulating glutamine synthetase activity and GLT-1 levels. Finally, molecular docking analysis suggests that guanosine might interact with NMDA receptors at the ketamine or glycine/d-serine co-agonist binding sites. These findings provide support for the premise that guanosine has antidepressant-like effects and should be further investigated for depression management.

The lectin from Schinus terebinthifolia leaf (SteLL) reduces immobility of mice on the tail suspension test dependent on the monoaminergic and nitric oxide signaling

Depression underlies a common psychiatric disorder that has been rising in the diagnosis of long-term disabilities worldwide. Natural products have been studied as an antidepressant and anxiolytic agents aiming to make available new options for the daily basis treatment of those psychological disorders. SteLL is a lectin extracted from Schinus terebinthifolia leaf that has been revealed as an antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, antitumor, and antinociceptive agent. Nonetheless, the efficacy of SteLL in the treatment of depression has not yet been explored. In view of this, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of SteLL in an acute protocol for symptoms of depression using the tail suspension test (TST) to assess despair. Administration of SteLL (1, 2 e 4 mg/kg) significantly diminished the immobility time of animals in the TST and this anti-immobility action was dependent on the carbohydrate-recognizing domain (CRD) since the prior incubation with casein (an inhibitor of SteLL carbohydrate-binding property) blocked the effect. SteLL effect was also reversed by pre-treatment with pharmacological antagonists of α2-adrenoceptor, 5-HT2A/2C serotonin receptor, and D1 dopamine receptor as well as by a selective inhibitor of iNOS (aminoguanidine). l-arginine, a precursor of NO, potentiated SteLL anti-immobility effect. In a subacute evaluation, the anti-immobility effect of SteLL persisted after seven days of treatment. Our findings suggest a role of SteLL in the modulation of depression mostly through monoaminergic and nitric oxide signaling.

The Emerging Importance of Cirsimaritin in Type 2 Diabetes Treatment

Cirsimaritin is a dimethoxy flavon that has different biological activities such as antiproliferative, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. This study aims to investigate the anti-diabetic effects of cirsimaritin in a high-fat diet and streptozotocin-(HFD/STZ)-induced rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Rats were fed HFD, followed by a single low dose of STZ (40 mg/kg). HFD/STZ diabetic rats were treated orally with cirsimaritin (50 mg/kg) or metformin (200 mg/kg) for 10 days before terminating the experiment and collecting plasma, soleus muscle, adipose tissue, and liver for further downstream analysis. Cirsimaritin reduced the elevated levels of serum glucose in diabetic rats compared to the vehicle control group (p < 0.001). Cirsimaritin abrogated the increase in serum insulin in the treated diabetic group compared to the vehicle control rats (p < 0.01). The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was decreased in the diabetic rats treated with cirsimaritin compared to the vehicle controls. The skeletal muscle and adipose tissue protein contents of GLUT4 (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) and pAMPK-α1 (p < 0.05) were upregulated following treatment with cirsimaritin. Cirsimaritin was able to upregulate GLUT2 and AMPK protein expression in the liver (p < 0.01, <0.05, respectively). LDL, triglyceride, and cholesterol were reduced in diabetic rats treated with cirsimaritin compared to the vehicle controls (p < 0.001). Cirsimaritin reduced MDA, and IL-6 levels (p < 0.001), increased GSH levels (p < 0.001), and reduced GSSG levels (p < 0.001) in diabetic rats compared to the vehicle control. Cirsimaritin could represent a promising therapeutic agent to treat T2D.

Potential Therapeutic Agents on Alzheimer's Disease through Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study of Plant-Based Compounds

Globally Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a highly complex, heterogeneous, and multifactorial neurological disease. AD is categorized clinically through a steady loss in memory and progressive decline of cognitive function. So far, there is no effective cure is available for the treatment of AD. Here, we identified Plant-based compounds (PBCs) from seven therapeutic plants through pharmacophore and pharmacokinetics approaches. Subsequently, we retrieved 65 AD associated proteins by Text Mining approach .We observed the interactions between 39 PBCs with 65 AD-associated targets by using molecular docking. Further, we carried out Molecular dynamics simulation analysis to predict the steady binding of top drug-target complexes. The entire MD simulation results analysis was evidence that seven drug-target complexes consistently interacted during the in silico experiment. The top complexes were the target CHLE interacted with 2 PBCs (Pseudojujubogenin and Anahygrine), target VDAC1 interacted with Withanolide R, target THOP1 interacted with Withaolide R, target AOFB interacted with 2 PBCs (Nardostachysin and Viscosalactone B), and target ACHE interacted with the drug (12-Deoxywithastramonolide). These PBCs have stably and flexibly interacted at the protein's active site region. Our results suggest that these PBCs and targets are potential therapeutic candidates for molecular development in AD.

Methanolic Extract of Aerva javanica Leaves Prevents LPS-Induced Depressive Like Behavior in Experimental Mice

Aim

Depression is a chronic recurrent neuropsychiatric disorder associated with inflammation. This study explored the pharmacological activities of Aerva javanica leaves crude extract (Aj.Cr) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depressive-like behavior in experimental mice.

Methods

Aj.Cr was evaluated for its phenolic and flavonoid contents, bioactive potential, amino acid profiling and enzyme inhibition assays using different analytical techniques followed by in-silico molecular docking was performed. In addition, three ligands identified in HPLC analysis and standard galantamine were docked to acetyl cholinesterase (AchE) enzyme to assess the ligand interaction along with their binding affinities. In in-vivo analysis, mice were given normal saline (10 mL/kg), imipramine (10 mg/kg) and Aj.Cr (100, 300, and 500 mg/kg) orally for 14-consecutive days. On the 14th day, respective treatment was given 30-minutes before intra-peritoneal administration of (0.83 mg/kg) LPS. Open field, forced swim and tail suspension tests were performed 24-hours after LPS injection, followed by a sucrose preference test 48-hours later. Serum corticosterone levels, as well as levels of nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and catecholamines were determined in brain tissues.

Results

In-vitro results revealed that crude extract of Aj.Cr possesses anti-depressant agents with solid antioxidant potential. In-vivo analysis showed that LPS significantly increased depressive-like behavior followed by alteration in serum and tissue biomarkers as compared to normal control (p < 0.001). While imipramine and Aj.Cr (100, 300, and 500 mg/kg) treated groups significantly (p<0.05) improved the depressive-like behavior and biomarkers when compared to the LPS group.

Conclusion

The mitigation of LPS-induced depressive-like behavior by Aj.Cr may be linked to the modulation of oxidative stress, neuro-inflammation and catecholamines due to the presence of potent bioactive compounds exerting anti-depressant effects.

Hydroethanolic Extract of Morus nigra L. Leaves: A Dual PPAR-α/γ Agonist with Anti-Inflammatory Properties in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated RAW 264.7

Inhibition of systemic inflammation has been a beneficial strategy in treating several non-communicable diseases, which represent one of the major causes of mortality in the world. The Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPAR) are interesting pharmacological targets, since they can act both through the metabolic and anti-inflammatory pathways. Morus nigra L. has flavonoids in its chemical composition with recognized anti-oxidant activity and often associated with anti-inflammatory activity. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the hydroethanolic extract of M. nigra leaves' ability to activate PPAR and promote anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophage cells. The leaf extract was prepared by cold maceration, and the chemical profile was obtained by HPLC-DAD. Activation of PPAR α and γ was evaluated by the luciferase reporter assay. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by measuring the reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) in RAW 264.7 cells after stimulation with LPS from Escherichia coli. The HPLC-DAD analysis identified two major compounds: rutin and isoquercitrin. The extract showed agonist activity for the two types of PPAR, α and γ, although its major compounds, rutin and isoquercitrin, did not significantly activate the receptors. In addition, the extract significantly reduced the production of ROS, NO, and TNF-α. Treatment with the specific PPAR-α antagonist, GW 6471, was able to partially block the anti-inflammatory effect caused by the extract.

The Anxiolytic Activity of Schinus terebinthifolia Leaf Lectin (SteLL) Is Dependent on Monoaminergic Signaling although Independent of the Carbohydrate-Binding Domain of the Lectin

The potential of plant lectins (carbohydrate-binding proteins) for the treatment of neurological disorders such as anxiety and depression has started to be reported in the last few years. Schinus terebinthifolia leaves contain a lectin called SteLL, which has displayed antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, antitumor, and analgesic activities. However, the effects of SteLL on the Central Nervous System (CNS) have not yet been determined. In this study, we investigated the in vivo anxiolytic effect of SteLL in mice using the open field (OF) and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests. In the OF, SteLL (1, 2, and 4 mg/kg, i.p.) did not interfere with the number of crossings but significantly reduced the number of rearings. In the EPM, SteLL 4 mg/kg and the combination SteLL (1 mg/kg) plus diazepam (1 mg/kg) significantly increased the time spent in the open arms while reducing the time spent in the closed arms. The anxiolytic effect of SteLL did not seem to be dependent on the carbohydrate-binding domain of the lectin. Nevertheless, the SteLL effect in the EPM was reversed by the pretreatment with the pharmacological antagonists of the α2-adrenoceptor, 5-HT2A/2C serotonin receptor, and the D1 dopamine receptor. Overall, our results suggest that the anxiolytic effect of SteLL is dependent on the monoaminergic signaling cascade.

Phenolic Acids as Antidepressant Agents

Depression is a psychiatric disorder affecting the lives of patients and their families worldwide. It is an important pathophysiology; however, the molecular pathways involved are not well understood. Pharmacological treatment may promote side effects or be ineffective. Consequently, efforts have been made to understand the molecular pathways in depressive patients and prevent their symptoms. In this context, animal models have suggested phytochemicals from medicinal plants, especially phenolic acids, as alternative treatments. These bioactive molecules are known for their antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities. They occur in some fruits, vegetables, and herbal plants. This review focused on phenolic acids and extracts from medicinal plants and their effects on depressive symptoms, as well as the molecular interactions and pathways implicated in these effects. Results from preclinical trials indicate the potential of phenolic acids to reduce depressive-like behaviour by regulating factors associated with oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, autophagy, and deregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, stimulating monoaminergic neurotransmission and neurogenesis, and modulating intestinal microbiota.

Syringic Acid Ameliorates Cardiac, Hepatic, Renal and Neuronal Damage Induced by Chronic Hyperglycaemia in Wistar Rats: A Behavioural, Biochemical and Histological Analysis

This study investigated the effects of syringic acid (SA) on renal, cardiac, hepatic, and neuronal diabetic complications in streptozotocin-induced neonatal (nSTZ) diabetic rats. STZ (110 mg/kg i.p) was injected into Wistar rat neonates as a split dose (second and third postnatal day). Diabetes mellitus was diagnosed in adults by measuring fasting blood glucose levels, urine volume, and food and water intake. The treatment of SA (25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg p.o) was given from the 8th to 18th postnatal week. To assess the development of diabetic complications and the effect of therapy, biochemical indicators in serum and behavioural parameters were recorded at specific intervals during the study period. SA (25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg p.o) treatment reduced hyperglycaemia, polydipsia, polyphagia, polyuria, relative organ weight, cardiac hypertrophic indices, inflammatory markers, cell injury markers, glycated haemoglobin, histopathological score, and oxidative stress, and increased Na/K ATPase activity. These findings suggest that SA might significantly alleviate diabetic complications and/or renal, neuronal, cardiac, and hepatic damage in nSTZ diabetic rats.

Stress granules in the spinal muscular atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: The correlation and promising therapy

Increasing genetic and biochemical evidence has broadened our view of the pathomechanisms that lead to Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), two fatal neurodegenerative diseases with similar symptoms and causes. Stress granules are dynamic cytosolic storage hubs for mRNAs in response to stress exposures, that are evolutionarily conserved cytoplasmic RNA granules in somatic cells. A lot of previous studies have shown that the impaired stress granules are crucial events in SMA/ALS pathogenesis. In this review, we described the key stress granules related RNA binding proteins (SMN, TDP-43, and FUS) involved in SMA/ALS, summarized the reported mutations in these RNA binding proteins involved in SMA/ALS pathogenesis, and discussed the mechanisms through which stress granules dynamics participate in the diseases. Meanwhile, we described the applications and limitation of current therapies targeting SMA/ALS. We futher proposed the promising targets on stress granules in the future therapeutic interventions of SMA/ALS.

Phytochemical Composition of Different Botanical Parts of Morus Species, Health Benefits and Application in Food Industry

In recent years, mulberry has acquired a special importance due to its phytochemical composition and its beneficial effects on human health, including antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic and immunomodulatory effects. Botanical parts of Morus sp. (fruits, leaves, twigs, roots) are considered a rich source of secondary metabolites. The aim of our study was to highlight the phytochemical profile of each of the botanical parts of Morus tree, their health benefits and applications in food industry with an updated review of literature. Black and white mulberries are characterized in terms of predominant phenolic compounds in correlation with their medical applications. In addition to anthocyanins (mainly cyanidin-3-O-glucoside), black mulberry fruits also contain flavonols and phenolic acids. The leaves are a rich source of flavonols, including quercetin and kaempferol in the glycosylated forms and chlorogenic acid as predominant phenolic acids. Mulberry bark roots and twigs are a source of prenylated flavonoids, predominantly morusin. In this context, the exploitation of mulberry in food industry is reviewed in this paper, in terms of developing novel, functional food with multiple health-promoting effects.

Phenolic profile, antidepressant-like and neuroprotective effects of Maclura tinctoria leaves extract

Considering the drawbacks elicited by the conventional antidepressants, the interest in natural products for the management of major depressive disorder has increased in the last years. Therefore, this study investigated the phenolic profile of Maclura tinctoria leaf aqueous extract (MtAE) and its possible antidepressant-like effect in mice. The LC-MS/MS analysis demonstrated MtAE has epicatechin as the major phenolic, followed by catechin, gallic acid, quercetin, syringaldehyde, ferulic acid, and syringic acid. Moreover, the acute treatment of MtAE elicited an antidepressant-like response in mice. Importantly, this antidepressant-like effect produced by MtAE was reinforced in the chronic corticosterone (20 mg/kg p.o.) administration model. MtAE treatment was also effective to protect hippocampal and cerebrocortical slices against glutamatergic excitotoxicity. Our results indicated that MtAE displayed antidepressant-like and neuroprotective effects and these responses could be associated with the presence of the phenolic compounds identified.

Protective mechanism of Syringic acid in an experimental model of Parkinson's disease

6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) is a widely used chemical to model Parkinson's disease (PD) in rats. Syringic acid (SA) is a polyphenolic compound which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective role of SA in a rat model of 6-OHDA-induced PD. Parkinson's disease was created by injection of 6-OHDA into the medial forebrain bundle via stereotaxic surgery. Syringic acid was administered daily by oral gavage, before or after surgery. All groups were tested for locomotor activity, rotarod performance and catatony. Dopamine levels in SN were determined by an optimized multiple reaction monitoring method using ultra-fast liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The immunoreactivities for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were detected by immunohistochemistry in frozen substantia nigra (SN) sections. Nitrite/nitrate levels, iNOS protein, total oxidant (TOS) and total antioxidant (TAS) status were assayed in SN tissue by standard kits. Motor dysfunction, impaired nigral dopamine release, increased iNOS expression and elevated nitrite/nitrate levels induced by 6-OHDA were significantly restored by SA treatment. Syringic acid significantly improved the loss of nigral TH-positive cells, while increasing TAS capacity and reducing TOS capacity in SN of PD rats. These data conclude that SA is a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of 6-OHDA-induced rat model of PD. Syringic acid reduced the progression of PD via its neuroprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Pharmacogenetic-based management of depression: Role of traditional Persian medicine

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders worldwide. The genetic factors are linked to depression and anti-depressant outcomes. Traditional Persian medicine (TPM) manuscripts have provided various anti-depressant remedies, which may be useful in depression management. This review has studied the bioactive compounds, underlying mechanisms, and treatment outcomes of the medicinal plants traditionally mentioned effective for depression from "The storehouse of medicament" (a famous pharmacopeia of TPM) to merge those with the novel genetics science and serve new scope in depression prevention and management. This review paper has been conducted in two sections: (1) Collecting medicinal plants and their bioactive components from "The storehouse of medicament," "Physician's Desk Reference (PDR) for Herbal Medicines," and "Google scholar" database. (2) The critical key factors and genes in depression pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment were clarified. Subsequently, the association between bioactive components' underlying mechanism and depression treatment outcomes via considering polymorphisms in related genes was derived. Taken together, α-Mangostin, β-carotene, β-pinene, apigenin, caffeic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid, citral, ellagic acid, esculetin, ferulic acid, gallic acid, gentiopicroside, hyperoside, kaempferol, limonene, linalool, lycopene, naringin, protocatechuic acid, quercetin, resveratrol, rosmarinic acid, and umbelliferone are suitable for future pharmacogenetics-based studies in the management of depression.

Hitting the sweet spot: A systematic review of the bioactivity and health benefits of phenolic glycosides from medicinally used plants

Phenolic acid and flavonoid glycosides form a varied class of naturally occurring compounds, characterised by high polarity-resulting from the glycone moiety-and the presence of multiple phenol functionalities, which often leads to strong antioxidant activity. Phenolic glycosides, and in particular flavonoid glycosides, may possess strong bioactive properties with broad spectrum activity. This systematic literature review provides a detailed overview of 28 studies examining the biological activity of phenolic and flavonoid glycosides from plant sources, highlighting the potential of these compounds as therapeutic agents. The activity of glycosides depends upon the biological activity type, identity of the aglycone and the identity and specific location of the glycone moiety. From studies reporting the activity of both glycosides and their respective aglycones, phenolic glycosides appear to generally be a storage/reserve pool of precursors of more bioactive compounds. The glycosylated compounds are likely to be more bioavailable compared to their aglycone forms, due to the presence of the sugar moieties. Hydrolysis of the glycoside in the in vivo environment would release the free aglycone, potentiating their biological activity. However, further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of glycosides from many of the plant species studied.

Attitudes Toward Psychological Disorders and Alternative Medicine in Saudi Participants

Background: This study was designed to investigate Saudis' attitudes toward mental distress and psychotropic medication, attribution of causes, expected side effects, and to analyze participants' expectations toward alternative or complementary medicine using aromatic and medicinal plants, through a survey. Method: The study included 674 participants (citizens and residents in Saudi Arabia) who were randomly contacted via email and social media and gave their consent to complete a questionnaire dealing with 39 items that can be clustered in six parts. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square for cross-tabulation were generated using SPSS. Results: Among the 664 participants, 73.4% believed that there are some positive and negative outcomes of psychotropic medication. Participants (72.0%) think that the most important reason leading to psychological disorders is mainly due to the loss of a relative or beloved person, and 73.9% considered psychic session as one of the possible treatments of psychological disorders. Surprisingly, only 18.8% of the participants agreed that medicinal and aromatic plants could be a possible treatment of the psychological disorder. Participants (82%) consider that physicians are the most trustful and preferred source of information about alternative and complementary medicine.

Antioxidant-Rich Woodfordia fruticosa Leaf Extract Alleviates Depressive-Like Behaviors and Impede Hyperglycemia

Dhaiphul (Woodfordia fruticosa) is a frequently demanded plant in South-East Asian regions for its diverse medicinal values. This study was proposed to examine antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antidepressant potentials of methanol extract of W. fruticosa leaves (MEWF) and its derived n-hexane (NHFMEWF) and ethyl acetate (EAFMEWF) fractions through in vitro, in vivo, and computational models. Among test samples, MEWF and EAFMEWF contained the highest phenolic content and showed maximal antioxidant activity in DPPH radical scavenging and ferric reducing power assays. In comparison, NHFMEWF possessed maximum flavonoid content and a significantly potent α-amylase inhibitory profile comparable with positive control acarbose. In animal models of depression (forced swimming and tail suspension test), EAFMEWF and NHFMEWF demonstrated a dose-dependent antidepressant-like effect; explicitly, the depressive-like behaviors significantly declined in EAFMEWF-treated dosing groups in contrast to the control group. In the computational analysis, previously isolated flavonoid compounds from Dhaiphul leaves manifested potent binding affinity against several key therapeutic target proteins of diabetes and depressive disorders including α-amylase, serotonin transporter, dopamine transporter, and neuronal nitric oxide synthase with varying pharmacokinetics and toxicity profiles. This research's outcomes may provide potential dietary supplements for mitigating hyperglycemia, cellular toxicity, and depressive disorder.

Effects of Mulberry on The Central Nervous System: A Literature Review

Background

Mulberry, including several species belonging to genus Morus, has been widely used as a traditional medicine for a long time. Extracts and active components of mulberry have many positive neurological and biological effects and can become potential candidates in the search for new drugs for neurological disorders.

Objectives

We aimed to systematically review the medical literature for evidence of mulberry effects on the central nervous system.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search in nine databases. We included all in vivo studies investigating the effect of mulberry on the central nervous system with no restrictions.

Results

We finally included 47 articles for quality synthesis. Our findings showed that mulberry and its components possessed an antioxidant effect, showed a reduction in the cerebral infarct volume after stroke. They also improved the cognitive function, learning process, and reduced memory impairment in many animal models. M. alba and its extracts ameliorated Parkinson's disease-like behaviors, limited the complications of diabetes mellitus on the central nervous system, possessed anti-convulsant, anti-depressive, and anxiolytic effects.

Conclusion

Mulberry species proved beneficial to many neurological functions in animal models. The active ingredients of each species, especially M. alba, should be deeper studied for screening potential candidates for future treatments.

Profiles and neuroprotective effects of Lycium ruthenicum polyphenols against oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells

Lycium ruthenicum Murr. (L. ruthenicum Murr.) is one of the perennial shrubs, which is commonly consumed as ethnic medicine and nutraceutical food. Herein, we detected eight polyphenols (including protocatechuic acid, catechin, p-coumaric acid, rutin, quercetin, syringic acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid) from Lycium ruthenicum. Furthermore, this study researched the potential neuroprotective mechanism of L. ruthenicum Murr. polyphenols (LRP) on PC12 cells under H₂ O₂ -induced oxidative stress. The results showed that pretreatment with LRP significantly mitigates H₂ O₂ -induced cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner for PC12 cells. LRP pretreatment also ameliorated the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and restored mitochondrial membrane potential as well as prevented the activation of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 on PC12 cells under oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. This suggests that LRP will be a promising, safe candidate for delaying the onset and progress of neurodegenerative diseases associated with oxidative stress. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Lycium ruthenicum Murr. belonging to the Solanaceae family, which is widespread throughout the Qinghai Tibet Plateau. It is one of the well-known perennial shrubs. Moreover, it is well known for containing a considerable amount of polyphenols. It has been reported that Lycium ruthenicum has anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic, and antioxidative activities. Our results suggest that Lycium ruthenicum rich in polyphenols could contribute to delay in the onset and progress of neurodegenerative diseases associated with oxidative stress. Hence, LRP could be labeled as a neuroprotective food, ingredient or supplement in the formulation of food products for the population under oxidative stress induced related neurological changes.

Evaluation and comparison of the antidepressant-like activity of Artemisia dracunculus and Stachys lavandulifolia ethanolic extracts: an in vivo study

Several studies have supported the preventive and therapeutic values of phenolic compounds including chlorogenic acid, syringic acid, vanillic acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, luteolin, rutin, catechin, kaempferol, and quercetin in mental disorders. Since these secondary metabolites are reported as the phenolic compounds of Artemisia dracunculus (A. dracunculus) and Stachys lavandulifolia (S. lavandulifolia), the main aim of this study was the evaluation and comparison of the phenolic contents, flavonoids, and antidepressant-like activity of Artemisia dracunculus with Stachys lavandulifolia. Antidepressant-like activity of the extracts was evaluated in the forced swimming test (FST) and the tail suspension test (TST). Moreover, the open field test was conducted to evaluate the general locomotor activity of mice following treatment with the extracts. Since phenolic compounds and flavonoids play main roles in pharmacological effects, the phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts were measured. Though significant difference between the phenolic contents of the extracts was not observed, but S. lavandulifolia exhibited higher flavonoid contents. Animal treatment with extracts decreased the immobility times in both FST and TST compared to the vehicle group without any significant effect on the locomotor activity of animals. Also, S. lavandulifolia at 400 mg/kg showed higher potency in both tests compared to A. dracunculus. Our results provided promising evidence on the antidepressant-like activity of both extracts which could be related to flavonoids as the main components of the extracts, but more studies need to be conducted to specify the main compounds and the mechanisms involved in the observed effects.

Protective effects of syringic acid on neurobehavioral deficits and hippocampal tissue damages induced by sub-chronic deltamethrin exposure

Recent developments in the field of insecticide exposure have led to a renewed interest in alternative antioxidant therapy. The present study was to investigate the neuroprotective role of syringic acid (SA, 25 mg/kg/day) on the neurotoxicity and oxidative damage induced by deltamethrin (DTM, 1.28 mg/kg/day during two months) in CA1/3 pyramidal neurons. Animals were divided into 4 groups (n = 16/group) (250-270 g) for control, DTM, SA and DTM + SA. DTM and SA were administered by oral gavage daily. Rats that were given sub-chronic DTM had revealed a significant increase in caspase-3 levels, impaired recognition memory, reduced antioxidant activity and enhanced free radicals in the hippocampus. The results showed that SA ameliorated neurobehavioral alterations, reduced reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, pyknosis in the CA1/3 and increased antioxidant enzyme activity. In conclusion, SA (25 mg/kg/day) had potential neuroprotective and therapeutic impacts against sub-chronic DTM exposure via its antioxidant and antiapoptotic efficacy. Therefore, it can be used as a neuroprotective natural plant-derived agent against DTM-induced neurotoxicity.

Pharmacological Properties of Morus nigra L. (Black Mulberry) as A Promising Nutraceutical Resource

Mulberry plants belonging to the Moraceae family have been grown for the purpose of being the nutrient source for silk worm and raw materials for the preparation of jams, marmalades, vinegars, juices, wines, and cosmetics. Morus nigra L. (black mulberry) is native to Southwestern Asia, and it has been used as a traditional herbal medicine for animals and humans. In this article, recent research progress on various biological and pharmacological properties of extracts, fractions, and isolated active constituents from different parts of M. nigra are reviewed. M. nigra exhibited a wide-spectrum of biological and pharmacological therapeutic effects including antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-melanogenic, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anticancer activities. M. nigra also showed protective effects against various human organs and systems, mainly based on its antioxidant capacity. These findings strongly suggest that M. nigra can be used as a promising nutraceutical resource to control and prevent various chronic diseases.

Greater Protective Potent of s-Methyl Cysteine and Syringic Acid Combination for NGF-differentiated PC12 Cells against Kainic acid-induced Injury

Objective: The effects of pre-treatments from s-methyl cysteine (SMC) alone, syringic acid (SA) alone and SMC plus SA against kainic acid (KA) induced injury in nerve growth factor (NGF) differentiated PC12 cells were investigated. Methods: NGF-differentiated PC12 cells were treated with 1 μM SMC, 1 μM SA or 0.5 μM SMC plus 0.5 μM SA for 2 days. Subsequently, cells were further treated by 150 μM KA. Results: KA suppressed Bcl-2 mRNA expression, enhanced Bax mRNA expression and casued cell death. SMC was greater than SA, and similar as SMC+SA in increasing Bcl-2 mRNA expression. SMC+SA led to greater increase in mitochondrial membrane potential and cell survival than SMC or SA alone. SMC+SA resulted in more reduction in reactive oxygen species and tumor necrosis factor-alpha generation, more increase in glutathione content and glutathione reductase activity than SMC or SA alone. KA up-regulated protein expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 and phosphorylated p38 (p-p38). SMC or SA pre-treatments alone limited protein expression of both factors. SMC+SA resulted in more suppression in NF-κB p65 and p-p38 expression. KA decreased glutamine level, increased glutamate level and stimulated calcium release. SMC pre-treatments alone reversed these alterations. SMC alone elevated glutamine synthetase (GS) activity and mRNA expression. SMC+SA led to greater GS activity and mRNA expression than SMC pre-treatments alone. Conclusion: These findings suggested that this combination, SMC+SA, might provide greater protective potent for neuronal cells.

Structure⁻Activity Relationship of the Tyrosinase Inhibitors Kuwanon G, Mulberrofuran G, and Albanol B from Morus Species: A Kinetics and Molecular Docking Study

Kuwanon G (KG) and benzofuran flavonoids such as mulberrofuran G (MG) and albanol B (AB) isolated from Morus sp. are reported to exhibit anti-Alzheimer’s disease, anti-inflammatory, fungicidal, anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and anti-tyrosinase properties. We investigated the inhibition of mono- and diphenolase activity of mushroom tyrosinase by KG, MG, and AB. KG and MG displayed acceptable inhibition activity compared to kojic acid. AB did not show any activity up to 350 µM. MG displayed six-fold higher inhibition of l-tyrosine oxidation (IC₅₀ = 6.35 ± 0.45 µM) compared to kojic acid (IC₅₀ = 36.0 µM). Kinetic studies revealed that KG and MG inhibited monophenolase activity of tyrosinase in a competitive manner. Docking simulations of KG and MG demonstrated favorable binding energies with amino acid residues of the active sites of tyrosinase. Our investigation of the structure-activity relationship of the fused benzofuran flavonoids (MG vs. AB) implicated the methyl cyclohexene ring moiety in tyrosinase inhibition. The enzyme substrate and relative structural analyses demonstrated that KG and MG from Morus sp. could be useful natural tyrosinase inhibitors in foods or cosmetics.