Salvianolic acid B, an antioxidant from Salvia miltiorrhiza, prevents 6-hydroxydopamine induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells

Combating Parkinson's Disease with Plant-Derived Polyphenols: Targeting Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder predominantly affecting the elderly, characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of PD and other neurodegenerative diseases. An imbalance between cellular antioxidant activity and ROS production leads to oxidative stress, contributing to disease progression. Dopamine metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation in dopaminergic neurons have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. Consequently, there is a pressing need for therapeutic interventions capable of scavenging ROS. Current pharmacological approaches, such as L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (levodopa or L-DOPA) and other drugs, provide symptomatic relief but are limited by severe side effects. Researchers worldwide have been exploring alternative compounds with less toxicity to address the multifaceted challenges associated with Parkinson's disease. In recent years, plant-derived polyphenolic compounds have gained significant attention as potential therapeutic agents. These compounds exhibit neuroprotective effects by targeting pathophysiological responses, including oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, in Parkinson's disease. The objective of this review is to summarize the current understanding of the neuroprotective effects of various polyphenols in Parkinson's disease, focusing on their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and to discuss their potential as therapeutic candidates. This review highlights the progress made in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of action of these polyphenols, identifying potential therapeutic targets, and optimizing their delivery and bioavailability. Well-designed clinical trials are necessary to establish the efficacy and safety of polyphenol-based interventions in the management of Parkinson's disease.

Emerging Role of Plant-Based Bioactive Compounds as Therapeutics in Parkinson's Disease

Neurological ailments, including stroke, Alzheimer's disease (AD), epilepsy, Parkinson's disease (PD), and other related diseases, have affected around 1 billion people globally to date. PD stands second among the common neurodegenerative diseases caused as a result of dopaminergic neuron loss in the midbrain's substantia nigra regions. It affects cognitive and motor activities, resulting in tremors during rest, slow movement, and muscle stiffness. There are various traditional approaches for the management of PD, but they provide only symptomatic relief. Thus, a survey for finding new biomolecules or substances exhibiting the therapeutic potential to patients with PD is the main focus of present-day research. Medicinal plants, herbal formulations, and natural bioactive molecules have been gaining much more attention in recent years as synthetic molecules orchestrate a number of undesired effects. Several in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies in the recent past have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants, herbal formulations, and plant-based bioactives. Among the plant-based bioactives, polyphenols, terpenes, and alkaloids are of particular interest due to their potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and brain-health-promoting properties. Further, there are no concise, elaborated articles comprising updated mechanism-of-action-based reviews of the published literature on potent, recently investigated (2019-2023) medicinal plants, herbal formulations, and plant based-bioactive molecules, including polyphenols, terpenes, and alkaloids, as a method for the management of PD. Therefore, we designed the current review to provide an illustration of the efficacious role of various medicinal plants, herbal formulations, and bioactives (polyphenols, terpenes, and alkaloids) that can become potential therapeutics against PD with greater specificity, target approachability, bioavailability, and safety to the host. This information can be further utilized in the future to develop several value-added formulations and nutraceutical products to achieve the desired safety and efficacy for the management of PD.

Salvianolic acid B ameliorates retinal deficits in an early-stage Alzheimer's disease mouse model through downregulating BACE1 and Aβ generation

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease with subtle onset, early diagnosis remains challenging. Accumulating evidence suggests that the emergence of retinal damage in AD precedes cognitive impairment, and may serve as a critical indicator for early diagnosis and disease progression. Salvianolic acid B (Sal B), a bioactive compound isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Salvia miltiorrhiza, has been shown promise in treating neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD and Parkinson's disease. In this study we investigated the therapeutic effects of Sal B on retinopathy in early-stage AD. One-month-old transgenic mice carrying five familial AD mutations (5×FAD) were treated with Sal B (20 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.g.) for 3 months. At the end of treatment, retinal function and structure were assessed, cognitive function was evaluated in Morris water maze test. We showed that 4-month-old 5×FAD mice displayed distinct structural and functional deficits in the retinas, which were significantly ameliorated by Sal B treatment. In contrast, untreated, 4-month-old 5×FAD mice did not exhibit cognitive impairment compared to wild-type mice. In SH-SY5Y-APP751 cells, we demonstrated that Sal B (10 μM) significantly decreased BACE1 expression and sorting into the Golgi apparatus, thereby reducing Aβ generation by inhibiting the β-cleavage of APP. Moreover, we found that Sal B effectively attenuated microglial activation and the associated inflammatory cytokine release induced by Aβ plaque deposition in the retinas of 5×FAD mice. Taken together, our results demonstrate that functional impairments in the retina occur before cognitive decline, suggesting that the retina is a valuable reference for early diagnosis of AD. Sal B ameliorates retinal deficits by regulating APP processing and Aβ generation in early AD, which is a potential therapeutic intervention for early AD treatment.

Effect of P-Glycoprotein on the Blood-Brain Barrier Transport of the Major Active Constituents of Salvia miltiorrhiza Based on the MDCK-MDR1 Cell Model

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (S. miltiorrhiza) is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been widely used in the treatment of various central nervous system (CNS) diseases. However, the mechanism of active components of S. miltiorrhiza crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) stays unclear. The purpose of this study was to clarify the mechanism of four ingredients of S. miltiorrhiza, i.e., cryptotanshinone (CTS), dihydrotanshinone I (DTS I), tanshinone IIA (TS IIA), and protocatechuic acid (PCTA) crossing the BBB using the in vitro model. The bidirectional transport of detectable components was tested using the MDCK-MDR1 monolayers. High performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (HPLC-QQQ/MS) was used to detect the content changes of S. miltiorrhiza monomer components transported through the BBB. P_app of CTS, DTS I, and TS IIA in the absorption direction were lower than 1.0 × 10^-6 cm/s, suggesting that these components were poorly absorbed, while PCTA was moderately absorbed through the BBB. The efflux ratio (ER) of CTS, DTS I, TS IIA, and PCTA were 1.65, 0.92, 4.27, and 1.48, respectively. After treatment with P-gp inhibitor tariquidar, the efflux ratio (ER) of CTS, DTS I, and TS IIA significantly decreased from 1.65 to 1.27, 0.92 to 0.36, and 4.27 to 0.86 (P < 0.05), respectively, while the efflux ratio of PCTA decreased without significance from 1.48 to 0.80. This indicated that the transport of CTS, DTS I, and TS IIA might be related to P-gp. TS IIA and CTS were verified as the substrates of P-gp among the four components since the ER of TS IIA and CTS is greater than 1.5. For PCTA and DTS I, their transport mechanism may be related to other transport proteins or passive transport. The results were confirmed by molecular docking in our current work. In this study, an in vitro BBB model was established and applied to the trans-BBB study of active components in S. miltiorrhiza for the first time, which may provide a basis for further research on the mechanisms of other TCMs in treating CNS diseases and is of great significance in promoting the rational and effective use of TCMs.

Salvianolic Acid B Regulates Oxidative Stress, Autophagy and Apoptosis against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Hepatic Injury in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Salvianolic acid B (Sal B), as one of the main water-soluble components of Salvia miltiorrhizae, has significant pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, free radical elimination and biofilm protection actions. However, the protective effect of Sal B on Nile tilapia and the underlying mechanism are rarely reported. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Sal B on antioxidant stress, apoptosis and autophagy in Nile tilapia liver. In this experiment, Nile tilapia were fed diets containing sal B (0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 g·kg^-1) for 60 days, and then the oxidative hepatic injury of the tilapia was induced via intrapleural injection of 50 g·kg^-1 cyclophosphamide (CTX) three times. After the final exposure to CTX, the Nile tilapia were weighed and blood and liver samples were collected for the detection of growth and biochemical indicators, pathological observations and TUNEL detection, as well as the determination of mRNA expression levels. The results showed that after the CTX treatment, the liver was severely damaged, the antioxidant capacity of the Nile tilapia was significantly decreased and the hepatocyte autophagy and apoptosis levels were significantly increased. Meanwhile, dietary Sal B can not only significantly improve the growth performance of tilapia and effectively reduce CTX-induced liver morphological lesions, but can also alleviate CTX-induced hepatocyte autophagy and apoptosis. In addition, Sal B also significantly regulated the expression of genes related to antioxidative stress, autophagy and apoptosis pathways. This suggested that the hepatoprotective effect of Sal B may be achieved through various pathways, including scavenging free radicals and inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis and autophagy.

Modulation of Cell Death Pathways for Cellular Protection and Anti-Tumoral Activity: The Role of Thymus spp. Extracts and Their Bioactive Molecules

Natural products used for their health-promoting properties have accompanied the evolution of humanity. Nowadays, as an effort to scientifically validate the health-promoting effects described by traditional medicine, an ever-growing number of bioactivities are being described for natural products and the phytochemicals that constitute them. Among them, medicinal plants and more specifically the Thymus genus spp., arise as products already present in the diet and with high acceptance, that are a source of phytochemicals with high pharmacological value. Phenolic acids, flavonoid glycoside derivatives, and terpenoids from Thymus spp. have been described for their ability to modulate cell death and survival pathways, much-valued bioactivities in the pharmaceutical industry, that continually sought-after new formulations to prevent undesired cell death or to control cell proliferation. Among these, wound treatment, protection from endogenous/exogenous toxic molecules, or the induction of selective cell death, such as the search for new anti-tumoral agents, arise as main objectives. This review summarizes and discusses studies on Thymus spp., as well as on compounds present in their extracts, with regard to their health-promoting effects involving the modulation of cell death or survival signaling pathways. In addition, studies regarding the main bioactive molecules and their cellular molecular targets were also reviewed. Concerning cell survival and proliferation, Thymus spp. present themselves as an option for new formulations designed for wound healing and protection against chemicals-induced toxicity. However, Thymus spp. extracts and some of their compounds regulate cell death, presenting anti-tumoral activity. Therefore Thymus spp. is a rich source of compounds with nutraceutical and pharmaceutical value.

Nano-delivery of salvianolic acid B induces the quiescence of tumor-associated fibroblasts via interfering with TGF-β1/Smad signaling to facilitate chemo- and immunotherapy in desmoplastic tumor

As the key stromal cells that mediate the desmoplastic reaction, tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAFs) play a critical role in the limited nanoparticle penetration and suppressive immune tumor microenvironment. Herein, we found that salvianolic acid B-loaded PEGylated liposomes (PEG-SAB-Lip) can interfere with the activation of TAFs by inhibiting the secretion of TGF-β1. After inhibiting the activation of TAFs, collagen deposition in tumors was reduced, and the penetration of nanoparticles in tumors was enhanced. The results of RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence staining showed the high expression of Th1 cytokines and chemokines (CXCL9 and CXCL10) and the recruitment of CD4⁺, CD8⁺ T cells, and M1 macrophages in the tumor area. At the same time, the low expression of Th2 cytokine and chemokine CXCL13, as well as the decrease of MDSCs, Tregs, and M2 macrophages were also observed in the tumor area. These results were related to the inactivation of TAFs. The combined treatment of PEG-SAB-Lip and docetaxel-loaded PEG-modified liposomes (PEG-DTX-Lip) can significantly inhibit tumor growth. Moreover, PEG-SAB-Lip further inhibited tumor metastasis to the lung. Therefore, our results showed that PEG-SAB-Lip can remodel the tumor microenvironment and improve the efficacy of nanoparticles.

The pathogenesis and treatment mechanism of Parkinson's disease from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease with no treatment currently available to modify its progression. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained attention for its unique theoretical basis and clinical effects. Many studies have reported on the clinical effects and pharmacological mechanisms of Chinese herbs in PD. However, few studies have focused on the treatment mechanisms of anti-PD TCM drugs from the perspective of TCM itself.

PURPOSE

To elaborate the treatment mechanisms of anti-PD TCM drugs in the perspective of TCM.

METHODS

We performed a literature survey using traditional books of Chinese medicine and online scientific databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and others up to July 2021.

RESULTS

TCM theory states that PD is caused by a dysfunction of the zang-fu organs (liver, spleen, kidney, and lung) and subsequent pathogenic factors (wind, fire, phlegm, and blood stasis). Based on the pathogenesis, removing pathogenic factors and restoring visceral function are two primary treatment principles for PD in TCM. The former includes dispelling wind, clearing heat, resolving phlegm, and promoting blood circulation, while the latter involves nourishing the liver and kidney and strengthening the spleen. The anti-PD mechanisms of the active ingredients of TCM compounds and herbs at different levels include anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammation, and anti-oxidative stress, as well as the restoration of mitochondrial function and the regulation of autophagy and neurotransmitters.

CONCLUSION

Chinese herbs and prescriptions can be used to treat PD by targeting multiple pharmacological mechanisms.

A review: traditional herbs and remedies impacting pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, leading to misbalance and loss of coordination. Current therapies are claimed only for symptomatic relief, on long-term use, which causes alteration in basal ganglia, and give rise to various adverse effects like dyskinesia and extra pyramidal side effects, which is reversed and proved to be attenuated with the help of various herbal approaches. Therefore, in order to attenuate the dopaminergic complications, focus of current research has been shifted from dopaminergic to non-dopaminergic strategies. Herbs and herbal remedies seems to be a better option to overcome the complications associated with current dopaminergic therapies. In recent years, various herbs and herbal remedies based on Ayurveda, traditional Chinese and Korean remedies, have become the target of various researches. These herbs and their bioactive compound are being extensively used to treat PD in India, China, Japan, and Korea. The major focus of this current review is to analyze preclinical studies with reference to various herbs, bioactive compounds, and traditional remedies for the management of Parkinson disorder, which will give an insight towards clinical trials.

Role of medicinal plants in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 and in the management of post-COVID-19 complications

BACKGROUND

The worldwide corona virus disease outbreak, generally known as COVID-19 pandemic outbreak resulted in a major health crisis globally. The morbidity and transmission modality of COVID-19 appear more severe and uncontrollable. The respiratory failure and following cardiovascular complications are the main pathophysiology of this deadly disease. Several therapeutic strategies are put forward for the development of safe and effective treatment against SARS-CoV-2 virus from the pharmacological view point but till date there are no specific treatment regimen developed for this viral infection.

PURPOSE

The present review emphasizes the role of herbs and herbs-derived secondary metabolites in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 virus and also for the management of post-COVID-19 related complications. This approach will foster and ensure the safeguards of using medicinal plant resources to support the healthcare system. Plant-derived phytochemicals have already been reported to prevent the viral infection and to overcome the post-COVID complications like parkinsonism, kidney and heart failure, liver and lungs injury and mental problems. In this review, we explored mechanistic approaches of herbal medicines and their phytocomponenets as antiviral and post-COVID complications by modulating the immunological and inflammatory states.

STUDY DESIGN

Studies related to diagnosis and treatment guidelines issued for COVID-19 by different traditional system of medicine were included. The information was gathered from pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions approaches. The gathered information sorted based on therapeutic application of herbs and their components against SARSCoV-2 and COVID-19 related complications.

METHODS

A systemic search of published literature was conducted from 2003 to 2021 using different literature database like Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science to emphasize relevant articles on medicinal plants against SARS-CoV-2 viral infection and Post-COVID related complications.

RESULTS

Collected published literature from 2003 onwards yielded with total 625 articles, from more than 18 countries. Among these 625 articles, more than 95 medicinal plants and 25 active phytomolecules belong to 48 plant families. Reports on the therapeutic activity of the medicinal plants belong to the Lamiaceae family (11 reports), which was found to be maximum reported from 4 different countries including India, China, Australia, and Morocco. Other reports on the medicinal plant of Asteraceae (7 reports), Fabaceae (8 reports), Piperaceae (3 reports), Zingiberaceae (3 reports), Ranunculaceae (3 reports), Meliaceae (4 reports) were found, which can be explored for the development of safe and efficacious products targeting COVID-19.

CONCLUSION

Keeping in mind that the natural alternatives are in the priority for the management and prevention of the COVID-19, the present review may help to develop an alternative approach for the management of COVID-19 viral infection and post-COVID complications from a mechanistic point of view.

Neuroprotective effect of α-pinene self-emulsifying nanoformulation against 6-OHDA induced neurotoxicity on human SH-SY5Y cells and its in vivo validation for anti-Parkinson's effect

Oxidative stress (OS) is involved in the multifaceted pathogenic paradigm of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease (PD). Monoterpenes like α-pinene (ALP) is considered to be a therapeutically potent antioxidant agent able to attenuate and scavenge various reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species. The present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo neuroprotective effect of α-pinene self-emulsifying nanoformulation (ALP-SENF) for PD. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay was done to evaluate the neurotoxic dose of the ALP-SENF; however, the neuroprotective effect was assessed by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) induced neurotoxicity model on SH-SY5Y taking NAC (N-acetyl-l-cysteine) as standard. The in vivo anti-Parkinson's activity of the ALP-SENF was compared with that of the plain ALP suspension by using reserpine antagonism and haloperidol-induced Parkinsonism model in rats. Various behavioral tests and biochemical antioxidant enzymes were estimated. The in vitro results revealed that treatment with ALP-SENF at a concentration of 100 and 200 µM was found to show significant neuronal SH-SY5Y cell viability against 50 µM 6-OHDA. ALP-SENF treated animals have seen significant neurobehavioral improvement. Furthermore, the levels of antioxidative enzymes in biochemical test reveals a marked enhancement in the expression of antioxidant enzymes that significantly attenuated the OS induced neurodegeneration. Due to the mechanisms of their antioxidant action, it was probably due to the scavenging of free radicals and the expression of antioxidant enzymes. It also improved neurobehavioral changes induced by reserpine and haloperidol.

Salvianolic Acid B Protects Intervertebral Discs from Oxidative Stress-Induced Degeneration via Activation of the JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the influence of salvianolic acid B (SAB), an antioxidant derived from Danshen, on intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) and its possible molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

Sixty adult rats were randomly grouped (control, IDD, and SAB IDD groups). IDD was induced using needle puncture. The rats received daily administration of SAB (20 mg/kg) in the SAB IDD group while the other two groups received only distilled water. The extent of IDD was evaluated using MRI after 3 and 6 weeks and histology after 6 weeks. Oxidative stress was assessed using the ELISA method. In in vitro experiments, nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) were treated with H2O2 (100 μM) or SAB+H2O2, and levels of oxidative stress were measured. Cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry, expression levels of Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3 proteins. Cell proliferation rate was assessed by EdU analysis. Pathway involvement was determined by Western blotting while the influence of the pathway on NPCs was explored using the pathway inhibitor AG490.

RESULTS

The data demonstrate that SAB attenuated injury-induced IDD and oxidative stress, caused by activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in vivo. Oxidative stress induced by H2O2 was reversed by SAB in vitro. SAB reduced the increased cell apoptosis, cleaved caspase-3 expression, and caspase-3 activity induced by H2O2. Reduced cell proliferation and decreased Bcl-2/Bax ratio induced by H2O2 were rescued by SAB. Additionally, the JAK2/STAT3 pathway was activated by SAB, while AG490 counteracted this effect.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that SAB protects intervertebral discs from oxidative stress-induced degeneration by enhancing proliferation and attenuating apoptosis via activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Danshen Attenuates Intervertebral Disc Degeneration via Antioxidation in SD Rats

Objective

To investigate the effects of Danshen on the imaging and histological parameters, expression levels of ECM-associated proteins and inflammatory factors, and antioxidative activity in the degenerated intervertebral disc (IVD) of SD rats.

Methods

Sixty male rats were randomly divided into three groups (control, IDD, and Danshen IDD). Percutaneous needle puncture in Co8-9 intervertebral disc was conducted in all rats of the IDD and Danshen IDD groups to induce intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). After operation, animals of the Danshen IDD group were administrated with Danshen granules (3 g/kg body weight ) by gavage once a day. Four weeks later, the coccygeal vertebrae were harvested and used for imaging (disc height and MR signal), histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical [water content, glycosaminoglycans (GAG), superoxide dismutase (SOD2), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA)] analyses.

Results

The puncture induced significant decreased IVD space and MR T2 signal at both 2 and 4 weeks, which were attenuated by Danshen treatment. The disc degeneration in the IDD group (HE and Safranin O-Fast Green histological staining was markedly more serious compared with that in the control group. Four weeks of Danshen treatment significantly alleviated this degeneration compared with the IDD group. Needle puncture resulted in the upregulation of IL-1β and TNF-α, MMP-3, and downregulation of COL2 and aggrecan in the IDD group. However, this change was significantly weakened by Danshen treatment. Significantly lower water and GAG content, as well as the SOD2 and GSH levels, in the IDD group were found compared with those in the control group. However, the above parameters of the Danshen IDD group were significantly higher than those of the IDD group. Danshen treatment significantly decreased the content of MDA which was increased by needle puncture in the IDD group.

Conclusion

Danshen can attenuate intervertebral disc degeneration in SD rats by suppressing the oxidation reaction.

Salvianolic Acid B Protects Against Fatty Acid-Induced Renal Tubular Injury via Inhibition of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

Background/Aims: Obesity-related kidney disease is associated with elevated levels of saturated free fatty acids (SFA). SFA lipotoxicity in tubular cells contributes to significant cellular apoptosis and injury. Salvianolic acid B (SalB) is the most abundant bioactive molecule from Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae. In this study, we investigated the effect of SalB on SFA-induced renal tubular injury and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, in vivo and in vitro. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were assigned to five groups: a control group with normal diet (Nor), high-fat diet group (HFD), and HFD with three different SalB treatment doses, low (SalBL; 3 mg/kg), medium (SalBM; 6.25 mg/kg), and high (SalBH; 12.5 mg/kg) doses. SalB was intraperitoneally injected daily for 4 weeks after 8 weeks of HFD. After 12 weeks, mice were sacrificed and kidneys and sera were collected. Apoptosis and ER stress were induced in human proximal tubule epitelial (HK2) cells by palmitic acid (PA, 0.6 mM), tunicamycin (TM, 1 μg/ml), or thapsigargin (TG, 200 nM) in vitro. Results: C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks exhibited increased apoptosis (Bax and cleaved caspase-3) and ER stress (BIP, P-eIF2α, ATF4, CHOP, ATF6, IRE1α, and XBP1s) markers expression in the kidney, compared with control mice, which were remarkably suppressed by SalB treatment. In vitro studies showed that PA (0.6 mM) induced apoptosis and ER stress in cultured HK2 cells. SalB treatment attenuated all the adverse effects of PA. However, SalB failed to inhibit TM or TG-induced ER stress in HK2 cells. Conclusion: The study indicated that SalB may play an important role in obesity-related kidney injury via mediating SFA-induced ER stress.

Simultaneous Determination of Four Monoamine Neurotransmitters and Seven Effective Components of Zaoren Anshen Prescription in Rat Tissue using UPLC-Ms/Ms

Background:

Zaoren Anshen Prescription (ZAP) is widely used as a classic Chinese Traditional Medicine (TCM) prescription for the treatment of palpitations and insomnia in China. Some studies have identified the main active components for its anti-insomnia effect and observed changes of some endogenous components that are closely related to its anti-insomnia effect. However, simultaneous determination of four monoamine neurotransmitters and seven effective components of ZAP and the investigation of their distribution in tissues by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) have not been reported.

Methods:

An ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for simultaneous quantification of four monoamine neurotransmitters (norepinephrine, dopamine, 5-hydroxy tryptamine and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid) and seven prescription components (danshensu, protocatechualdehyde, spinosin, 6´´´-feruylspinosin, salviaolic acid B, schisandrin and deoxyschisandrin) in rats’ tissues. Tissue samples were prepared by protein precipitation with acetonitrile. Chromatographic separation was carried out on a C18 column with a gradient mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and 0.01% formic acid water. An electrospray ionization triple quadrupole concatenation mass spectrometer was set to switch between positive and negative modes in single run time. All the components were quantitated by multiple-reaction monitoring scanning.

Results:

: The lower limits of quantitation for all analytical components were 0.78 ng/mL-1.99 ng/mL in the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney and brain. All the calibration curves displayed good linearity (r > 0.99544). The precision was evaluated by intra-day and inter-day assays, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) values were all within 12.67%. The relative errors of the accuracy were all within ± 19.88%. The recovery ranged from 76.00% to 98.78% and the matrix effects of eleven components were found to be between 85.10% and 96.40%.

Conclusion:

This method was successfully applied to study the distribution of seven components from ZAP and the concentration changes of four monoamine neurotransmitters after oral ZAP in six tissues.

Salvia miltiorrhiza solution and its active compounds ameliorate human granulosa cell damage induced by H2O2

The dried roots or rhizomes of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge are commonly used in Chinese medicine to promote blood circulation and regulate menstruation. Salvianic acid A and salvianolic acid B are the main active water-soluble compounds in Salvia miltiorrhiza solution. The present study investigated the protective effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza solution and its active compounds in H₂O₂-induced cell damage of the human ovarian granulosa tumor cell line (KGN) in vitro, as well as its underlying mechanism. Cell viability was detected using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. In addition, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured. Western blotting was performed to detect the protein expression of cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-9. Furthermore, immunocytochemistry was used to detect the expression of TNF-α. It was demonstrated that Salvia miltiorrhiza solution, salvianic acid A and salvianolic acid B did not affect the viability of KGN cells. Additionally, salvianic acid A and salvianolic acid B significantly reduced the H₂O₂-induced increased MDA levels, and reversed the H₂O₂-induced suppression of SOD and GSH activities in KGN cells (P<0.05). Treatment with Salvia miltiorrhiza solution, salvianic acid A and salvianolic acid B significantly reduced the overexpression of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9 and TNF-α compared with the H₂O₂-treated group (P<0.05). Therefore, the present results indicated that Salvia miltiorrhiza solution and its main water-soluble compounds, salvianic acid A and salvianolic acid B, ameliorated KGN cell damage induced by H₂O₂.

Neuroprotective effects of natural compounds on neurotoxin-induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis

OBJECTIVES

Overproduction of reactive species, notably reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) species, along with the failure of balancing effects of endogenous antioxidant defenses result in destruction of cellular structures, lipids, proteins, and genetic material, which lead to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress-induced neuronal apoptosis plays a pivotal role in pathogenesis of neurodegeneration. Antioxidants represent one of the medical choice strategies for protecting against this unbalanced oxidation-antioxidation status. Recently, natural compounds with neuroprotective potential that can scavenge free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage have received extensive attention.

METHODS

In this review, we summarized the detailed research progress on the medicinal plants-derived natural compounds with potential anti-oxidation effects and their molecular mechanisms on modulating the neurotoxin (6-OHDA, H₂O₂, glutamate, Aβ)-induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis.

RESULTS

The natural compounds that efficacious in modulating reactive species production and mitochondrial function include flavonoids, glucosides, alkaloids, polyphenols, lignans, coumarins, terpenoids, quinones and others. They decreased the neurotoxin-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis by (1) decreasing ROS/RNS generation, lipid peroxidation, caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities, LDH release, the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, Ca²⁺ influx and cytochrome c release, (2) elevating MMP, and (3) restoring endogenous antioxidant enzymatic activities (CAT, GSH-Px, GSR, SOD). And they exerted neuroprotective effects against cell damages and apoptosis by modulating the oxidative cascades of different signaling pathways (Nrf2/HO-1, NF-κB, MAPKs, PI3K/Akt, GSK-3β) and preventing mitochondria-dependent apoptosis pathways.

DISCUSSION

The present work reviews the role of oxidative stress in neurodegeneration, highlighting the potential anti-oxidation effects of natural compounds as a promising approach to develop innovative neuroprotective strategy.

Protective Effect of Compound Formula Rehmannia against Neurotoxicity and Apoptosis Induced by α-Syn in In Vivo and In Vitro Models of Parkinson's Disease

The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of compound formula Rehmannia (CFR) against the development of Parkinson's disease (PD). After the in vivo and in vitro models of PD were established with overexpression α-syn induced, CFR was administrated into the PD model rats for 6 weeks or SK-N-SH cells with coincubation for 48 h. Apomorphine-induced rotation test, CCK8 assay, TUNEL assay, immunofluorescence staining, and western blot assay were performed to evaluate the behavioral changes, cell viability, cell apoptosis, α-syn, GSK-3β, P-GSK-3β (Ser9), P-GSK-3β (Tyr216), and β-catenin expression in PD rats or SK-N-SH cells. PD rat behavior results showed that the rotation numbers were significantly decreased in the CFR treatment group comparing with the AAV-α-syn PD model group. The cell viability suppressed by H₂O₂ and α-syn in SK-N-SH model cells was also significantly improved with CFR administration. Cell apoptosis and α-syn overexpression observed in PD rats and SK-N-SH cells were also inhibited by CFR treatment. Furthermore, the protein expression of α-syn, GSK-3β, P-GSK-3β (Ser9), P-GSK-3β (Tyr216), and β-catenin in in vivo and in vitro was also significantly regulated by CFR. The present study suggested that CFR may be considered as a potential neuroprotective agent against PD, and this application will require further investigation.

Total Salvianolic Acid Injection Prevents Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Myocardial Injury Via Antioxidant Mechanism Involving Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain Through the Upregulation of Sirtuin1 and Sirtuin3

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Sirtuin1 (Sirt1) and Sirtuin3 (Sirt3) are known to participate in regulating mitochondrial function. However, whether Total Salvianolic Acid Injection (TSI) protects against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury through regulating Sirt1, Sirt3, and mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes is unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of TSI on I/R-induced myocardial injury and the underlying mechanism. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to 30 min occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery followed by 90 min reperfusion with or without TSI treatment (8 mg/kg/h). The results demonstrated that TSI attenuated I/R-induced myocardial injury by the reduced infarct size, recovery of myocardial blood flow, and decreased cardiac apoptosis. Moreover, TSI protected heart from oxidative insults, such as elevation of myeloperoxidase, malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, ROS, as well as attenuated I/R-elicited downregulation of Sirt1, Sirt3, NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] 1 alpha subcomplex 10 (NDUFA10), succinate dehydrogenase complex, subunit A, flavoprotein variant (SDHA), and restoring mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes activity. The in vitro study in H9c2 cells using siRNA transfection further confirmed the critical role of Sirt1 and Sirt3 in the effect of TSI on the expression of NDUFA10 and SDHA. These results demonstrated that TSI attenuated I/R-induced myocardial injury via inhibition of oxidative stress, which was related to the activation of NDUFA10 and SDHA through the upregulation of Sirt1 and Sirt3.

Ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometeric analysis of ethyl acetate fraction from saudi Lavandula coronopifolia Poir and evaluation of its cytotoxic and antioxidant activities

Introduction: The ethyl acetate fraction of the Saudi Lavandula coronopifolia Poir has been previously reported to have hepatoprotective activity against ethanol-induced oxidative stress. The aim of the current study was to investigate the chemical composition, cytotoxic effect, and antioxidant activities of ethyl acetate fraction of the aerial parts of Saudi L. coronopifolia Poir. Methods: Air dried aerial parts of L. coronopifolia were extracted using 90% ethyl alcohol. The dried extract was suspended in water, defatted with light petroleum and then fractionated with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate fraction was subjected to ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometeric (UPLC-ESI/MS/MS) analysis in a negative ionization mode. The antioxidant activity of the fraction was determined using free radical 2,2-diphyenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay and its cytotoxic effect against HepG2 (human hepatocarcinoma) and MCF-7 (human breast carcinoma) cells were determined using (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) tetrazolium (MTT) cell viability assay. Results: The major components of the ethyl acetate fraction included carvacrol-O-diglucoside, (34.98%) and trihydroxy ursolic acid (12.07%). Moreover, the DPPH radical scavenging activity of ethyl acetate fraction was measured. The ethyl acetate fraction revealed an antioxidant potential with EC50 17.8 ± 1.3 µg/mL. Additionally, he ethyl acetate fraction showed cytotoxic activity against HepG-2 and MCF-7 cells with IC50=29.3 ± 0.9 µg/mL and 14.6 ± 0.3 µg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: The ethyl acetate fraction of the Saudi L. coronopifolia has antioxidant activity and also cytotoxic activity against breast and liver cancer cells.

Neuroprotective effects of Danshensu on rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease models in vitro and in vivo

Background

Danshensu is an active constituent in the extracts of Danshen which is a traditional Chinese medical herb. Rotenone inhibits complex I of the mitochondrial electron transport chain in dopaminergic neurons leading to glutathione (GSH) level reduction and oxidative stress. The aim of this study is to investigate neuroprotective effects of Danshensu on rotenone-induced Parkinson’s disease (PD) in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

In vitro, SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line was pretreated with Danshensu and challenged with rotenone. Then the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was assayed. In vivo, male C57BL/6 mice were intragastrically administered with Danshensu (15, 30, or 60 mg/kg), followed by oral administration with rotenone at a dose of 30 mg/kg. Pole and rotarod tests were carried out at 28 d to observe the effects of Danshensu on PD.

Results

Danshensu repressed ROS generation and therefore attenuated the rotenone-induced injury in SH-SY5Y cells. Danshensu improved motor dysfunction induced by rotenone, accompanied with reducing MDA content and increasing GSH level in striatum. Danshensu increased the number of TH positive neurons, the expression of TH and the dopamine contents. The expressions of p-PI3K, p-AKT, Nrf2, hemeoxygenase (HO-1), glutathione cysteine ligase regulatory subunit (GCLC), glutathione cysteine ligase modulatory subunit (GCLM) were significantly increased and the expression of Keap1 was decreased in Danshensu groups.

Conclusions

The neuroprotective effects of Danshensu on rotenone-induced PD are attributed to the anti-oxidative properties by activating PI3K/AKT/Nrf2 pathway and increasing Nrf2-induced expression of HO-1, GCLC, and GCLM, at least in part.

Salvianolic Acid B Slows the Progression of Breast Cancer Cell Growth via Enhancement of Apoptosis and Reduction of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Angiogenesis

Breast cancer is the current leading cause of cancer death in females worldwide. Although current chemotherapeutic drugs effectively reduce the progression of breast cancer, most of these drugs have many unwanted side effects. Salvianolic acid B (Sal-B) is a bioactive compound isolated from the root of Danshen Radix with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Since free radicals play a key role in the initiation and progression of tumor cells growth and enhance their metastatic potential, the current study was designed to investigate the antitumor activity of Sal-B and compare it with the antitumor activity of the traditional anticancer drug, cisplatin. In vitro, Sal-B decreased the human breast cancer adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells proliferation in a concentration and time dependent manner. In vivo and similar to cisplatin treatment, Sal-B significantly reduced tumor volume and increased the median survival when compared to tumor positive control mice group injected with Ehrlich solid carcinoma cell line (ESC). Sal-B decreased plasma level of malondialdehyde as a marker of oxidative stress and increased plasma level of reduced glutathione (GSH) as a marker of antioxidant defense when compared to control ESC injected mice. Either Sal-B or cisplatin treatment decreased tumor tissue levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), and Cyclin D1 in ESC treated mice. Contrary to cisplatin treatment, Sal-B did not decrease tumor tissue Ki-67 protein in ESC injected mice. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that Sal-B or cisplatin treatment increased the expression of the apoptotic markers caspase-3 and P53. Although Sal-B or cisplatin significantly reduced the expression of the angiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in ESC injected mice, only Sal-B reduced expression level of COX-2 in ESC injected mice. Our data suggest that Sal-B exhibits antitumor features against breast cancer cells possibly via enhancing apoptosis and reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and angiogenesis.

Amelioration of Mitochondrial Quality Control and Proteostasis by Natural Compounds in Parkinson's Disease Models

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a well-known age-related neurodegenerative disorder associated with longer lifespans and rapidly aging populations. The pathophysiological mechanism is a complex progress involving cellular damage such as mitochondrial dysfunction and protein homeostasis. Age-mediated degenerative neurological disorders can reduce the quality of life and also impose economic burdens. Currently, the common treatment is replacement with levodopa to address low dopamine levels; however, this does not halt the progression of PD and is associated with adverse effects, including dyskinesis. In addition, elderly patients can react negatively to treatment with synthetic neuroprotection agents. Recently, natural compounds such as phytochemicals with fewer side effects have been reported as candidate treatments of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. This review focuses on mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, hormesis, proteostasis, the ubiquitin‒proteasome system, and autophagy (mitophagy) to explain the neuroprotective effects of using natural products as a therapeutic strategy. We also summarize the efforts to use natural extracts to develop novel pharmacological candidates for treatment of age-related PD.

Danshen: a phytochemical and pharmacological overview

Danshen, the dried root or rhizome of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge., is a traditional and folk medicine in Asian countries, especially in China and Japan. In this review, we summarized the recent researches of Danshen in traditional uses and preparations, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities and side effects. A total of 201 compounds from Danshen have been reported, including lipophilic diterpenoids, water-soluble phenolic acids, and other constituents, which have showed various pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-tumor, anti-atherogenesis, and anti-diabetes. This article intends to provide novel insight information for further development of Danshen, which could be of great value to its improvement of utilization.

Current Progress of Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases of Salvianolic Acid B

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Lamiaceae), one of the most commonly used traditional Chinese herbs, is widely used for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease in clinical practice. Salvianolic acid B (Sal B, C₃₆H₃₀O₁₆, FW = 718.62) is the main water-soluble active ingredient of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, which performs prophylactic and therapeutic activities against neurodegenerative diseases. So far, numerous studies have proved that multiple factors and mechanisms are involved in the pathological process of neurodegenerative diseases, including amyloid β (Aβ) aggregation and fibril formation, hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, neuroinflammation, oxidative-stress damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuron apoptosis. This study is aimed at reviewing experimental studies and describing the possible mechanisms of Sal B on neurodegenerative diseases.

Synergistic study of a Danshen (Salvia Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) and Sanqi (Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma) combination on cell survival in EA.hy926 cells

Background

This study investigated the protective effects of the Danshen (DS) and Sanqi (SQ) herb pair on cell survival in the human cardiovascular endothelial (EA.hy926) cell line exposed to injury.

Methods

Nine combination ratios of Danshen-Sanqi extracts (DS-SQ) were screened for their protective effects in the EA.hy926 cell line against two different cellular impairments induced by DL-homocysteine (Hcy) – adenosine (Ado) – tumour necrosis factors (TNF) and oxidative stress (H₂O₂), respectively. The type of interaction (synergistic, antagonistic, additive) between DS and SQ was analysed using a combination index (CI) model. The effects of key bioactive compounds from DS and SQ were tested using the same models. The compound from each herb that demonstrated the most potent activity in cell viability was combined to evaluate their synergistic/antagonistic interaction using CI.

Results

DS-SQ ratios of 6:4 (50–300 μg/mL) produced synergistic effects (CI < 1) in restoring cell viability, reducing lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage and caspase-3 expressions against Hcy-Ado-TNF. Additionally, DS-SQ 6:4 (50–150 μg/mL) was found to synergistically protect endothelial cells from impaired cellular injury induced by oxidative damage (H₂O₂) by restoring reduced cell viability and inhibiting excessive expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In particular, the combination of salvianolic acid A (SA) and ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) at 4:6 (1–150 μM) showed synergistic effects in preventing cytotoxic effects caused by Hcy-Ado-TNF (CI < 1). This simplified combination also demonstrated synergistic effects on H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage on EA.hy926 cells.

Conclusions

This study provides scientific evidence to support the traditional use of the DS-SQ combination on protecting endothelial cells through their synergistic interactions.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12906-019-2458-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Salvianolic acid B, an antioxidant derived from Salvia militarize, protects mice against γ‑radiation‑induced damage through Nrf2/Bach1

Salvianolic acid B (SB) is an antioxidant derived from Salvia militarize, and is one of the most widely used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. SB is a potent antioxidant that has been well documented as a scavenger of oxygen free radicals, and has been used for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis-associated disorders. To explore its potential therapeutic effects in treating radiation damage, in this study, mice were treated with SB at different doses of 5, 12.5 and 20 mg/kg, subsequent to receiving γ-irradiation. The effects of SB on peripheral blood, bone marrow nucleated cells, spleen and thymus indices, and oxidation resistance were evaluated in both radiated mice and control groups. The results indicated that SB significantly increased the counts of peripheral white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. The number of nucleated cells in the bone marrow and the level of protein increased as well. In addition, improved spleen and thymus indices in the bone marrow were observed. SB treatment additionally reversed the deterioration of both the thymus and spleen indices, which is associated with increased serum superoxide dismutase activity and decreasing malondialdehyde levels via nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 protein/BTB and CNC homology 1 mediated antioxidant effect. Furthermore, ROS levels and Bax protein expression were also suppressed by SB. The data suggested that SB is effective in protecting mice from γ-radiation injury, and could potentially be applicable for clinical use. Notably, the present study identified a promising candidate drug for enhancing the hematopoietic and immune systems.

Salvia miltiorrhiza enhances the survival of mesenchymal stem cells under ischemic conditions

Objectives

To validate the enhanced therapeutic effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SM) for brain ischemic stroke through the anti‐apoptotic and survival ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).

Methods

The viability and the expression level of cell apoptotic and survival‐related proteins in MSCs by treatment of SM were assessed in vitro. In addition, the infarcted brain region and the behavioural changes after treatment of MSCs with SM were confirmed in rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) models.

Key findings

We demonstrated that SM attenuates apoptosis and improves the cell viability of MSCs. In the rat MCAo model, the recovery of the infarcted region and positive changes of behaviour are observed after treatment of MSCs with SM.

Conclusions

The therapy using SM enhances the therapeutic effect for brain ischemic stroke by promoting the survival of MSCs. This synergetic effect thereby proposes a new experimental approach of traditional Chinese medicine and stem cell‐based therapies for patients suffering from a variety of diseases.

Predicting acute toxicity of traditional Chinese medicine wastewater using UV absorption and volatile fatty acids as surrogates

In this study, the applicability of UV absorbance at 254 nm (UV₂₅₄) and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) to serve as reliable surrogates to predict acute toxicity of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) wastewater was investigated. The medicine residues and VFAs were identified as main components of the TCM wastewater, and their individual and joint toxicity assays were operated with luminescent bacteria. The median effective concentration (EC₅₀) values of medicine residues and VFAs were in the range of 26.46-165.55 mg/L and 11.45-20.58 g/L, respectively. The joint toxicity action modes of medicine residues, VFAs and medicine residues-VFAs were identified as additive, additive and synergistic respectively. UV₂₅₄ and VFAs showed better correlations with acute toxicity according to the correlation analysis, compared with other conventional parameters. The regression model was a good fit for toxic unit (TU₅₀) as a function of UV₂₅₄ and VFAs according to the stepwise regression method (adjusted R² = 0.836). Validation of the model to the pilot-scale samples provided satisfactory prediction results in the influent and hydrolysis acidification effluent samples tests, but for EGSB effluent and final effluent samples, the model needed further optimization. Surrogates prediction using UV₂₅₄ and VFAs provided a valuable and cost-saving tool for rapid or on-line monitoring of acute toxicity of TCM wastewater.

Neuroprotective effects of seaweeds against 6-hydroxidopamine-induced cell death on an in vitro human neuroblastoma model

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system. Although the causes of PD pathogenesis remain incomplete, some evidences has suggested that oxidative stress is an important mediator in its pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of seaweeds with high antioxidant activity on 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced neurotoxicity in the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y, as well as the associated intracellular signaling pathways.

METHODS

Cell viability studies were assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) bromide assay and the intracellular signaling pathways analyzed were: hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production, changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential and Caspase-3 activity.

RESULTS

Exposure of SH-SY5Y cells to 6-OHDA (10-1000 μM) reduced cell's viability in a concentration and time-dependent manner. The data suggest that the cell death induced by 6-OHDA was mediated by an increase of H2O2 production, the depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential and the increase of Caspase-3 activity. Extracts from S. polyshides, P. pavonica, S. muticum, C. tomentosum and U. compressa revealed to efficiently protect cell's viability in the presence of 6-OHDA (100 μM; 24 h). These effects appear to be associated with the reduction of H2O2 cell's production, the protection of mitochondrial membrane's potential and the reduction of Caspase-3 activity.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that seaweeds can be a promising source of new compounds with neuroprotective potential.

Recent advances in discovery and development of natural products as source for anti-Parkinson's disease lead compounds

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common chronic degenerative disease of the central nervous system. Although the cause remains unknown, several pathological processes and central factors such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial injury, inflammatory reactions, abnormal deposition of α-synuclein, and cell apoptosis have been reported. Currently, anti-PD drugs are classified into two major groups: drugs that affect dopaminergic neurons and anti-cholinergic drugs. Unfortunately, the existing conventional strategies against PD are with numerous side effects, and cannot fundamentally improve the degenerative process of dopaminergic neurons. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches which have a novel structure, high efficiency, and fewer side effects are needed. For many years, natural products have provided an efficient resource for the discovery of potential therapeutic agents. Among them, many natural products possess anti-PD properties as a result of not only their wellrecognized anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities but also their inhibitory roles regarding protein misfolding and the regulatory effects of PD related pathways. Indeed, with the steady improvement in the technologies for the isolation and purification of natural products and the in-depth studies on the pathogenic mechanisms of PD, many monomer components of natural products that have anti-PD effects have been gradually discovered. In this article, we reviewed the research status of 37 natural products that have been discovered to have significant anti-PD effects as well as their mode of action. Overall, this review may guide the design of novel therapeutic drugs in PD.

Salvianolic acid B inhibits mitochondrial dysfunction by up-regulating mortalin

Salvianolic acid B is an antioxidative ingredient derived from Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae that has been widely used to treat liver diseases. However, the therapeutic mechanism underlying Salvianolic acid B has remained largely unknown. Our studies verified that Salvianolic acid B efficiently blocked mitochondrial deformation and dysfunction induced by H₂O₂ in the human hepatocyte cell line HL7702. Mortalin, a mitochondrial molecular chaperone, maintains mitochondrial morphology stabilization and function integrity. Previous results showed that mortalin overexpression has been observed in hematoma carcinoma cells and that mortalin maintains mitochondrial homeostasis and antagonizes oxidative stress damage. We found that Salvianolic acid B significantly up-regulated mortalin protein expression levels. In addition, Salvianolic acid B lost the function of preventing mitochondrial deformation and dysfunction induced by oxidative stress under mortalin knockdown conditions. We further found that mortalin overexpression increases the mRNA expression of mitofusin-related factor Mfn1 and mitofission-related factor hFis1. In conclusion, Salvianolic acid B maintains the mitochondrial structure stabilization and functional integrity by up-regulating mortalin, which may be associated with increased mitofusin factor Mfn1 and reduced mitofission factor hFis1.

Morroniside protects SK-N-SH human neuroblastoma cells against H2O2-induced damage

Oxidative stress-induced cell injury has been linked to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders such as spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. Morroniside is an antioxidant derived from the Chinese herb Shan-Zhu-Yu. The present study investigated the neuroprotective effect of morroniside against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced cell death in SK-N-SH human neuroblastoma cells. H₂O₂ increased cell apoptosis, as determined by flow cytometry and Hoechst 33342 staining. This effect was reversed by pretreatment with morroniside at concentrations of 1–100 µM. The increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and lipid peroxidation induced by H₂O₂ was also abrogated by morroniside. H₂O₂ induced a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential, increased caspase-3 activity, and caused downregulation of B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and upregulation of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) expression. These effects were blocked by morroniside pretreatment. Thus, morroniside protects human neuroblastoma cells against oxidative damage by inhibiting ROS production while suppressing Bax and stimulating Bcl-2 expression, thereby blocking mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. These results indicate that morroniside has therapeutic potential for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Roles of Reactive Oxygen Species in Anticancer Therapy with Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. We aim to provide a systematic review about the roles of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in anticancer therapy with Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen). Danshen, including its lipophilic and hydrophilic constituents, is potentially beneficial for treating various cancers. The mechanisms of ROS-related anticancer effects of Danshen vary depending on the specific type of cancer cells involved. Danshen may enhance TNF-α-induced apoptosis, upregulate caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9, endoplasmic reticulum stress, P21, P53, Bax/Bcl-2, DR5, and AMP-activated protein kinase, or activate the p38/JNK, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and FasL signaling pathways. Conversely, Danshen may downregulate human telomerase reverse transcriptase mRNA, telomerase, survivin, vascular endothelial growth factor/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, CD31, NF-κB, Erk1/2, matrix metalloproteinases, microtubule assembly, and receptor tyrosine kinases including epidermal growth factor receptors, HER2, and P-glycoprotein and inhibit the PI3K/Akt/mTOR or estrogen receptor signaling pathways. Therefore, Danshen may inhibit cancer cells proliferation through antioxidation on tumor initiation and induce apoptosis or autophagy through ROS generation on tumor progression, tumor promotion, and tumor metastasis. Based on the available evidence regarding its anticancer properties, this review provides new insights for further anticancer research or clinical trials with Danshen.

Danshen prevents articular cartilage degeneration via antioxidation in rabbits with osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of Danshen on histological parameters and antioxidative activity in the articular cartilage of rabbits with osteoarthritis (OA).

DESIGN

Twenty-four rabbits were randomly divided into three groups (control, OA, and Danshen OA; eight rabbits per group). Anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) of the left hind knees was performed in all rabbits in the OA and Danshen OA group for induction of OA. The rabbits in the control group underwent a sham operation. After surgery, 3 g/kg body weight of Danshen granules dissolved in 5 mL distilled water was administered by gastric intubation once per day and over a 6-week period to the Danshen OA group. The same volume of distilled water was administered to the OA and control groups. After 6 weeks, the medial femoral condyles and synoviums of the left hind knees in all three groups were harvested and used for histological and biochemical analyses.

RESULTS

Severe articular cartilage degeneration as well as lower proteoglycan (PG) content were noted in the OA group compared to the Danshen OA group (P < 0.05). The glutathione (GSH) levels in the synovium and articular cartilage of the rabbits in the Danshen OA group were significantly higher compared to the OA group (P < 0.001). The malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of the synovium and articular cartilage in the Danshen OA group was markedly depleted compared to the OA group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Danshen can prevent articular cartilage degeneration in OA through the defense against oxidative stress.

Salvia miltiorrhiza: Traditional medicinal uses, chemistry, and pharmacology

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SM) is a very popular medicinal plant that has been extensively applied for many years to treat various diseases, especially coronary heart diseases and cerebrovascular diseases, either alone or in combination with other Chinese plant-based medicines. Although a large number of studies on SM have been performed, they are scattered across a variety of publications. The present review is an up-to-date summary of the published scientific information about the traditional uses, chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, side effects, and drug interactions with SM, in order to lay the foundation for further investigations and better utilization of SM. SM contains diverse chemical components including diterpenoid quinones, hydrophilic phenolic acids, and essential oils. Many pharmacological studies have been done on SM during the last 30 years, focusing on the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular effects, and the antioxidative, neuroprotective, antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic activities. The research results strongly support the notion that SM has beneficial therapeutic properties and has a potential of being an effective adaptogenic remedy.

Plant-Derived Natural Products for Parkinson's Disease Therapy

Plant-derived natural products have made their own niche in the treatment of neurological diseases since time immemorial. Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, has no cure and the treatment available currently is symptomatic. This chapter thoughtfully and objectively assesses the scientific basis that supports the increasing use of these plant-derived natural products for the treatment of this chronic and progressive disorder. Proper considerations are made on the chemical nature, sources, preclinical tests and their validity, and mechanisms of behavioural or biochemical recovery observed following treatment with various plants derived natural products relevant to PD therapy. The scientific basis underlying the neuroprotective effect of 6 Ayurvedic herbs/formulations, 12 Chinese medicinal herbs/formulations, 33 other plants, and 5 plant-derived molecules have been judiciously examined emphasizing behavioral, cellular, or biochemical aspects of neuroprotection observed in the cellular or animal models of the disease. The molecular mechanisms triggered by these natural products to promote cell survivability and to reduce the risk of cellular degeneration have also been brought to light in this study. The study helped to reveal certain limitations in the scenario: lack of preclinical studies in all cases barring two; heavy dependence on in vitro test systems; singular animal or cellular model to establish any therapeutic potential of drugs. This strongly warrants further studies so as to reproduce and confirm these reported effects. However, the current literature offers scientific credence to traditionally used plant-derived natural products for the treatment of PD.

The Safety Evaluation of Salvianolic Acid B and Ginsenoside Rg1 Combination on Mice

Our previous study indicated that the combination of salvianolic acid B (SalB) and ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1), the main components of Salvia miltiorrhizae and Panax notoginseng, improves myocardium structure and ventricular function in rats with ischemia/reperfusion injury. The present study aimed to determine the safety of the combined SalB and Rg1 (SalB-Rg1) in mice. The safety of SalB-Rg1 was evaluated through acute toxicity and repeated-dose toxicity. In the acute toxicity study, the up and down procedure was carried out firstly, and then, the Bliss method was applied. In the toxicity study for seven-day repeated treatment of SalB-Rg1, forty Kunming mice were randomly divided into four groups. The intravenous median lethal dose (LD50) of the SalB-Rg1 combination was 1747 mg/kg using the Bliss method. For both the acute toxicity study and the seven-day repeated toxicity study, SalB-Rg1 did not induce significant abnormality on brain, heart, kidney, liver and lung structure at any dose based on H&amp;E stain. There were no significant changes related to the SalB-Rg1 toxicity detected on biochemical parameters for two kinds of toxicity studies. The LD50 in mice was 1747 mg/kg, which was more than one hundred times higher than the effective dose. Both studies of acute toxicity and seven-day repeated dose toxicity indicated the safety of the SalB-Rg1 combination.

Mitochondria-Targeted Protective Compounds in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Diseases

Mitochondria are cytoplasmic organelles that regulate both metabolic and apoptotic signaling pathways; their most highlighted functions include cellular energy generation in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), regulation of cellular calcium homeostasis, balance between ROS production and detoxification, mediation of apoptosis cell death, and synthesis and metabolism of various key molecules. Consistent evidence suggests that mitochondrial failure is associated with early events in the pathogenesis of ageing-related neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Mitochondria-targeted protective compounds that prevent or minimize mitochondrial dysfunction constitute potential therapeutic strategies in the prevention and treatment of these central nervous system diseases. This paper provides an overview of the involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, with particular attention to in vitro and in vivo studies on promising endogenous and exogenous mitochondria-targeted protective compounds.

Anti-amyloidogenic properties of some phenolic compounds

A family of 21 polyphenolic compounds consisting of those found naturally in danshen and their analogues were synthesized and subsequently screened for their anti-amyloidogenic activity against the amyloid beta peptide (Aβ₄₂) of Alzheimer’s disease. After 24 h incubation with Aβ₄₂, five compounds reduced thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence, indicative of their anti-amyloidogenic propensity (p < 0.001). TEM and immunoblotting analysis also showed that selected compounds were capable of hindering fibril formation even after prolonged incubations. These compounds were also capable of rescuing the yeast cells from toxic changes induced by the chemically synthesized Aβ₄₂. In a second assay, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae AHP1 deletant strain transformed with GFP fused to Aβ₄₂ was treated with these compounds and analyzed by flow cytometry. There was a significant reduction in the green fluorescence intensity associated with 14 compounds. We interpret this result to mean that the compounds had an anti-amyloid-aggregation propensity in the yeast and GFP-Aβ₄₂ was removed by proteolysis. The position and not the number of hydroxyl groups on the aromatic ring was found to be the most important determinant for the anti-amyloidogenic properties.

Salvia miltiorrhiza: A source for anti-Alzheimer's disease drugs

CONTEXT

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of elderly people worldwide. However, no efficient therapeutic method for AD has yet been developed. Recently, Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Lamiaceae), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine which is widely used for treating cardio-cerebrovascular, exerts multiple neuroprotective effects and is attracting increased attention for the treatment of AD.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to discuss the neuroprotective effects and neurogenesis-inducing activities of S. miltiorrhiza components.

METHODS

A detailed search using major electronic search engines (such as Pubmed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar) was undertaken with the search terms: Salvia miltiorrhiza, the components of S. miltiorrhiza such as salvianolic acid B, salvianolic acid A, danshensu, tanshinone I, tanshinone IIA, cryptotanshinone, dihydrotanshinone, and neuroprotection.

RESULTS

Salvia miltiorrhiza components exert multiple neuroprotective potentials relevant to AD, such as anti-amyloid-β, antioxidant, anti-apoptosis, acetylcholinesterase inhibition, and anti-inflammation. Moreover, S. miltiorrhiza promotes neurogenesis of neural progenitor cells/stem cells in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

The properties of S. miltiorrhiza indicate their therapeutic potential in AD via multiple mechanisms. In addition, S. miltiorrhiza provides lead compounds for developing new drugs against AD.

Neurotoxin mechanisms and processes relevant to Parkinson's disease: an update

The molecular mechanism responsible for degenerative process in the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system in Parkinson's disease (PD) remains unknown. One major advance in this field has been the discovery of several genes associated to familial PD, including alpha synuclein, parkin, LRRK2, etc., thereby providing important insight toward basic research approaches. There is an consensus in neurodegenerative research that mitochon dria dysfunction, protein degradation dysfunction, aggregation of alpha synuclein to neurotoxic oligomers, oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress, and neuroinflammation are involved in degeneration of the neuromelanin-containing dopaminergic neurons that are lost in the disease. An update of the mechanisms relating to neurotoxins that are used to produce preclinical models of Parkinson´s disease is presented. 6-Hydroxydopamine, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, and rotenone have been the most wisely used neurotoxins to delve into mechanisms involved in the loss of dopaminergic neurons containing neuromelanin. Neurotoxins generated from dopamine oxidation during neuromelanin formation are likewise reviewed, as this pathway replicates neurotoxin-induced cellular oxidative stress, inactivation of key proteins related to mitochondria and protein degradation dysfunction, and formation of neurotoxic aggregates of alpha synuclein. This survey of neurotoxin modeling-highlighting newer technologies and implicating a variety of processes and pathways related to mechanisms attending PD-is focused on research studies from 2012 to 2014.

Protective effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide on 6-OHDA-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells through the ROS-NO pathway

Oxidative stress plays an important role in Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP), the main active ingredients extracted from the fruits of Lycium barbarum L., have been shown to be a potent antioxidant. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects, and the possible mechanism of action of LBP against 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells. Our data demonstrated that LBP significantly reversed the 6-OHDA-induced decrease in cell viability, prevented 6-OHDA-induced changes in condensed nuclei and decreased the percentage of apoptotic cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, LBP also slowed the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), decreased the level of protein-bound 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) and intracellular free Ca²⁺, and inhibiting the overexpression of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). These results demonstrate that LBP prevents 6-OHDA-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells, at least in part through the ROS-NO pathway.

Carthamus, Salvia and Stachys species protect neuronal cells against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis

CONTEXT

Finding effective therapies for neurodegenerative diseases is of utmost importance for the aging population. Plants growing in Iran are rich sources of antioxidants and active phytochemicals.

OBJECTIVE

The protective capacity of plants, with a special focus on those with reported antioxidant or neuroprotective potential or nervous system-related applications in folk medicine, was tested against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Aerial parts of 20 plants including Carthamus, Salvia, and Stachys species were extracted with 80% methanol and dichloromethane and preincubated with neuronal PC12 cells for 3 h. Oxidative stress and apoptosis were induced by hydrogen peroxide (75 µM, 1 h exposure). Cell viability and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by MTT and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein-diacetate (DCFH-DA) assays, respectively, while apoptosis was determined by annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining by a flow cytometer.

RESULTS

Eighty percent methanol extracts of Carthamus oxyacantha Bieb. (Asteraceae), Salvia santolinifolia Boiss. (Lamiaceae), and Salvia sclarea L. (Lamiaceae) at the concentration of 100 μg/ml showed significant neuroprotection in the MTT assay by 38.7, 34.7, and 39.5%, respectively, and inhibited intracellular ROS by 48.6, 61.9, and 61.4%, respectively. The first two extracts also significantly inhibited apoptosis. Dichloromethane extracts of C. oxyacantha and Stachys pilifera Benth. (Lamiaceae) at the concentration of 25 μg/ml showed neuroprotection by 27.5 and 26.5%, respectively, and inhibited ROS by 44.5 and 39.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The above-mentioned plants seem to have important biological activities and their further study may lead to the discovery of new natural therapeutics useful against disorders such as Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases.

Dissecting Traditional Chinese Medicines by Omics and Bioinformatics

Traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) are a rich source of potential leads for drug development. However, there are fundamental differences between traditional Chinese medical concepts and modern pharmacology, which greatly hinder the modern development of TCM. To address this challenge, new techniques associated with genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and bioinformatics have been used to dissect the pharmacological mechanisms of TCM. This review article provides an overview of the current research in this area, and illustrates the potential of omic and bioinformatic methods in TCM-based drug discovery.