KD-501, a standardized extract of Scrophularia buergeriana has both cognitive-enhancing and antioxidant activities in mice given scopolamine

Using RAD-seq to identify and differentiate the medicinal herb Scrophularia ningpoensis and its adulterants

BACKGROUND

Scrophulariae Radix, the dried root of Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl., belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family and is known for its diverse pharmacological effects, such as antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties. It is common that the Scrophulariae Radix is often contaminated by various adulterants like S. buergeriana, S. kakudensis, and S. yoshimurae in its medicinal usage. However, traditional methods for identifying Chinese medicinal materials have been found to be insufficient in accurately distinguishing S. ningpoensis from the three adulterant species.

RESULTS

In this study, RAD-seq technology was employed to sequence 27 individuals from the four species, yielding 55,250 high-quality SNP sites. Genetic differentiation analysis using these sites revealed significant genetic divergence between S. ningpoensis and the three adulterants. Through assessment genetic structure, principal component, and phylogenetic analysis, these four species were effectively distinguished with a high degree of confidence. The phylogenetic results indicated that S. ningpoensis is more closely related to S. yoshimurae, while S. buergeriana shows a closer relationship with S. kakudensis, providing new reference information for understanding interspecific relationships among the four Scrophularia species.

CONCLUSIONS

This study successfully identified S. ningpoensis and the three adulterants, enriched the genomic information of Scrophularia species, and contributed to a more profound understanding of the evolutionary dynamics within this genus. Furthermore, it offers novel insights and methodologies for the identification of medicinal plants.

An Integrative Study of Scrophularia takesimensis Nakai in an Ovalbumin-Induced Murine Model of Asthma: The Effect on T Helper 2 Cell Activation

Scrophularia have traditionally been used as herbal medicines to treat neuritis, sore throats, and laryngitis. In particular, S. takesimensis, a Korean endemic species with restricted distribution on Ulleung Island, holds significant resource and genetic value. However, its pharmacological properties have not been thoroughly evaluated. Thus, we provide detailed morphological characteristics and genomic information for S. takesimensis in this study. Moreover, its pharmacological activity was evaluated in an ovalbumin-induced asthma rat model, using extracts of S. takesimensis roots (100 or 200 mg/kg). The distinguishing features of S. takesimensis from related species include the presence or absence of stem wings, leaf shape, and habitat. The chloroplast (cp) genome of this species is 152,420 bp long and exhibits a conserved quadripartite structure. A total of 114 genes were identified, which included 80 protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 4 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. The gene order, content, and orientation of the S. takesimensis cp genome was highly conserved and consistent with the general structure observed in S. buergeriana and S. ningpoensis cp genomes. Confirming the anti-inflammatory effects of S. takesimensis extract (STE) using an established mouse model of ovalbumin-induced asthma, we observed reduced asthmatic phenotypes, including inflammatory cell infiltration, mucus production, and suppression of T helper 2 (Th2) cell. Furthermore, STE treatment reduced Th2 cell activation and differentiation. This study underscores the medicinal value of S. takesimensis. The importance of preserving S. takesimensis was revealed and crucial insights were provided for further research on its utilization as a medicinal resource.

The memory ameliorating effects of novel N-benzyl pyridine-2-one derivatives on scopolamine-induced cognitive deficits in mice

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of progressive dementia in the elderly, is a chronic neurological disorder that decreases cognitive ability. Although the underlying cause of AD is yet unknown, oxidative stress and brain acetylcholine shortage are the key pathogenic causes.

RESULTS

The current study shows that these derivatives have the potential to improve memory in mice by inhibiting scopolamine-induced acetylcholinesterase activity, oxidative and nitrosative stress, and improving locomotor activity and muscle grip strength in the rota rod test. When compared to the illness control, the memory-enhancing potential of novel N-benzyl pyridine-2-one derivatives was highly significant (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The observed memory ameliorating effect of novel N-benzyl pyridine-2-one makes them as a a good choice for treatment of individuals with cognitive impairment.

A network pharmacology approach to reveal the key ingredients in Scrophulariae Radix (SR) and their effects against Alzheimer's disease

Background

Scrophulariae Radix (SR) is a commonly used medicinal plant. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease for which there is no effective treatment. This study aims to initially clarify the potential mechanism of SR in the treatment of AD based on network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques.

Methods

The principal components and corresponding protein targets of SR were conducted by HPLC analysis and searched on TCMSP. AD targets were searched on DrugBank, Chemogenomics, TTD, OMIM and GeneCards databases. The compound-target network was constructed by Cytoscape3.8.2. The intersection of compound target and disease target was obtained and the coincidence target was imported into STRING database to construct a PPI network. We further performed GO and KEGG enrichment analysis on the targets. Meanwhile, molecular docking study and cell experiments were approved for the core target and the active compound.

Results

Through multidatabase retrieval and integration, it was found that 17 components of SR could exert anti-AD effects against 40 targets. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that Alzheimer's disease (hsa05010) was one of the most significant AD enrichment signalling pathways. Combined with the gene expression profile information in the AlzData database, 15 targets were found to be associated with tau or beta-amyloid protein (Aβ). GO analysis indicated that the primary molecular functions of SR in the treatment of AD were neurotransmitter receptor activity (GO:0007268), postsynaptic neurotransmitter receptor activity (GO:0070997), and acetylcholine receptor activity (GO:0050435). Moreover, we explored the anti-AD effects of SR extract and ursolic acid (UA) using SH-SY5Y cells. Treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with 20 μM UA significantly reduced the oxidative damage to these neuronal cells.

Conclusion

This study reveals the active ingredients and potential molecular mechanism of SR in the treatment of AD, and provides a theoretical basis for further basic research and clinical application.

Signalling Pathways Involved in Microglial Activation in Alzheimer's Disease and Potential Neuroprotective Role of Phytoconstituents

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a commonly reported neurodegenerative disorder associated with dementia and cognitive impairment. The pathophysiology of AD comprises Aβ, hyperphosphorylated tau protein formation, abrupt cholinergic cascade, oxidative stress, neuronal apoptosis, and neuroinflammation. Recent findings have established the profound role of immunological dysfunction and microglial activation in the pathogenesis of AD. Microglial activation is a multifactorial cascade encompassing various signalling molecules and pathways such as Nrf2/NLRP3/NF-kB/p38 MAPKs/ GSK-3β. Additionally, deposited Aβ or tau protein triggers microglial activation and accelerates its pathogenesis. Currently, the FDA-approved therapeutic regimens are based on the modulation of the cholinergic system, and recently, one more drug, aducanumab, has been approved by the FDA. On the one hand, these drugs only offer symptomatic relief and not a cure for AD. Additionally, no targetedbased microglial medicines are available for treating and managing AD. On the other hand, various natural products have been explored for the possible anti-Alzheimer effect via targeting microglial activation or different targets of microglial activation. Therefore, the present review focuses on exploring the mechanism and associated signalling related to microglial activation and a detailed description of various natural products that have previously been reported with anti-Alzheimer's effect via mitigation of microglial activation. Additionally, we have discussed the various patents and clinical trials related to managing and treating AD.

Neuroprotective effects of novel pyrrolidine-2-one derivatives on scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in mice: Behavioral and biochemical analysis

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a long-term neurodegenerative condition that impairs cognitive abilities. Brain acetylcholine deficit and oxidative stress may be considered the key pathogenic causes for AD, even though the basic etiology is still unknown. The effects of some novel pyrrolidine-2-one derivatives on the learning and memory deficits caused by scopolamine in mice were examined in the current study. The learning and memory parameters were assessed using the morris water maze test, rota rod test the and locomotor activity. A number of biochemical factors were also evaluated, including acetylcholinesterase (AChE), lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CA), and nitrite oxide (NO) assay. The current study shows that these derivatives were more effective and comparable to donepezil at treating the behavioral and biochemical changes brought on by scopolamine. The observed results showed pyrrolidine-2-one derivatives as a promising candidate for diseases associated with cognitive deficits.

Characterization and Comparative Analysis of Chloroplast Genomes of Medicinal Herb Scrophularia ningpoensis and Its Common Adulterants (Scrophulariaceae)

Scrophularia ningpoensis, a perennial medicinal plant from the Scrophulariaceae family, is the original species of Scrophulariae Radix (SR) in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. This medicine is usually deliberately substituted or accidentally contaminated with other closely related species including S. kakudensis, S. buergeriana, and S. yoshimurae. Given the ambiguous identification of germplasm and complex evolutionary relationships within the genus, the complete chloroplast genomes of the four mentioned Scrophularia species were sequenced and characterized. Comparative genomic studies revealed a high degree of conservation in genomic structure, gene arrangement, and content within the species, with the entire chloroplast genome spanning 153,016-153,631 bp in full length, encoding 132 genes, including 80 protein-coding genes, 4 rRNA genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 18 duplicated genes. We identified 8 highly variable plastid regions and 39-44 SSRs as potential molecular markers for further species identification in the genus. The consistent and robust phylogenetic relationships of S. ningpoensis and its common adulterants were firstly established using a total of 28 plastid genomes from the Scrophulariaceae family. In the monophyletic group, S. kakudensis was determined to be the earliest diverging species, succeeded by S. ningpoensis. Meanwhile, S. yoshimurae and S. buergeriana were clustered together as sister clades. Our research manifestly illustrates the efficacy of plastid genomes in identifying S. ningpoensis and its counterfeits and will also contribute to a deeper understanding of the evolutionary processes within Scrophularia.

Effects of Scrophularia buergeriana Extract (Brainon®) on Aging-Induced Memory Impairment in SAMP8 Mice

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a worldwide problem. Currently, there are no effective drugs for AD treatment. Scrophularia buergeriana Miquel (SB) is a traditional herbal medicine used in Korea to treat various diseases. Our previous studies have shown that ethanol extract of SB roots (SBE, Brainon^®) exhibits potent anti-amnesic effects in Aβ_1-42- or scopolamine-treated memory impairment mice model and neuroprotective effects in a glutamate-induced SH-SY5Y cell model. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of Brainon^® and its mechanism of action in senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice. Brainon^® (30 or 100 mg/kg/day) was orally treated to six-month-old SAMP8 mice for 12 weeks. Results revealed that Brainon^® administration effectually ameliorated cognitive deficits in Y-maze and passive avoidance tests. Following the completion of behavioral testing, western blotting was performed using the cerebral cortex. Results revealed that Brainon^® suppressed Aβ_1-42 accumulation, Tau hyperphosphorylation, oxidative stress, and inflammation and alleviated apoptosis in SAMP8 mice. Brainon^® also promoted synaptic function by downregulating the expression of AChE and upregulating the expression of p-CREB/CREB and BDNF. Furthermore, Brainon^® restored SAMP8-reduced expression of ChAT and -dephosphorylated of ERK and also decreased AChE expression in the hippocampus. Furthermore, Brainon^® alleviated AD progression by promoting mitophagy/autophagy to maintain normal cellular function as a novel finding of this study. Our data suggest that Brainon^® can remarkably improve cognitive deficiency with the potential to be utilized in functional food for improving brain health.

The neuroprotective effects of fisetin, a natural flavonoid in neurodegenerative diseases: Focus on the role of oxidative stress

Oxidative stress (OS) disrupts the chemical integrity of macromolecules and increases the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Fisetin is a flavonoid that exhibits potent antioxidant properties and protects the cells against OS. We have viewed the NCBI database, PubMed, Science Direct (Elsevier), Springer-Nature, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar databases to search and collect relevant articles during the preparation of this review. The search keywords are OS, neurodegenerative diseases, fisetin, etc. High level of ROS in the brain tissue decreases ATP levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential and induces lipid peroxidation, chronic inflammation, DNA damage, and apoptosis. The subsequent results are various neuronal diseases. Fisetin is a polyphenolic compound, commonly present in dietary ingredients. The antioxidant properties of this flavonoid diminish oxidative stress, ROS production, neurotoxicity, neuro-inflammation, and neurological disorders. Moreover, it maintains the redox profiles, and mitochondrial functions and inhibits NO production. At the molecular level, fisetin regulates the activity of PI3K/Akt, Nrf2, NF-κB, protein kinase C, and MAPK pathways to prevent OS, inflammatory response, and cytotoxicity. The antioxidant properties of fisetin protect the neural cells from inflammation and apoptotic degeneration. Thus, it can be used in the prevention of neurodegenerative disorders.

New Myrtenal–Adamantane Conjugates Alleviate Alzheimer’s-Type Dementia in Rat Model

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease associated with memory impairment and other central nervous system (CNS) symptoms. Two myrtenal–adamantane conjugates (MACs) showed excellent CNS potential against Alzheimer’s models. Adamantane is a common pharmacophore for drug design, and myrtenal (M) demonstrated neuroprotective effects in our previous studies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the MACs’ neuroprotective properties in dementia. Methods: Scopolamine (Scop) was applied intraperitoneally in Wistar rats for 11 days, simultaneously with MACs or M as a referent, respectively. Brain acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity, noradrenaline and serotonin levels, and oxidative brain status determination followed behavioral tests on memory abilities. Molecular descriptors and docking analyses for AChE activity center affinity were performed. Results: M derivatives have favorable physicochemical parameters to enter the CNS. Both MACs restored memory damaged by Scop, showing significant AChE-inhibitory activity in the cortex, in contrast to M, supported by the modeling analysis. Moderate antioxidant properties were manifested by glutathione elevation and catalase activity modulation. MACs also altered noradrenaline and serotonin content in the hippocampus. Conclusion: For the first time, neuroprotective properties of two MACs in a rat dementia model were observed. They were stronger than the natural M effects, which makes the substances promising candidates for AD treatment.

A mixture of Panax ginseng and Scrophularia buergeriana improves immune function in an immunosuppressed murine model

BACKGROUND

Immunomodulatory drugs are currently used for immunosuppressed individuals, but adverse side effects have been reported. Although Panax ginseng and Scrophularia buergeriana are known to have respective pharmacological properties, the potential of a mixture of Panax ginseng and Scrophularia buergeriana (Isam-Tang, IST) as an immunomodulatory drug has not yet been studied.

PURPOSE

The present study was designed to assess the immunomodulatory activity of IST and p-coumaric acid (pCA), an active compound of IST, in the immune system.

METHODS

The levels of immunostimulatory cytokines, nitrite, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), NF-kB activation, and proliferation were examined in RAW264.7 cells, primary splenocytes and splenic NK cells isolated from normal mouse spleen, and in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice using ELISA, quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining.

RESULTS

IST or pCA treatment increased the production of immunostimulatory cytokines and nitrite and the expression of iNOS in RAW264.7 cells and splenocytes. IST or pCA also induced NF-κB signaling activation and promoted the phagocytic activity of RAW264.7 cells. In addition, the splenocyte proliferation and splenic NK activity were enhanced by IST or pCA. IST or pCA increased the levels of immunostimulatory cytokines in immunosuppressed mice and ameliorated splenic tissue damage.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that IST supplementation may be used to enhance immune function.

4-Methoxycinnamic acid attenuates schizophrenia-like behaviors induced by MK-801 in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Scrophularia buergeriana has been used for traditional medicine as an agent for reducing heat in the blood and for nourishing kidney 'Yin'. Therefore, S. buergeriana might be a potential treatment for mental illness, especially schizophrenia, which may be attenuated by supplying kidney Yin and reducing blood heat. In a pilot study, we found that S. buergeriana alleviated sensorimotor gating dysfunction induced by MK-801.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In the present study, we attempted to reveal the active component(s) of S. buergeriana as a candidate for treating sensorimotor gating dysfunction, and we identified 4-methoxycinnamic acid. We explored whether 4-methoxycinnamic acid could affect schizophrenia-like behaviors induced by hypofunction of the glutamatergic neurotransmitter system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mice were treated with 4-methoxycinnamic acid (3, 10, or 30 mg/kg, i.g.) under MK-801-induced schizophrenia-like conditions. The effect of 4-methoxycinnamic acid on schizophrenia-like behaviors were explored using several behavioral tasks. We also used Western blotting to investigate which signaling pathway(s) is involved in the pharmacological activities of 4-methoxycinnamic acid.

RESULTS

4-Methoxycinnamic acid ameliorated MK-801-induced prepulse inhibition deficits, social interaction disorders and cognitive impairment by regulating the phosphorylation levels of PI3K, Akt and GSK-3β signaling in the prefrontal cortex. And there were no adverse effects in terms of catalepsy and motor coordination impairments.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, 4-methoxycinnamic acid would be a potential candidate for treating schizophrenia with fewer adverse effects, especially the negative symptoms and cognitive dysfunctions.

The Effects of Nutraceuticals and Bioactive Natural Compounds on Chronic Periodontitis: A Clinical Review

The paper aims to review the current clinical evidence of various herbal agents as an adjunct treatment in the management of chronic periodontitis patients. Gingivitis and periodontitis are two common infectious inflammatory diseases of the supporting tissues of the teeth and have a multifactorial etiology. An important concern about chronic periodontitis is its association with certain systemic disease. New treatment strategies for controlling the adverse effects of chronic periodontitis have been extensively assessed and practiced in sub-clinical and clinical studies. It has been shown that the phytochemical agents have various therapeutic properties such as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects which can be beneficial for the treatment of periodontitis. The findings of this review support the adjunctive use of herbal agents in the management of chronic periodontitis. Heterogeneity and limited data may reduce the impact of these conclusions. Future long-term randomized controlled trials evaluating the clinical efficacy of adjunctive herbal therapy to scaling and root planing are needed.

Scrophulariae Radix: An Overview of Its Biological Activities and Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical Applications

Scrophulariae Radix (SR) has an important role as a medicinal plant, the roots of which are recorded used to cure fever, swelling, constipation, pharyngitis, laryngitis, neuritis, sore throat, rheumatism, and arthritis in Asia for more than two thousand years. In this paper, the studies published on Scrophularia buergeriana (SB) and Scrophularia ningpoensis (SN) in the latest 20 years were reviewed, and the biological activities of SB and SN were evaluated based on in vitro and in vivo studies. SB presented anti-inflammatory activities, immune-enhancing effects, bone disorder prevention activity, neuroprotective effect, anti-amnesic effect, and anti-allergic effect; SN showed a neuroprotective effect, anti-apoptotic effect, anti-amnesic effect, and anti-depressant effect; and SR exhibited an immune-enhancing effect and cardioprotective effects through in vitro and in vivo experiments. SB and SN are both known to exert neuroprotective and anti-amensice effects. This review investigated their applicability in the nutraceutical, functional foods, and pharmaceutical industries. Further studies, such as toxicological studies and clinical trials, on the efficacy and safety of SR, including SB and SN, need to be conducted.

Three Scrophularia Species (Scrophularia buergeriana, S. koraiensis, and S. takesimensis) Inhibit RANKL-Induced Osteoclast Differentiation in Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages

Scrophulariae Radix, derived from the dried roots of Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl. or S. buergeriana Miq, is a traditional herbal medicine used in Asia to treat rheumatism, arthritis, and pharyngalgia. However, the effects of Scrophularia buergeriana, S. koraeinsis, and S. takesimensis on osteoclast formation and bone resorption remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the morphological characteristics and harpagoside content of S. buergeriana, S. koraiensis, and S. takesimensis, and compared the effects of ethanol extracts of these species using nuclear factor (NF)-κB ligand (RANKL)-mediated osteoclast differentiation. The harpagoside content of the three Scrophularia species was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS). Their therapeutic effects were evaluated by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cell formation and bone resorption in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) harvested from ICR mice. We confirmed the presence of harpagoside in the Scrophularia species. The harpagoside content of S. buergeriana, S. koraiensis, and S. takesimensis was 1.94 ± 0.24 mg/g, 6.47 ± 0.02 mg/g, and 5.50 ± 0.02 mg/g, respectively. Treatment of BMMs with extracts of the three Scrophularia species inhibited TRAP-positive cell formation in a dose-dependent manner. The area of hydroxyapatite-absorbed osteoclasts was markedly decreased after treatment with the three Scrophularia species extracts. Our results indicated that the three species of the genus Scrophularia might exert preventive effects on bone disorders by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption, suggesting that these species may have medicinal and functional value.

Scrophularia buergeriana Extract Improves Memory Impairment via Inhibition of the Apoptosis Pathway in the Mouse Hippocampus

Scrophularia buergeriana (SB) Miq. (Scrophulariaceae) has been used to help cure swelling and fever and has reported antioxidant and neuro-protective effects. However, few mechanism–based studies have evaluated the memory-improving effects in a beta-amyloid induced memory loss model. As a result of Scrophularia buergeriana extract (SBE) administration (30 and 100 mg/kg) for 28 days significantly recovered beta-amyloid-induced amnesia in the passive avoidance test and improved the impairment of spatial memory in the Morris Water Maze (MWM) task. Furthermore, SBE up-regulated superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD)-1, SOD-2, glutathione peroxidase-1, and B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2 protein expression levels. Additionally, SBE downregulated Bcl-2-associated X protein, cleaved caspase-9, cleaved poly (adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase, and Aβ protein expression levels and inhibited the phosphorylation of the tau protein of Aβ-treated mice hippocampus. These results demonstrate that SBE improved memory impairment by reducing beta-amyloid induced neurotoxicity and regulated oxidative stress, anti-apoptotic pathways.

Clinical, in vitro and phytochemical, studies of Scrophularia striata mouthwash on chronic periodontitis disease

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Chronic periodontitis is an inflammatory process of the oral cavity that is caused by different reasons. Streptococcus mutans bacteria is the main cause of the disease. Scrophularia striata in Iranian traditional medicine is used to heal inflammation of gum and mouth. Also, In vitro anti-bacterial effect of S. striata in S. mutans have been demonstrated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Clinical, in vitro and chemical constituent studies of S. striata on chronic periodontitis disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study is a randomized clinical trial that was performed in Dental College, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. Fifty patients with chronic periodontitis (20-50 years old) were selected and the study was approved and registered in Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials as number IRCT2015081323468N1 prior to the experiment. The 50 patients were divided into two groups. One group used herbal mouthwash that was made from hydro alcoholic extract of S. striata and another group used Irsha mouthwash (Iranian form of Listerine mouthwash). Patients were followed up after two weeks and four weeks of using mouthwash for assessment of plaque index (PI), pocket depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP) and counting Streptococcus mutans. The mouthwash was standardized according to gallic acid, quercetin and apigenin reference using the RP-HPLC method. The total phenolic and flavonoids contents were also determined spectrophotometerically.

RESULTS

S. striata in the short term, improve plaque index, pocket depth and bleeding on probing but the number of Streptococcus mutans changed significantly in the long term and is more potent in comparison to Irsha mouthwash. The mouthwash was standardized according to gallic acid, quercetin and apigenin standard (3, 24, 11 μg, respectively). The total phenolic and flavonoid content of mouthwash were 120.7 μg GAE/100 cc and 78.6 μg QE/100 cc respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

S. striata mouthwash is effective in the treatment of chronic periodontitis disease and is more potent comparing the Iranian Irsha mouthwash.

Neuroprotective effects of Scrophularia buergeriana extract against glutamate-induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y cells

The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities, as well as the underlying mechanisms of action, of Scrophularia buergeriana (S. buergeriana) extract (SBE) in glutamate-induced SH-SY5Y cell death. The roots of S. buergeriana were extracted with 70% ethanol, and standardized SBE was used in this study. To induce cytotoxicity, the SH-SY5Y cells were exposed to glutamate for 3 h, or pre-treated with SBE for 1 h, and subsequently incubated with glutamate for 3 h. The neuro-protective effects were assessed by measuring cell viability and the total glutathione contents using commercial kits. The antioxidant and anti-apoptotic mechanisms of action of SBE were evaluated by western blot analysis. The results confirmed that glutamate-induced toxicity was caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, leading to oxidative stress and DNA damage, thus leading to cell death. However, treatment of the SH-SY5Y cells with SBE significantly increased the viability of the cells exposed to glutamate by upregulating the levels of antioxidant proteins, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD)1, SOD2 and glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx-1), and directly enhancing the total glutathione contents. Furthermore, SBE attenuated DNA impairment and decreased B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein (Bax), cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved poly(adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribose) polymerase (PARP) activation. In addition, SBE upregulated Bcl-2 expression via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). On the whole, the findings of this study demonstrated that SBE exerts neuroprotective effects against glutamate-induced cell toxicity through its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities.

Neuroprotective Effect and Molecular Mechanism of [6]-Gingerol against Scopolamine-Induced Amnesia in C57BL/6 Mice

We have investigated the neuroprotective and memory enhancing effect of [6]-gingerol (GIN), a pungent ingredient of ginger, using an animal model of amnesia. To determine the neuroprotective effect of GIN on cognitive dysfunction, scopolamine (SCO, 1 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected into C57BL/6 mice, and a series of behavioral tests were conducted. SCO-induced behavior changes and memory impairments, such as decreased alteration (%) in Y-maze test, increased mean escape latency in water maze test, diminished step-through latency in passive avoidance test, and shortened freezing time in fear condition test, were significantly prevented and restored by the oral administration of GIN (10 or 25 mg/kg/day). To further verify the neuroprotective mechanism of GIN, we have focused on the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The administration of GIN elevated the protein expression of BDNF, which was mediated via the activation of protein kinase B/Akt- and cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway. These results suggest that GIN may have preventive and/or therapeutic potentials in the management of memory deficit and cognitive impairment in mice with amnesia.

Cinnamon, a promising prospect towards Alzheimer's disease

Over the last decades, an exponential increase of efforts concerning the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been practiced. Phytochemicals preparations have a millenary background to combat various pathological conditions. Various cinnamon species and their biologically active ingredients have renewed the interest towards the treatment of patients with mild-to-moderate AD through the inhibition of tau protein aggregation and prevention of the formation and accumulation of amyloid-β peptides into the neurotoxic oligomeric inclusions, both of which are considered to be the AD trademarks. In this review, we presented comprehensive data on the interactions of a number of cinnamon polyphenols (PPs) with oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory signaling pathways in the brain. In addition, we discussed the potential association between AD and diabetes mellitus (DM), vis-à-vis the effluence of cinnamon PPs. Further, an upcoming prospect of AD epigenetic pathophysiological conditions and cinnamon has been sighted. Data was retrieved from the scientific databases such as PubMed database of the National Library of Medicine, Scopus and Google Scholar without any time limitation. The extract of cinnamon efficiently inhibits tau accumulations, Aβ aggregation and toxicity in vivo and in vitro models. Indeed, cinnamon possesses neuroprotective effects interfering multiple oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory pathways. Besides, cinnamon modulates endothelial functions and attenuates the vascular cell adhesion molecules. Cinnamon PPs may induce AD epigenetic modifications. Cinnamon and in particular, cinnamaldehyde seem to be effective and safe approaches for treatment and prevention of AD onset and/or progression. However, further molecular and translational research studies as well as prolonged clinical trials are required to establish the therapeutic safety and efficacy in different cinnamon spp.

Amelioration of Scopolamine-Induced Learning and Memory Impairment by α-Pinene in C57BL/6 Mice

Increasing evidence suggests that neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) are mediated via disruption of cholinergic neurons and enhanced oxidative stress. Therefore, attention has been focused on searching for antioxidant phytochemicals for the prevention and/or treatment of AD through their ability to fortify cholinergic function and antioxidant defense capacity. In this study, we have investigated the neuroprotective effect of α-pinene (APN) against learning and memory impairment induced by scopolamine (SCO, 1 mg/kg, i.p.), a muscarinic receptor antagonist in C57BL/6 mice. Administration of APN (10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly improved SCO-induced cognitive dysfunction as assessed by Y-maze and passive avoidance tests. In Morris water-maze test, APN effectively shortened the mean escape latency to find the hidden platform during training days. To further elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effect of APN, the expression of proteins involved in the acetylcholine metabolism and antioxidant system was examined. Particularly, APN treatment increased mRNA expression of choline acetyltransferase in the cortex and protein levels of antioxidant enzymes such as heme oxygenase-1 and manganese superoxide dismutase in the hippocampus via activation of NF-E2-related factor 2. These findings suggest the possible neuroprotective potentials of APN for the management of dementia with learning and memory loss.

Neuroprotective and Antiamnesic Effects of Mitragyna inermis Willd (Rubiaceae) on Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment in Mice

Aim. To assess memory improvement and neuroprotective and antioxidant effects of Mitragyna inermis (M. inermis) leaf decoction on the central nervous system. Methodology. Leaf decoction of M. inermis was tested on learning and memory in normal and scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in mice using memory behavioral tests such as the Morris water maze, object recognition task, and elevated plus maze. Oxidative stress enzymes-catalase, superoxide dismutase, and the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, a product of lipid peroxidation-were quantified. In each test, mice 18 to 25 g were divided into groups of 5. Results. The extract reversed the effects of scopolamine in mice. The extract significantly increased discrimination index in the object recognition task test and inflexion ratio in the elevated plus maze test. The times spent in target quadrant in MWM increased while the transfer latency decreased in mice treated by M. inermis at the dose of 196.5 mg/kg. The activity levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase were significantly increased, whereas the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance was significantly decreased after 8 consecutive days of treatment with M. inermis at the dose of 393 mg/kg. Conclusion. These results suggest that M. inermis leaf extract possess potential antiamnesic effects.

Ameliorative effect of betulin from Betula platyphylla bark on scopolamine-induced amnesic mice

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease induced by cholinergic neuron damage or amyloid-beta aggregation in the basal forebrain region and resulting in cognitive disorder. We previously reported on the neuroprotective effects of Betula platyphylla bark (BPB) in an amyloid-beta-induced amnesic mouse model. In this study, we obtained a cognitive-enhancing compound by assessing results using a scopolamine-induced amnesic mouse model. Our results show that oral treatment of mice with BPB and betulin significantly ameliorated scopolamine-induced memory deficits in both passive avoidance and Y-maze tests. In the Morris water maze test, administration of BPB and betulin significantly improved memory and cognitive function indicating the formation of working and reference memories in treated mice. Moreover, betulin significantly increased glutathione content in mouse hippocampus, and the increase was greater than that from betulinic acid treatment. We conclude that BPB and its active component betulin have potential as therapeutic, cognitive enhancer in AD.

Neuroprotective benzyl benzoate glycosides from Disporum viridescens roots in HT22 hippocampal neuronal cells

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the EtOAc extract from Disporum viridescens roots led to the isolation of five new benzyl benzoate glycosides, BBGs (1-5). The neuroprotective activities of the BBGs were screened using neuronal HT22 hippocampal cells. BBG-D (4) significantly protected murine hippocampal HT22 cells against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity by maintaining the antioxidative defense systems such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and the glutathione content. BBG-D, in a dose-and time-dependent manner, increased HO-1 expression through the selective activation of pERK signaling among the MAPK pathways. These results suggest that BBG-D could be a promising candidate for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases related to glutamate-induced oxidative neuronal cytotoxicity.

The genus Eremophila (Scrophulariaceae): an ethnobotanical, biological and phytochemical review

OBJECTIVES

Eremophila (Scrophulariaceae) is an endemic Australian genus with 214 species, which is commonly known as Fuchsia bush, Emu bush or Poverty bush. Plants of this genus played an important role for the Australian Aborigines who used them widely for medicinal and ceremonial purposes. Many studies have been carried out on many species of this genus and have generated immense data about the chemical composition and corresponding biological activity of extracts and isolated secondary metabolites.

KEY FINDINGS

Thorough phytochemical investigations of different Eremophila species have resulted in the isolation of more than 200 secondary metabolites of different classes with diterpenes as major constituents. Biological studies and traditional clinical practice demonstrated that Eremophila and its bioactive compounds possess various pharmacological properties. Plants were employed especially as a cardiotonic drug and also as potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiviral agents.

SUMMARY

Further investigations are required to explore other Eremophila species, to evaluate the different biological activities of either their extracts or the isolated compounds and the possible underlying modes of action.

Ligustrazine phosphate ethosomes for treatment of Alzheimer's disease, in vitro and in animal model studies

In the present study, we have investigated transdermal administration of ligustrazine phosphate (LP), as an antioxidant, for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The LP transdermal ethosomal system was designed and characterized. Franz-type diffusion cells and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used for the in vitro permeation studies. Furthermore, the effect of LP transdermal ethosomal system on AD was evaluated in the scopolamine-induced amnesia rats by evaluating the behavioral performance in the Morris water maze test. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes and the levels of the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) in the brain of rats were also determined. The results showed that both the penetration ability and the drug deposition in skin of the LP ethosomal system were significantly higher than the aqueous one. The LP transdermal ethosomal system could recover the activities of the antioxidant enzymes and the levels of MDA in the brain of the amnesic rats to the similar status of the normal rats, which was also indirectly reflected by the improvement in the behavioral performance. In conclusion, LP might offer a potential alternative therapeutic drug in the fight against AD, and ethosomes could be vesicles of choice for transdermal delivery of LP.

Neuroprotective effect of natural products against Alzheimer's disease

Nature has gifted mankind with a plethora of flora-bearing fruits, vegetables and nuts. The diverse array of bioactive nutrients present in these natural products plays a pivotal role in prevention and cure of various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease and other neuronal dysfunctions. Accumulated evidence suggests that naturally occurring phyto-compounds, such as polyphenolic antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables, herbs and nuts, may potentially hinder neurodegeneration, and improve memory and cognitive function. Nuts such as walnut have also demonstrated neuroprotective effect against AD. The molecular mechanisms behind the curative effects rely mainly on the action of phytonutrients on distinct signalling pathways associated with protein folding and neuroinflammation. The neuroprotective effects of various naturally occurring compounds in AD is evaluating in this review.

Dihydro-allocryptopine

In the title compound [systematic name: 7,8-dimeth­oxy-11-methyl-17,19-dioxa-11-aza­tetra­cyclo­[12.7.0.0^4,9.0^16,20]henicosa-1(21),4,6,8,14,16 (20)-hexaen-2-ol], C₂₁H₂₅NO₅, the benzene rings are inclined at a dihedral angle of 23.16 (5)°. One of the meth­oxy C atoms is close to coplanar with its attached ring [deviation = 0.129 (3) Å], whereas the other is orientated away from the ring [deviation = −1.124 (2) Å]. The 10-membered ring is highly puckered, and the OH and CH₃ substituents project to the same side of the ring. In the crystal, O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the mol­ecules into [010] chains and C—H⋯O and C—H⋯π inter­actions consolidate the packing.

Ascorbic acid attenuates scopolamine-induced spatial learning deficits in the water maze

Vitamin C (ascorbate) has important antioxidant functions that can help protect against oxidative stress in the brain and damage associated with neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. When administered parenterally ascorbate can bypass saturable uptake mechanisms in the gut and thus higher tissue concentrations can be achieved than by oral administration. In the present study we show that ascorbate (125 mg/kg) administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) 1-h before testing, partially attenuated scopolamine-induced (1 mg/kg i.p.) cognitive deficits in Morris water maze performance in young mice. Cumulative search error, but not escape latency nor path length, was significantly improved during acquisition in ascorbate plus scopolamine-treated mice although performance did not equal that of control mice. During the probe trial, scopolamine led to increased search error and chance level of time spent in the platform quadrant, whereas mice pre-treated with ascorbate prior to scopolamine did not differ from control mice on these measures. Ascorbate had no effect on unimpaired, control mice and neither did it reduce the peripheral, activity-increasing effects of scopolamine. Ascorbate alone increased acetylcholinesterase activity in the medial forebrain area but had no effect in cortex or striatum. This change, and its action against the amnestic effects of the muscarinic antagonist scopolamine, suggest that ascorbate may be acting in part via altered cholinergic signaling. However, further investigation is necessary to isolate the cognition-enhancing effects of ascorbate.

Appraisal of scopolamine-induced antiamnesic effect in mice and in vitro antiacetylcholinesterase and antioxidant activities of some traditionally used Lamiaceae plants

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Salvia species and Melissa officinalis are used for their memory-enhancing effects in European folk medicine. Teucrium polium was reported to be used in Anatolia for memory-enhancement in a very old book written by an Ottoman herbalist-physician.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disorder mostly affecting the elder population. Currently, there is no cure for the treatment of severe type of AD. Therefore, in this study, the hydroalcoholic extracts of three traditionally used Lamiaceae species for memory-enhancement; Salvia triloba L., Melissa officinalis L., and Teucrium polium L., were assessed for their in vivo antiamnesic activity along with in vitro anticholinesterase and antioxidant activities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Scopolamine-induced antiamnesic activity was determined in mice by passive avoidance test, while anticholinesterase effect was measured by spectrophotometric Ellman method at 0.25, 0.50, 1.0, and 2.0 mg ml(-1) and antioxidant activity was assessed by scavenging effect against 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Total phenol contents of the extracts were determined by Folin-Ciocalteau method.

RESULTS

Salvia triloba was the most effective in antiamnesic experiment at 100, 200, and 400 mg kg(-1) doses having 22.7, 57.1, and 71.4% of relative effects, respectively. Teucrium polium was also active dose-dependently, whereas Melissa officinalis was completely inactive. In the anticholinesterase assay, the extracts showed similar inhibitions against acetylcholinesterase and Teucrium polium had the highest inhibition (65.8% at 1.0 mg ml(-1)). Concerning the antioxidant effect, all the extracts exerted the highest activity among all having IC50 values between 0.227 and 0.428 mg/ml.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that Teucrium polium among the screened plants deserves to be examined further as a herbal alternative for AD treatment.