Catalpol prevents the loss of CA1 hippocampal neurons and reduces working errors in gerbils after ischemia-reperfusion injury

Catalpol alleviates hypoxia ischemia-induced brain damage by inhibiting ferroptosis through the PI3K/NRF2/system Xc-/GPX4 axis in neonatal rats

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a brain damage caused by perinatal hypoxia and blood flow reduction. Severe HIE leads to death. Available treatments remain limited. Oxidative stress and nerve damage are major factors in brain injury caused by HIE. Catalpol, an iridoid glucoside found in the root of Rehmannia glutinosa, has antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. This study examined the neuroprotective effects of catalpol using a neonatal rat HIE model and found that catalpol might protect the brain through inhibiting neuronal ferroptosis and ameliorating oxidative stress. Behavior tests suggested that catalpol treatment improved functions of motor, learning, and memory abilities after hypoxic-ischemic injury. Catalpol treatment inhibited changes to several ferroptosis-related proteins, including p-PI3K, p-AKT, NRF2, GPX4, SLC7A11, SLC3A2, GCLC, and GSS in HIE neonatal rats. Catalpol also prevented changes to several ferroptosis-related proteins in PC12 cells after oxygen-glucose deprivation. The ferroptosis inducer erastin reversed the protective effects of catalpol both in vitro and in vivo. We concluded that catalpol protects against hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) by inhibiting ferroptosis through the PI3K/NRF2/system Xc-/GPX4 axis.

Catalpol Alleviates Ischemic Stroke Through Promoting Angiogenesis and Facilitating Proliferation and Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells via the VEGF-A/KDR Pathway

Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and death globally with a lack of effective therapeutic strategies. Catalpol is a bioactive compound derived from the traditional Chinese medicine Rehmannia glutinosa and it has been shown to be protective against various neurological diseases. The potential roles of catalpol against ischemic stroke are still not completely clear. In this study, we examined the effect and mechanism of catalpol against ischemic stroke using in vivo rat distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (dMCAO) and in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) models. We demonstrated that catalpol indeed attenuated the neurological deficits caused by dMCAO and improved neurological function. Catalpol remarkably promoted angiogenesis, promoted proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) in the subventricular zone (SVZ), and prevented neuronal loss and astrocyte activation in the ischemic cortex or hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) in vivo. The vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (KDR, VEGFR-2) inhibitor SU5416 and VEGF-A shRNA were used to investigate the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that SU5416 administration or VEGF-A-shRNA transfection both attenuated the effects of catalpol. We also found that catalpol promoted the proliferation of cultured brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) and the proliferation and differentiation of NSCs subjected to OGD insult in vitro. Interestingly, the impact of catalpol on cultured cells was also inhibited by SU5416. Moreover, catalpol was shown to protect NSCs against OGD indirectly by promoting BMEC proliferation in the co-cultured system. Taken together, catalpol showed therapeutic potential in cerebral ischemia by promoting angiogenesis and NSC proliferation and differentiation. The protective effects of catalpol were mediated through VEGF-A/KDR pathway activation.

Protective effects of catalpol on cardio-cerebrovascular diseases: A comprehensive review

Catalpol, an iridoid glucoside isolated from Rehmannia glutinosa, has gained attention due to its potential use in treating cardio-cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs). This extensive review delves into recent studies on catalpol's protective properties in relation to various CVDs, such as atherosclerosis, myocardial ischemia, infarction, cardiac hypertrophy, and heart failure. The review also explores the compound's anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic characteristics, emphasizing the role of vital signaling pathways, including PGC-1α/TERT, PI3K/Akt, AMPK, Nrf2/HO-1, estrogen receptor (ER), Nox4/NF-κB, and GRP78/PERK. The article discusses emerging findings on catalpol's ability to alleviate diabetic cardiovascular complications, thrombosis, and other cardiovascular-related conditions. Although clinical studies specifically addressing catalpol's impact on CVDs are scarce, the compound's established safety and well-tolerated nature suggest that it could be a valuable treatment alternative for CVD patients. Further investigation into catalpol and related iridoid derivatives may unveil new opportunities for devising natural and efficacious CVD therapies.

Evaluation of Marker Compounds and Biological Activity of In Vitro Regenerated and Commercial Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) DC. Roots Subjected to Steam Processing

Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) DC., belonging to the family Scrophulariaceae, has been known since immemorial times as a prominent oriental drug in East Asia that can treat various ailments, such as kidney disorders, anemia, and diabetes. In order to be applied for medical purposes, R. glutinosa is commonly processed using steam to increase its efficacy and biological activity. The increasing demand for R. glutinosa in the traditional medicine industry encouraged many researchers to develop a fast, efficient, and high-quality production system using biotechnological approaches. This study aimed to compare the chemical and biological activities of in vitro regenerated R. glutinosa (PKR) and commercial R. glutinosa (PCR) samples subjected to steam processing. We assessed the effects of steam processing and the differences in R. glutinosa material on 5-Hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde (5-HMF) content, total flavonoid and phenolic content, antioxidant activity, nitric oxide (NO) levels, and anti-inflammatory activity. PKR samples showed a significantly higher content of 5-HMF (0.15%) as compared to PCR samples (0.05%). Compared to unprocessed R. glutinosa (UPR) and PCR samples, PKR again showed the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content of 41.578 mg GAE/g and 17.208 mg RUE/g, respectively. Meanwhile, both processed R. glutinosa samples (PKR and PCR) showed a significantly higher DPPH antioxidant activity ((67.095 + 1.005)% and (61.579 + 0.907)%, respectively) than unprocessed R. glutinosa ((31.452 + 1.371)%). In addition, both PKR and PCR samples showed good anti-inflammatory activity by showing similar effects such as the inhibition of NO production and the suppression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Based on these results, PKR fulfilled the Chinese pharmacopeia standards, in terms of the amount of the marker compounds and showed a high level of bioactivity. Therefore, these findings are expected to be useful in verifying the efficacy of herbal medicines and the availability of suitable materials for medicinal use.

The Therapeutic Effect of the Chinese Herbal Medicine, Rehmanniae Radix Preparata, in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder via Reversal of Structural Abnormalities in the Cortex

Rehmanniae radix preparata is extracted from wine-steaming the Rehmannia root, a scrophulariaceae plant. It has been used for thousands of years with effects of nourishing kidney-yin, benefiting essence and filling marrow based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory. Rehmanniae radix preparata has antioxidant, antisenescence, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. It is the most popular Traditional Chinese medicinal compound (TCMC) used in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) therapy. However, few studies have been conducted exploring the effects and potential mechanisms of Rehmanniae radix preparata alone on ADHD. Recent studies have shown that Rehmanniae radix preparata inhibits spontaneous activity in mice, improves learning and memory in rats following thalamic arcuate nucleus injury, and exhibits antidepressant effects. Catalpol, an active component of Rehmanniae radix preparata, elevates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and attenuates neuronal apoptosis and energy metabolism failure. ADHD is characterized by hyperactivity-impulsivity and impairments in learning and memory. Its pathomechanism is closely related to structural abnormalities in the cortex that is mediated by dysfunction in neuronal development, apoptosis, and energy metabolism. We hypothesize that Rehmanniae radix preparata may be effective at treating ADHD by alleviating neurodevelopmental abnormalities, neuronal apoptosis, and energy metabolism failure.

Radix Rehmanniae Extract Ameliorates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Suppressing Macrophage-Derived Nitrative Damage

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neuroinflammatory disease in central nervous system (CNS) without effective treatment or medication yet. With high prevalence of MS patients worldwide and poor therapeutic outcome, seeking novel therapeutic strategy for MS is timely important. Radix Rehmanniae (RR), a typical Chinese Medicinal herb, has been used for neuroinflammatory diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. However, scientific evidence and underlying mechanisms of RR for MS are unclear. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that RR could attenuate the progress and severity of MS via suppressing macrophage-derived nitrative damage and inflammation by using experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model for mimicking MS pathology. The results showed the RR treatment effectively ameliorated clinical disease severity, inhibited inflammation/demyelination in spinal cord, and alleviated CNS infiltration of encephalitogenic T cells and activated macrophages. Meanwhile, RR possessed bioactivities of scavenging ONOO- and reducing the expression of iNOS and NADPH oxidases in the spinal cords of the EAE mice. Furthermore, RR treatment suppressed nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in the splenocytes of EAE mice. The in vitro experiments on macrophages and neuronal cells exerted consistent results with the in vivo animal experiments. Taken together, we conclude that Radix Rehmanniae extract has therapeutic values for ameliorating EAE/MS pathological process and disease severity and its underlying mechanisms are associated with anti-inflammation and inhibiting macrophage-derived nitrative damages. Further study could yield novel promising therapeutic agent for multiple sclerosis.

The Protective Effect of Aucubin from Eucommia ulmoides Against Status Epilepticus by Inducing Autophagy and Inhibiting Necroptosis

Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. is a famous traditional Chinese medicine which exhibits anti-oxidative stress ability and neuro-protective effects. Aucubin is the predominant component of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. Our present study is intended to investigate aucubin's potential protective effects on neurons against epilepsy in the hippocampus by establishing the lithium-pilocarpine induced status epilepticus (SE) rat model in vivo. Aucubin (at a low dose and a high dose of 5[Formula: see text]mg/kg and 10[Formula: see text]mg/kg, respectively) was administered through gavage for two weeks before lithium-pilocarpine injection. Rats were sacrificed at 4, 24 and 72[Formula: see text]h after SE induction. Pretreatment with both low-dose and high-dose aucubin significantly reduced the number of death neurons ([Formula: see text]) and increased the number of surviving neurons ([Formula: see text]) in DG, Hilus, CA1 and CA3 hippocampal regions post SE. Meanwhile, it significantly inhibited necroptosis proteins (MLKL and RIP-1) ([Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text]) and enhanced autophagy protein (Beclin-1 and LC3BII/LC3BI) prevalence in the hippocampus ([Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text]). In conclusion, aucubin appeared to ameliorate damages in lithium-pilocarpine induced SE in hippocampus, reduce the number of apoptotic neurons, and increased the number of survival neurons by inducing autophagy and inhibiting necroptosis. These original findings might provide an important basis for the further investigation of the therapeutic role of aucubin in treatment or prevention of epilepsy-related neuronal damages.

Catalpol stimulates VEGF production via the JAK2/STAT3 pathway to improve angiogenesis in rats' stroke model

ETHNOBOTANICAL RELEVANCE

Catalpol is the main active component of the radix from Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch, which has pleiotropic protective effects in neurodegenerative diseases, ischemic stroke, metabolic disorders and others

AIM

Catalpol has been shown to have neuroprotective, neurorepair, and angiogenesis effects following ischemic brain injury. However, its molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. In previous studies, the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway was found to play a role in neuroprotection and angiogenesis. This study investigated the role of catalpol in stimulating angiogenesis via the JAK2/STAT3 pathway after permanent focal cerebral ischemia (pMCAO).

METHODS

Rats were subjected to right middle cerebral artery occlusion through electrocoagulation and were treated with catalpol (5mg/kg), AG490 was also used to inhibit STAT3 phosphorylation (pSTAT3).

RESULTS

Following stroke, Catalpol improved the neuroethology deficit, increased the cerebral blood flow (CBF) of infarcted brain and upregulated EPO and EPOR. AG490 suppressed the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), ultimately inhibited VEGF mRNA expression, which reduced VEGF protein expression and inhibited stroke-induced angiogenesis. However, Catalpol enhanced stroke-induced STAT3 activation and subsequently restored STAT3 activity through the recovery of STAT3 binding to VEGF. Moreover, Catalpol reversed the effect of AG490 on STAT3 activation and nuclear translocation, restored the transcriptional activity of the VEGF promoter by recruiting STAT3 to the VEGF promoter, improved VEGF mRNA and protein expression, increased angiogenesis, reduced the difference in CBF between the infarcted and intact brain and ameliorated the neuroethology behaviors after stroke.

CONCLUSION

Catalpol affects neuroprotection and angiogenesis via the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, which is mediated by STAT3 activation and VEGF expression. Catalpol may be used as a potential therapeutic drug for stroke.

An Analysis of the Combination Frequencies of Constituent Medicinal Herbs in Prescriptions for the Treatment of Stroke in Korean Medicine: Determination of a Group of Candidate Prescriptions for Universal Use

In contrast to Western medicine, which typically prescribes one medicine to treat a specific disease, traditional East Asian medicine uses any one of a large number of different prescriptions (mixtures of medicinal herbs), according to the patient's characteristics. Although this can be considered an advantage, the lack of a universal prescription for a specific disease is considered a drawback of traditional East Asian medicine. The establishment of universally applicable prescriptions for specific diseases is therefore required. As a basic first step in this process, this study aimed to select prescriptions used in the treatment of stroke and, through the analysis of medicinal herb combination frequencies, select a high-frequency medicinal herb combination group for further experimental and clinical research. As a result, we selected some candidates of a medicinal herb combination and 13 candidates of a medicinal herb for the treatment of stroke.

Catalpol preserves neural function and attenuates the pathology of Alzheimer's disease in mice

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and there currently are no effective treatment strategies available. Catalpol is an iridoid glucoside, and large quantities can be isolated from the genus Rehmannia (Orobanchaceae). The present study assessed whether catalpol had any protective effects against Alzheimer's disease using a murine model. Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-associated enzymes as well as soluble Aβ40 and Aβ42 were detected using kits. Thioflavin‑S staining was performed to detect senile plaques and reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to assess iroquois homeobox protein 3 (IRX3) and obesity‑associated genes, while western blot analysis was used for β‑secretase 1 (BACE1), insulin‑degrading enzyme (IDE) and neprilysin (NEP) detection. The Morris water maze was used to detect the learning ability and spatial memory. The results revealed that catalpol was able to reduce the oxidative stress in the cerebral cortex by regulating the activities and concentration of ROS‑associated enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase, however not malondialdehyde. Catalpol was also identified to be able to reduce the levels of soluble Aβ40 and Aβ42 in the cerebral cortex and thus inhibit the formation of senile plaques. These effects were observed to be regulated by IDE, however not by BACE1 or NEP. It is suggested that catalpol is not capable of directly regulating the expression of IRX3 and obesity‑associated genes. Subsequent to the treatment with catalpol, impairments in learning and memory were also observed to be relieved using the Morris water maze test. The results of the present study indicate that catalpol may be a potential drug for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as AD.

Catalpol regulates cholinergic nerve system function through effect on choline acetyl-transferase not M receptor affinity

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of catalpol on choline acetyl-transferase and M receptor affinity in a PC12 cell model and a rat model induced by beta-amyloid 25-35 (Aβ25-35).

METHODS

In PC12 cells, catalpol (10μmol/l, 100μmol/) or saline was retained in the medium and Aβ25-35 (final concentration 20μmol/l) was added. Choline acetyl-transferase (ChAT) expression was determined by immunocytochemistry, ChAT activity measured by radioenzymatic assay, and M receptor (muscarinic receptor) affinity determined by (3)H-QNB binding test. In Wistar rats, Aβ25-35 was injected intracerebroventricularly to establish AD model. After injection of Aβ25-35, the rats were injected catalpol at 5 and 10mg/kgd(-1) intraperitoneally for the next 7 days, and saline for the control rats. ChAT expression, ChAT activity and M receptor affinity were tested. Cells and rats all were divided into four groups: Group A (control), Group B (model), Group C (catalpol low dose), and Group D (catalpol high dose).

RESULTS

Compared with control, both PC12 cell and rat AD models showed decreased expression and activity of ChAT (p<0.01), but M receptor affinity remained the same (p>0.05). Compared with model group, treatment of catalpol increased expression and activity of ChAT of PC12 cell and rat AD model induced by Aβ25-35, p<0.05 or p<0.01 respectively. But there was no difference of M receptor affinity among the four groups (p>0.05). M receptor affinity remained the same as concentration of catalpol increased gradually in atropine competition experiments (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Catalpol could regulate the cholinergic nerve system function from its effect on ChAT and may have beneficial effect for treatment of AD, but had no effect on M receptor affinity.

Amelioration of stroke-induced neurological deficiency by lyophilized powder of catapol and puerarin

Catalpol and puerarin are active ingredients isolated from Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch and Radix Puerariae, respectively. They are popular in research for their poly-pharmacological effects. This research focused on effect of anti-stroke by lyophilized powder of catalpol and puerarin (C-P) and potential mechanisms. At the beginning of research, C-P was identified and analyzed by HPLC. Neurological function was evaluated by Longa score, neurological complex function score and beam balance score after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (PMCAO) in mice. Infarct volume and water content were evaluated after treatment of C-P. Anti-oxidative stress, anti-apoptosis, angiogenesis and neurogenesis were investigated by ELISA, WB and immunohistochemical stain respectively. With treatment of C-P, neurological deficiency of PMCAO mice was ameliorated. Morphologically, infarct volume and water content in ischemic hemisphere were significantly reduced by C-P. In vivo and in vitro, oxidative stress injury was extenuated by C-P. Meanwhile, Caspase-3 was down-regulated and Bxl-2 was up-regulated by C-P in vivo. In addition, C-P enhanced angiogenesis around the infarct of cortex and neurogenesis in the Hippocampal Dentate Gyrus (DG). Hence, C-P ameliorated stroke-induced neurological deficiency through its multiple neuroprotections. What's more, this article provides us a novel formula of active ingredients for stroke.

Catalpol Induces Neuroprotection and Prevents Memory Dysfunction through the Cholinergic System and BDNF

To investigate the role and mechanism of catalpol on neuroprotective effects and memory enhancing effects simultaneously, neuroprotective effects of catalpol were assessed by neurological deficits score, TTC staining, and cerebral blood flow detecting. Morris water maze was employed to investigate its effects on learning and memory and then clarify its possible mechanisms relating the central cholinergic system and BDNF. Edaravone and oxiracetam were used for positive control drugs based on its different action. Results showed that catalpol and edaravone significantly facilitated neurological function recovery, reduced infarction volume, and increased cerebral blood flow in stroke mice. Catalpol and oxiracetam decreased the escape latency significantly and increased the numbers of crossing platform obviously. The levels of ACh, ChAT, and BDNF in catalpol group were increased in a dose-dependent manner, and AChE declined with a U-shaped dose-response curve. Moreover, the levels of muscarinic AChR subtypes M₁ and M₂ in hippocampus were considerably raised by catalpol. These results demonstrated that catalpol may be useful for neuroprotection and memory enhancement, and the mechanism may be related to the central cholinergic system.

Involvement of the cerebral monoamine neurotransmitters system in antidepressant-like effects of a chinese herbal decoction, baihe dihuang tang, in mice model

Baihe Dihuang Tang (BDT) is a renowned Chinese herbal formula which is commonly used for treating patients with mental instability, absentmindedness, insomnia, deficient dysphoria, and other psychological diseases. These major symptoms closely associated with the depressive disorders. BDT was widely popular use for treating emotion-thought disorders for many years in China. In the present study, the antidepressant-like effect of BDT in mice was investigated by using the forced swim test (FST) and the tail suspension test (TST). The underlying mechanism was explored by determining the effect of BDT on the level of cerebral monoamine neurotransmitters. BDT (9 and 18 g/kg, p.o. for 14 days) administration significantly reduced the immobility time in both the FST and the TST without changing locomotion in the open field-test (OFT). Moreover, BDT treatment at the dose of 18 g/kg inhibited reserpine-induced ptosis. Meanwhile, BDT enhanced 5-HT and NA levels in mouse cerebrum as well as decreased the ratio of 5-HT compared to its metabolite, 5-HIAA, (turnover, 5-HIAA/5-HT) after TST. The results demonstrated that the antidepressant-like effect of BDT is mediated, at least partially, via the central monoaminergic neurotransmitter system.

Active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of diabetes and diabetic complications

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic progressive systemic disease caused by metabolic disorder. In recent years, significant amounts of studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and its active ingredients have obvious hypoglycemic effect.

AREAS COVERED

This paper summarizes single herbs and their active ingredients from TCM with the role of treating DM, and relevant literatures published in the past decades are reviewed. The active ingredients are divided into polysaccharides, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids and others, which are described in this article from the aspects of active ingredients, sources, models, efficacy, and mechanisms.

EXPERT OPINION

Mechanisms of TCM in treating DM are concluded: i) to promote insulin secretion and increase serum insulin levels; ii) to increase the sensitivity of insulin and improve its resistance; iii) to inhibit glucose absorption; iv) to affect glucose metabolism of insulin receptor; and v) to scavenge radicals and prevent lipid peroxidation. The separation and extraction of effective monomer from TCM is an important direction of anti-diabetic drug discovery currently. Future research about hypoglycemic mechanism of TCM based on the clinical should combine with modern scientific methods and regulatory approach to strive for more meaningful discovery and innovation.

Neuroprotective properties of aucubin in diabetic rats and diabetic encephalopathy rats

In this study, we determined the neuroprotective effect of aucubin on diabetes and diabetic encephalopathy. With the exception of the control group, all rats received intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin (STZ; 60 mg/kg) to induce type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). Aucubin (1, 5, 10 mg/kg ip) was used after induction of DM (immediately) and diabetic encephalopathy (65 days after the induction of diabetes). The diabetic encephalopathy treatment groups were divided into short-term and long-term treatment groups. Treatment responses to all parameters were examined (body weight, plasma glucose, Y-maze error rates and proportion of apoptotic cells). In diabetic rats, aucubin controlled blood glucose levels effectively, prevented complications, and improved the quality of life of diabetic rats. In diabetic encephalopathy, aucubin significantly rescued neurons in the hippocampal CA1 subfield and reduced working errors during behavioral testing. The significant neuroprotective effect of aucubin could be seen not only in the short term (15 days) but also in the long term (45 days), which was a highly encouraging finding. These data suggest that aucubin may be a potential neuroprotective agent.

Protective Effect of Rehmannia glutinosa on the UV-Induced Apoptosis in U937 Cells

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has been shown to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as singlet oxygen, superoxide radicals, hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide in a variety of cells. These ROS have the potential to damage critical cellular components such as DNA, proteins, and lipids and eventually result in physical and chemical damage to tissues that may lead to cell death. The steamed root of Rehmannia glutinosa (Saeng Jihuang, SJH) is reported to have an antioxidant activity. We investigated the effect of SJH on UV-induced apoptosis in U937 cells. Upon exposure to UV, there was a distinct difference between untreated cells and cells pre-treated with 0.5–2 mg/ml SJH for 12 hours in regard to cellular redox status and morphological change to cells. SJH pre-treated cells showed significant suppression of apoptotic features such as DNA fragmentation, damage to mitochondrial function, and modulation of apoptotic marker proteins upon exposure to UV. This study indicates that SJH may play an important role in regulating the apoptosis induced by UV presumably through scavenging of reactive oxygen species.

CDP-choline treatment induces brain plasticity markers expression in experimental animal stroke

We investigated the effect of CDP-choline on brain plasticity markers expression in the acute phase of cerebral infarct in an experimental animal model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) and treated or not with CDP-choline (500 mg/kg) daily for 14 days starting 30 min after pMCAO. Functional status was evaluated with Roger's test; lesion volume with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E); cell death with TUNEL; cellular proliferation with BrdU immunohistochemistry; vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), synaptophysin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) by immunofluorescence and Western-blot techniques. CDP-choline significantly improved functional recovery and decreased lesion volume on MRI, TUNEL-positive cell number and LRP levels at 14 days. In addition, CDP-choline significantly increased BrdU, VEGF and synaptophysin values and decreased GFAP levels in the peri-infarct zone compared with the infarct group. In conclusion, our data indicate that CDP-choline improved functional recovery after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion in association with reductions in lesion volume, cell death and LRP expression. In fact, CDP-choline increased cell proliferation, vasculogenesis and synaptophysin levels and reduced GFAP levels in the peri-infarct area of the ischemic stroke.

Traditional chinese medicine for senile dementia

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a 3000 years' history of human use. A literature survey addressing traditional evidence from human studies was done, with key result that top 10 TCM herb ingredients including Poria cocos, Radix polygalae, Radix glycyrrhizae, Radix angelica sinensis, and Radix rehmanniae were prioritized for highest potential benefit to dementia intervention, related to the highest frequency of use in 236 formulae collected from 29 ancient Pharmacopoeias, ancient formula books, or historical archives on ancient renowned TCM doctors, over the past 10 centuries. Based on the history of use, there was strong clinical support that Radix polygalae is memory improving. Pharmacological investigation also indicated that all the five ingredients mentioned above can elicit memory-improving effects in vivo and in vitro via multiple mechanisms of action, covering estrogen-like, cholinergic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, neurogenetic, and anti-Aβ activities. Furthermore, 11 active principles were identified, including sinapic acid, tenuifolin, isoliquiritigenin, liquiritigenin, glabridin, ferulic acid, Z-ligustilide, N-methyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxamide, coniferyl ferulate and 11-angeloylsenkyunolide F, and catalpol. It can be concluded that TCM has a potential for complementary and alternative role in treating senile dementia. The scientific evidence is being continuously mined to back up the traditional medical wisdom.

Catalpol increases brain angiogenesis and up-regulates VEGF and EPO in the rat after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion

To investigate the role and mechanism of catalpol in brain angiogenesis in a rat model of stroke, the effect of catalpol (5 mg/kg; i.p) or vehicle administered 24 hours after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) on behavior, angiogenesis, ultra-structural integrity of brain capillary endothelial cells, and expression of EPO and VEGF were assessed. Repeated treatments with Catalpol reduced neurological deficits and significantly improved angiogenesis, while significantly increasing brain levels of EPO and VEGF without worsening BBB edema. These results suggested that catalpol might contribute to infarcted-brain angiogenesis and ameliorate the edema of brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) by upregulating VEGF and EPO coordinately.

Naturally occurring iridoids, secoiridoids and their bioactivity. An updated review, part 3

Naturally occurring new iridoids and secoiridoids published during 2005-2008 are reviewed with available physical and spectral data: mp, [alpha](D), UV, IR, (1)H- and (13)C-NMR and plant source. The works on biological and pharmacological activity of naturally occurring iridoids and secoiridoids reported during 2005-2008 are also reviewed. Bioactivities like antibacterial, anticancer, anticoagulant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiprotozoal, hepatoprotective and neuroprotective activities are highlighted.

Aucubin prevents loss of hippocampal neurons and regulates antioxidative activity in diabetic encephalopathy rats

In this study, the neuroprotection of aucubin and its mechanism were evaluated in the rat model of diabetic encephalopathy. Diabetes mellitus (DM) rats were stratified by cognitive capability (CC), and assigned to four treatment groups for aucubin treatment (doses of 0, 1, 5 or 10 mg/kg aucubin), with a further two groups of non-DM rats ranked by CC as controls for aucubin (doses of 0 or 5 mg/kg aucubin). Neuroprotection was estimated by the indexes of behavior and histology. Behavioral testing was performed in a Y-maze. The surviving neurons in CA1-CA4 and subiculum (SC) of the hippocampus were counted under a microscope. In addition, the apoptotic neurons in the CA1 of the hippocampus were also examined by using TUNEL staining. In order to clarify the mechanism of aucubin's neuroprotection, the activities of endogenous antioxidants and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) together with the content of lipid peroxide in the hippocampus were assayed. The results proved that aucubin significantly reduced the content of lipid peroxide, regulated the activities of antioxidant enzymatic and decreased the activity of NOS. All these effects indicated that aucubin was a potential neuroprotective agent and its neuroprotective effects were achieved, at least in part, by promoting endogenous antioxidant enzymatic activities.

The beneficial effects of the herbal medicine Free and Easy Wanderer Plus (FEWP) and fluoxetine on post-stroke depression

OBJECTIVES

Depression occurs frequently in post-stroke patients and appears to be associated with impairment of their rehabilitation and functional recovery. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of the herbal drug, Free and Easy Wanderer Plus (FEWP), in patients affected by post-stroke depression (PSD).

METHODS

One hundred fifty (150) moderately to severely depressed patients as determined by a score >20 on the Hamilton Depression Scale (HDS) after a single ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke were randomly divided into the FEWP group (n = 60), the fluoxetine group (n = 60), and the placebo group (n = 30). The FEWP, fluoxetine, and placebo were administered to the patients over a period of 8 weeks. Depression was evaluated by HDS and the Barthel Index (BI) before, during, and after the treatment.

RESULTS

Significantly higher clinical response rates were observed in both the FEWP and fluoxetine groups compared to the placebo group (60% and 65.5% versus 21.4%, chi(2) = 15.9, p < 0.01) and there was no difference in the response rates between the FEWP group and the fluoxetine group at the end of this study (60% versus 65.5%, chi(2) = 0.38, p > 0.05). Compared to fluoxetine, FEWP produced significantly greater improvement in depression at week 2 (15% versus 3.3%, chi(2) = 4.9, p < 0.05). Furthermore, FEWP produced significantly greater improvement in the activities of daily living (ADL) than fluoxetine at the end of this trial (BI: 43.8 +/- 5.6 versus 40.7 +/- 3.7, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

FEWP showed good efficacy, safety, and tolerability in PSD patients. We conclude that FEWP is well tolerated and may be a useful therapeutic option in patients with PSD.

Catalpol protects rat pheochromocytoma cells against oxygen and glucose deprivation-induced injury

OBJECTIVES

Catalpol has been identified to have neuroprotective effect on gerbils subjected to transient global cerebral ischemia. However, the mechanism that catalpol prevents ischemia is still unclear. In the present study, PC12 cells, exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) followed by reperfusion, were used as an in vitro model of ischemia. The protective effects of catalpol were investigated in ischemic-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells.

METHODS

After OGD for 3 hours and reoxygenation for 18 hours, cell survival was quantified by the reduction of 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) were determined using commercially available kits. Caspase-3 assay was performed using caspase-3 assay kit. Microplate reader was used to detect the intensities of rhodamine123 (Rh123) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The level of Bcl-2 protein was measured by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Catalpol attenuated ischemia-induced apoptotic death via preventing the decrease in the level of Bcl-2 protein and the activities of SOD and GSH-PX, inhibiting the reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential and suppressing activation of caspase-3.

DISCUSSION

The results suggest that the catalpol has the potential to prevent ischemic-induced apoptosis.

Rehmannia glutinosa: review of botany, chemistry and pharmacology

Rehmannia glutinosa, a widely used traditional Chinese herb, belongs to the family of Scrophulariaceae, and is taken to nourish Yin and invigorate the kidney in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has a very high medicinal value. In recent decades, a great number of chemical and pharmacological studies have been done on Rehmannia glutinosa. More than 70 compounds including iridoids, saccharides, amino acid, inorganic ions, as well as other trace elements have been found in the herb. Studies show that Rehmannia glutinosa and its active principles possess wide pharmacological actions on the blood system, immune system, endocrine system, cardiovascular system and the nervous system. Currently, the effective monomeric compounds or active parts have been screened for the pharmacological activity of Rehmannia glutinosa and the highest quality scientific data is delivered to support the further application and exploitation for new drug development.

Efficacy of catalpol as protectant against oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction on rotenone-induced toxicity in mice brain

Rotenone, a specific inhibitor of mitochondrial complex I, reproduces many features of Parkinson's disease. The aim of the study was carried out to investigate how rotenone affected the mitochondrial function and antioxidant/oxidant parameters of mouse striatum, and secondly, to evaluate the ameliorating effects of catalpol against rotenone-induced damage. Our results showed that rotenone induced significant changes in mitochondrial function such as complex I activity and mitochondrial membrane potential decreased, and enhanced antioxidant status as glutathione depletion, enzymatic (glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) disorders, and increased lipid peroxidation. Catalpol increased complex I, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities, reduced lipid peroxidation and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in rotenone-treated mice. These in vivo data indicated that catalpol might have protection against deleterious mouse damage caused by rotenone.

Catalpol protects dopaminergic neurons from LPS-induced neurotoxicity in mesencephalic neuron-glia cultures

Inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Microglia, the resident immune cells in the central nervous system, are pivotal in the inflammatory reaction. Activated microglia can induce expression of inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) and release significant amounts of nitric oxide (NO) and TNF-alpha, which can damage the dopaminergic neurons. Catalpol, an iridoid glycoside, contained richly in the roots of Rehmannia glutinosa, was found to be neuroprotective in gerbils subjected to transient global cerebral ischemia. But the effect of catalpol on inflammation-mediated neurodegeneration has not been examined. In this study, microglia in mesencephalic neuron-glia cultures were activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the aim of the study was to examine whether catalpol could protect dopaminergic neurons from LPS-induced neurotoxicity. The results showed that catalpol significantly reduced the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS), TNF-alpha and NO after LPS-induced microglial activation. Further, catalpol attenuated LPS-induced the expression of iNOS. As determined by immunocytochemical analysis, pretreatment by catalpol dose-dependently protected dopaminergic neurons against LPS-induced neurotoxicity. These results suggest that catalpol exerts its protective effect on dopaminergic neurons by inhibiting microglial activation and reducing the production of proinflammatory factors. Thus, catalpol may possess therapeutic potential against inflammation-related neurodegenerative diseases.