A molecular modeling study of components of the ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract inside human butyrylcholinesterase: implications for Alzheimer disease

Computational Study on the Enzyme-Ligand Relationship between Cannabis Phytochemicals and Human Acetylcholinesterase: Implications in Alzheimer's Disease

Cannabis has shown promise in treating various neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Current treatments for AD are limited and are not very effective. This study investigated the enzyme-ligand relationship between nine active components of cannabis and human acetylcholinesterase (HuAChE) enzyme, which is significant in AD. Specifically, computational methods such as quantum mechanics, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and free energy calculations were used to identify the cannabis phytochemicals with the highest HuAChE affinity and to understand the specific binding mechanisms involved. Our results showed that cannabichromene and cannabigerol were the cannabis phytochemicals with the highest affinity for HuAChE, with cannabichromene exhibiting the greatest binding energy. However, both substances showed lower affinity than that of the pharmaceutical drug donepezil. This study suggests that cannabichromene has a specific affinity for the peripheral anionic site (PAS) and acyl-binding pocket (ABP), while cannabigerol predominantly binds to PAS. Also, it was found that cannabichromene has a specific affinity for PAS and ABP, while cannabigerol predominantly binds to PAS. Our findings suggest that cannabichromene and cannabigerol are potential therapeutic agents, but further research is needed to validate their effectiveness. The specific binding mechanisms identified may also provide helpful information for the design of more effective cannabis-based drugs. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the potential of cannabis-based drugs for treating neurological diseases.

Efficacy of Donepezil Hydrochloride plus Olanzapine for Senile Dementia and Its Effect on the Recovery of Cognitive Function

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of donepezil hydrochloride plus olanzapine for senile dementia and its effect on the recovery of cognitive function.

Methods

A total of 60 patients with senile dementia admitted to our hospital from April 2020 to July 2021 were recruited and assigned to receive either olanzapine alone (observation group) or donepezil hydrochloride plus olanzapine (experimental group) via the random number table method, with 30 patients in each group.

Results

The combined therapy resulted in significantly higher clinical efficacy versus monotherapy of olanzapine (P < 0.05). Before treatment, the difference in the scores of cognitive function between the two groups did not come up to the statistical standard (P > 0.05). Donepezil hydrochloride plus olanzapine was associated with significantly higher scores of cognitive function in patients versus olanzapine alone (P < 0.05). The two groups had a similar incidence of adverse reactions (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Donepezil hydrochloride plus olanzapine substantially enhances the recovery of cognitive function of patients with senile dementia and features a manageable safety. Further trials are, however, required prior to clinical promotion.

Ginger, a Possible Candidate for the Treatment of Dementias?

As the human life expectancy increases, age-linked diseases have become more and more frequent. The worldwide increment of dementia cases demands medical solutions, but the current available drugs do not meet all the expectations. Recently the attention of the scientific community was attracted by natural compounds, used in ancient medicine, known for their beneficial effects and high tolerability. This review is focused on Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and explore its properties against Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Dementia, two of the most common and devastating forms of dementia. This work resumes the beneficial effects of Ginger compounds, tested in computational in vitro and in vivo models of Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Dementia, along with some human tests. All these evidences suggest a potential role of the compounds of ginger not only in the treatment of the disease, but also in its prevention.