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Peng X, Zhang X, Sharma G, Dai C. Thymol as a Potential Neuroprotective Agent: Mechanisms, Efficacy, and Future Prospects. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:6803-6814. [PMID: 38507708 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c06461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases pose a growing global health challenge, with limited effective therapeutic options. Mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy are common underlying mechanisms in these diseases. Thymol is a phenolic monoterpene compound that has gained attention for its diverse biological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities. Thymol supplementation could provide potential neuroprotection and improve cognitive deficits, depressant-like effects, learning, and memory impairments in rodents. Mechanistic investigations reveal that the neuroprotective effects of thymol involve the improvement of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammatory response. Several signaling pathways, including mitochondrial apoptotic, NF-κB, AKT, Nrf2, and CREB/BDNF pathways are also involved. In this review, the neuroprotective effects of thymol, the potential molecular mechanisms, safety, applications, and current challenges toward development as a neuroprotective agent were summarized and discussed. We hope that this review provides valuable insights for the further development of this promising natural product as a promising neuroprotective agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Peng
- College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai 264000, P. R. China
| | - Xiaowen Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai 264000, P. R. China
| | - Gaurav Sharma
- Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Chongshan Dai
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
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Kazemi S, Safari S, Komaki S, Karimi SA, Golipoor Z, Komaki A. The effects of carvacrol and p-cymene on Aβ 1-42 -induced long-term potentiation deficit in male rats. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14459. [PMID: 37727020 PMCID: PMC10916422 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia in which oxidative stress plays an important role. In this disease, learning and memory and the cellular mechanism associated with it, long-term potentiation (LTP), are impaired. Considering the beneficial effects of carvacrol (CAR) and p-cymene against AD, their effect was assessed on in vivo hippocampal LTP in the perforant pathway (PP)-dentate gyrus (DG) pathway in an Aβ1-42 -induced rat model of AD. METHODS Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups: sham: intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of phosphate-buffered saline, Aβ: ICV Aβ1-42 injections, Aβ + CAR (50 mg/kg), Aβ + p-cymene (50 mg/kg), and Aβ + CAR + p-cymene. Administration of CAR and p-cymene was done by gavage daily 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after the Aβ injection. The population spike (PS) amplitude and field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSP) slope were determined in DG against the applied stimulation to the PP. RESULTS Aβ-treated rats exhibited impaired LTP induction in the PP-DG synapses, resulting in significant reduction in both fEPSP slope and PS amplitude compared to the sham animals. Aβ-treated rats consumed either CAR or p-cymene separately (but not their combination), and showed an enhancement in fEPSP slope and PS amplitude of the DG granular cells. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that CAR or p-cymene can ameliorate Aβ-associated changes in synaptic plasticity. Surprisingly, the combination of CAR and p-cymene did not yield the same effect, suggesting a potential interaction between the two substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahifeh Kazemi
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in MedicineHamadan University of Medical SciencesHamadanIran
| | - Samaneh Safari
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in MedicineHamadan University of Medical SciencesHamadanIran
- Student Research CommitteeHamadan University of Medical SciencesHamadanIran
| | - Somayeh Komaki
- Department of Physiology, School of MedicineHamadan University of Medical SciencesHamadanIran
| | - Seyed Asaad Karimi
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in MedicineHamadan University of Medical SciencesHamadanIran
- Department of Physiology, School of MedicineHamadan University of Medical SciencesHamadanIran
| | - Zoleikha Golipoor
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of MedicineGuilan University of Medical SciencesRashtIran
| | - Alireza Komaki
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in MedicineHamadan University of Medical SciencesHamadanIran
- Department of Physiology, School of MedicineHamadan University of Medical SciencesHamadanIran
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BİTMEZ B, ÇEVRELİ B, KAŞIKÇI E. Effect of thymol on oxidative stress and reelin signaling pathway in Alzheimer's disease model. Turk J Biol 2024; 48:70-79. [PMID: 38665779 PMCID: PMC11042864 DOI: 10.55730/1300-0152.2683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/aim The purpose of this study was to investigate how thymol affects cognitive functions and the levels of MDA, GSH, Aβ1-42, ApoE, reelin, and LRP8 in an AD model induced in male Wistar albino rats with the application of D-galactose (D-gal) and aluminum chloride (AlCl3). Materials and methods In this work, 3-month-old male Wistar albino rats were used. Group 1 served as the Control, Group 2 received 0.5 mL/day saline + 0.5 mL/day sunflower oil, Group 3 was administered 200 mg/kg/day AlCl3 + 60 mg/kg/day D-gal, Group 4 received 30 mg/kg/day thymol, and Group 5 was administered 200 mg/kg/day AlCl3 + 60 mg/kg/day D-gal + 30 mg/kg/day thymol. At the end of the 10-week experimental period, behavioral and memory tests were performed. GSH and MDA levels were measured in the obtained serum and brain tissue samples, while Aβ1-42, ApoE, reelin, and LRP8 levels were measured in brain tissue samples. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA test in Graphpad Prism V8.3 program. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant in intergroup analyses. Results When the novel object recognition test (NORT) results were evaluated, the Alzheimer + thymol (ALZ+TYM) group showed a significant increase in the recognition index (RI) and discrimination index (DI) compared to the Alzheimer (ALZ) group at the 24th hour. Thymol reduced working memory errors (WME), reference memory errors (RME), and maze completion time at 48, 72, and 96 hours when evaluated in terms of spatial memory in rats with Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, Aβ1-42 and ApoE levels were increased in the ALZ group compared to the control (C), while reelin and LRP8 levels were decreased in the ALZ group compared to the C group. Conclusion The data we obtained suggest that thymol may play an effective role in cognitive processes against AD and have an anti-Alzheimer's disease effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barış BİTMEZ
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Uskudar University, İstanbul,
Turkiye
| | - Burcu ÇEVRELİ
- Neuropsychopharmacology Research and Application Center, Uskudar Univesity, İstanbul,
Turkiye
| | - Emel KAŞIKÇI
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Uskudar University, İstanbul,
Turkiye
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Sharma H, Yang H, Sharma N, An SSA. Trachyspermum ammi Bioactives Promote Neuroprotection by Inhibiting Acetylcholinesterase, Aβ-Oligomerization/Fibrilization, and Mitigating Oxidative Stress In Vitro. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 13:9. [PMID: 38275629 PMCID: PMC10812417 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are a large category of progressive neurological disorders with diverse clinical and pathological characteristics. Among the NDs, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most widespread disease, which affects more than 400 million people globally. Oxidative stress is evident in the pathophysiology of nearly all NDs by affecting several pathways in neurodegeneration. No single drug can manage multi-faceted diseases like NDs. Therefore, an alternative therapeutic strategy is required, which can affect several pathophysiological pathways at a time. To achieve this aim, hexane and ethyl acetate extract from Trachyspermum ammi (Carom) were prepared, and GC/MS identified the bioactive compounds. For the cell-based assays, oxidative stress was induced in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells using hydrogen peroxide to evaluate the neuroprotective potential of the Carom extracts/bioactives. The extracts/bioactives provided neuroprotection in the cells by modulating multiple pathways involved in neurodegeneration, such as alleviating oxidative stress and mitochondrial membrane potential. They were potent inhibitors of acetylcholine esterase enzymes and displayed competitive/mixed-type inhibition. Additionally, anti-Aβ1-42 fibrilization/oligomerization and anti-glycation activities were also analyzed. The multi-faceted neuroprotection shown via Carom/Carvacrol makes it a prospective contender in drug development for NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Niti Sharma
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon Bionano Research Institute, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si 461-701, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Soo A An
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon Bionano Research Institute, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si 461-701, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
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Liu M, Wen H, Zuo L, Song X, Geng Z, Ge S, Ge Y, Wu R, Chen S, Yu C, Gao Y. Bryostatin-1 attenuates intestinal ischemia/reperfusion-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress via activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22948. [PMID: 37130016 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201540r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Bryostatin-1 (Bryo-1) exerts antioxidative stress effects in multiple diseases, and we confirmed that it improves intestinal barrier dysfunction in experimental colitis. Nevertheless, there are few reports on its action on intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). In this study, we mainly explored the effect of Bryo-1 on intestinal I/R injury and determined the mechanism. C57BL/6J mice underwent temporary superior mesenteric artery (SMA) obturation to induce I/R, on the contrary, Caco-2 cells suffered to oxygen and glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) to establish the in vitro model. RAW264.7 cells were stimulated with LPS to induce macrophage inflammation. The drug gradient experiment was used to demonstrate in vivo and in vitro models. Bryo-1 ameliorated the intestinal I/R-induced injury of multiple organs and epithelial cells. It also alleviated intestinal I/R-induced barrier disruption of intestines according to the histology, intestinal permeability, intestinal bacterial translocation rates, and tight junction protein expression results. Bryo-1 significantly inhibited oxidative stress damages and inflammation, which may contribute to the restoration of intestinal barrier function. Further, Bryo-1 significantly activated Nrf2/HO-1 signaling in vivo. However, the deletion of Nrf2 in Caco-2 and RAW264.7 cells attenuated the protective functions of Bryo-1 and significantly abolished the anti-inflammatory effect of Bryo-1 on LPS-induced macrophage inflammation. Bryo-1 protects intestines against I/R-induced injury. It is associated with intestinal barrier protection, as well as inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress partly through Nrf2/HO-1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mulin Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Hexin Wen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Lugen Zuo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Xue Song
- Department of Central Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Zhijun Geng
- Department of Central Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Sitang Ge
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ge
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Rong Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shiyuan Chen
- Department of Vascular Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Chaowen Yu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Yong Gao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
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Javed H, Fizur NMM, Jha NK, Ashraf GM, Ojha S. Neuroprotective Potential and Underlying Pharmacological Mechanism of Carvacrol for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:1421-1432. [PMID: 36567278 PMCID: PMC10324337 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666221223120251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The phytochemicals have antioxidant properties to counter the deleterious effects of oxidative stress in the central nervous system and can be a promising drug candidate for neurodegenerative diseases. Among various phytochemicals, constituents of spice origin have recently received special attention for neurodegenerative diseases owing to their health benefits, therapeutic potential, edible nature, and dietary accessibility and availability. Carvacrol, a phenolic monoterpenoid, has garnered attention in treating and managing various human diseases. It possesses diverse pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anticancer. Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are major public health concerns that place a significant financial burden on healthcare systems worldwide. The global burden of these diseases is expected to increase in the next few decades owing to increasing life expectancies. Currently, there is no cure for neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD and PD, and the available drugs only give symptomatic relief. For a long time, oxidative stress has been recognized as a primary contributor to neurodegeneration. Carvacrol enhances memory and cognition by modulating the effects of oxidative stress, inflammation, and Aβ25-35- induced neurotoxicity in AD. Moreover, it also reduces the production of reactive oxygen species and proinflammatory cytokine levels in PD, which further prevents the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and improves motor functions. This review highlights carvacrol's potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in managing and treating AD and PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayate Javed
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nagoor Meeran Mohamed Fizur
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, UP, 201310, India
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied & Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, 248007, India
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Food Technology, Chandigarh University, Mohali, 140413, India
| | - Ghulam Md. Ashraf
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, and Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Celik Topkara K, Kilinc E, Cetinkaya A, Saylan A, Demir S. Therapeutic effects of carvacrol on beta-amyloid-induced impairments in in vitro and in vivo models of Alzheimer's disease. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 56:5714-5726. [PMID: 34904309 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Due to the complex nature of Alzheimer's disease (AD), it is important to investigate agents with multiple effects in the treatment of AD. Carvacrol possesses anti-acetylcholinesterase, anti-oxidant, and neuroprotective properties. We therefore investigated therapeutic effects of carvacrol on cell viability, oxidative stress, and cognitive impairment in Aβ1-42-induced in vitro and in vivo models of AD. SH-SY5Y cells differentiated into neurons by retinoic acid were pretreated with carvacrol or galantamine before Aβ1-42 administration. For in vivo experiments, a rat model of AD was established by bilateral intrahippocampal injection of Aβ1-42. The groups received 1% DMSO, carvacrol, or galantamine intraperitoneally twice a day (morning and afternoon) for 6 days. Cell viability was determined using MTT and LDH tests. Learning and memory functions were assessed using a passive-avoidance test. Oxidant-antioxidant parameters (MDA, H2 O2 , SOD, and CAT) and Tau, Aβ1-40, and Aβ1-42 peptide levels in in vitro supernatant or in vivo serum and hippocampal samples were measured using ELISA. Carvacrol increased cell viability and exhibited a protective effect against oxidative stress by preventing Aβ1-42-induced cytotoxicity, LDH release, and increments in MDA and H2 O2 levels in vitro. Additionally, it improved memory impairment by reversing Aβ1-42-induced changes on passive-avoidance test. Carvacrol ameliorated Aβ1-42-induced increments in MDA and H2 O2 levels in in vitro supernatant and in vivo hippocampal samples. However, none of the treatments changed in vitro SOD and Tau-peptide levels, or in vivo serum levels of MDA, H2 O2 , SOD, CAT, Tau peptide, Aβ1-40, or Aβ1-42. Our results suggest that multi-target pharmacological agent carvacrol may be promising in treatment of AD by preventing beta-amyloid-induced neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, and memory deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erkan Kilinc
- Department of Physiology, Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey
| | - Ayhan Cetinkaya
- Department of Physiology, Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey
| | - Aslıhan Saylan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey
| | - Serif Demir
- Department of Physiology, Duzce University, Duzce, Turkey
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Azizi Z, Choopani S, Salimi M, Majlessi N, Naghdi N. Protein Kinase C Involvement in Neuroprotective Effects of Thymol and Carvacrol Against Toxicity Induced by Amyloid-β in Rat Hippocampal Neurons. Basic Clin Neurosci 2022; 13:295-304. [PMID: 36457884 PMCID: PMC9706300 DOI: 10.32598/bcn.2021.666.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We have reported that thymol and carvacrol can improve cognitive abilities in Alzheimer Disease (AD) rat models. However, the mechanism of their action is not yet fully understood. Recently, our in vitro results suggested that PC12 cell death induced by Aβ25-35 can be protected by thymol and carvacrol via Protein Kinase C (PKC) and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) pathways. So, we hypothesize that the mechanisms of thymol and carvacrol in improving the learning impairment in the AD rat model may be related to their effects on PKC. So, the activity of PKC and protein expression levels of PKCα were examined in the hippocampal cells of the AD rat model. METHODS To examine the thymol and carvacrol effects, we performed a behavioral test in AD rat models induced by Aβ25-35 neurotoxicity. To access the underlying mechanism of the protective effects, western blotting was performed with antibodies against PKCα. We also measured the PKC activity assay by Elisa. Histopathological studies were carried out in the hippocampus with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining. RESULTS The escape latency increased in Aβ-received rats compared to the control group, and thymol and carvacrol reversed this deficit. Furthermore, these compounds could enhance the PKC activity and increase the PKCα expression ratio. Moreover, H&E staining showed that Aβ caused shrinkage of the CA1 pyramidal neurons. However, thymol and carvacrol treatments could prevent this effect of Aβ peptides. CONCLUSION This study suggests that Amyloid-Beta (Aβ) results in memory decline and histochemical disturbances in the hippocampus. Moreover, these results revealed that thymol and carvacrol could have protective effects on cognition in AD-like models via PKC activation. HIGHLIGHTS Rat's ability to find the invisible platform in the Morris Water Maze (MWM) was impaired by Amyloid-Beta (Aβ) infusion in the hippocampus, while this effect was reversed by thymol or carvacrol administration.Aβ significantly downregulated the Protein Kinase C (PKC) activity in rats' hippocampus.Western blot analysis demonstrated that Aβ significantly reduced PKCα protein expression in AD rat model hippocampal cells.The expression ratio of PKCα was upregulated following the injection of thymol and carvacrol in rats.Injection of Aβ in the hippocampus resulted in histochemical disturbances in CA1 pyramidal neurons.Carvacrol and thymol can prevent several histological changes induced by Aβ. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY Alzheimer's disease is one of the most important brain diseases in which the learning and memory are impaired. One of the main causes of Alzheimer's disease is the presence of amyloid beta plaques in the neurons. Protein kinase C enzyme reduces amyloid production and accumulation in the brain. In the present study, we tested the possible effects of carvacrol and thymol in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease. Memory impairment was induced in adult rats by intra-cerebral infusion of amyloid β. One week later, the memory-impaired animals were treated with carvacrol and thymol. Finally, we tested their memory in a Morris water maze apparatus. Furthermore, their hippocampus was dissected and PKC activity and the neuronal injury was evaluated. Our findings exhibited that thymol and carvacrol improved rats' memory performance. In addition, thymol and carvacrol significantly increased PKC activity and prevented neuronal cell loss in the rat hippocampus. This study shows that thymol and carvacrol have beneficial effects on memory and cognitive function via PKC activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Azizi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Choopani
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mona Salimi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nahid Majlessi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasser Naghdi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Azizi Z, Majlessi N, Choopani S, Naghdi N. Neuroprotective effects of carvacrol against Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases: A review. AVICENNA JOURNAL OF PHYTOMEDICINE 2022; 12:371-387. [PMID: 35782773 PMCID: PMC9121261 DOI: 10.22038/ajp.2022.19491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Objective Neurodegenerative diseases are considered an important cause of cognitive deficit and morbidity in old ages. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of these disorders affecting about 40 million people in the world at the present time. Available drug therapy is mostly symptomatic and does not modify or stop disease progression. Recently, biologically active chemicals from herbs have been studied to develop new therapeutic drugs. Carvacrol has shown positive properties on many neurological diseases. This compound is expected to have the ability to affect AD pathogenesis and therefore, it is considered an anti-AD agent. Materials and Methods This review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct bibliographic databases until November 2021. For data collection, the following keywords were used: carvacrol, neuroprotective, cognition, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, Acetylcolinesterase inhibitor (AChEI), Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, epilepsy, stroke, ischemic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases. Results This review summarizes in vitro and in vivo studies on protective potential of carvacrol in neurodegenerative disorders and various underlying mechanisms, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticholinesterase effects. Conclusion We gave an overview of available literature concerning neuroprotective effects of carvacrol in ameliorating the neurodegenerative diseases symptoms in vivo and in vitro. Particular attention is given to AD. Several neuro-pharmacological actions of carvacrol have been summarized in the current review article including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and AChEI properties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nasser Naghdi
- Corresponding Author: Tel: +98-2164112262, Fax: +98-2164112834,
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Wang Y, Zhang H, Wang J, Yu M, Zhang Q, Yan S, You D, Shi L, Zhang L, Wang L, Wu H, Cao X. Aconiti lateralis Radix Praeparata inhibits Alzheimer's disease by regulating the complex regulation network with the core of GRIN1 and MAPK1. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2021; 59:311-320. [PMID: 33784489 PMCID: PMC8018400 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2021.1900879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Current medicine for Alzheimer's disease (AD) cannot effectively reverse or block nerve injury. Traditional Chinese Medicine practice and research imply Aconiti lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi) may meet this goal. OBJECTIVE Analysing the anti-AD effect of Fuzi and its potential molecular mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS AD model cells were treated with Fuzi in 0-300 mg/mL for 24 h in 37 °C. The cell viability (CV) and length of cell projections (LCP) for each group were observed, analysed, and standardised using control as a baseline (CVs and LCPs). The Fuzi and AD relevant genes were identified basing on databases, and the molecular mechanism of Fuzi anti-AD was predicted by network analysis. RESULTS Experiment results showed that Fuzi in 0.4 mg/mL boosted LCP (LCPs = 1.2533, p ≤ 0.05), and in 1.6-100 mg/mL increased CV (CVs from 1.1673 to 1.3321, p ≤ 0.05). Bioinformatics analysis found 17 Fuzi target genes (relevant scores ≥ 20), showing strong AD relevant signals (RMS_p ≤ 0.05, related scores ≥ 5), enriched in the pathways regulating axon growth, synaptic plasticity, cell survival, proliferation, apoptosis, and death (p ≤ 0.05). Especially, GRIN1 and MAPK1 interacted with APP protein and located in the key point of the "Alzheimer's disease" pathway. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that Fuzi may have therapeutic and prevention potential in AD, and GRIN1 and MAPK1 may be the core of the pathways of the Fuzi anti-AD process. Fuzi should be studied more extensively, especially for the prevention of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutao Wang
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
- Basic Medical College, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Huixiang Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Basic Medical College, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Jing Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Ming Yu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Bioengineering Centre, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- Basic Medical College, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Shan Yan
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Bioengineering Centre, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Dingyun You
- School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Lanlan Shi
- Basic Medical College, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Lihuan Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Limei Wang
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Hongxiang Wu
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Xue Cao
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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Capatina L, Todirascu-Ciornea E, Napoli EM, Ruberto G, Hritcu L, Dumitru G. Thymus vulgaris Essential Oil Protects Zebrafish against Cognitive Dysfunction by Regulating Cholinergic and Antioxidants Systems. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9111083. [PMID: 33158153 PMCID: PMC7694219 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9111083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymus vulgaris L. is an aromatic herb used for medicinal purposes such as antimicrobial, spasmolytic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antitumor, and may have beneficial effects in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The present study aimed to investigate whether Thymus vulgaris L. essential oil enhances cognitive function via the action on cholinergic neurons using scopolamine (Sco)-induced zebrafish (Danio rerio) model of memory impairments. Thymus vulgaris L. essential oil (TEO, 25, 150, and 300 µL/L) was administered by immersion to zebrafish once daily for 13 days, whereas memory impairment was induced by Sco (100 μM), a muscarinic receptor antagonist, delivered 30 min before behavioral tests. Spatial memory was assessed using the Y-maze test and novel object recognition test (NOR). Anxiety and depression were measured in the novel tank diving test (NTT). Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was used to study the phytochemical composition of TEO. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and oxidative stress response in the brain of zebrafish were determined. TEO ameliorated Sco-induced increasing of AChE activity, amnesia, anxiety, and reduced the brain antioxidant capacity. These results suggest that TEO may have preventive and/or therapeutic potentials in the management of memory deficits and brain oxidative stress in zebrafish with amnesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luminita Capatina
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania; (L.C.); (E.T.-C.); (G.D.)
| | - Elena Todirascu-Ciornea
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania; (L.C.); (E.T.-C.); (G.D.)
| | - Edoardo Marco Napoli
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council ICB-CNR, 95126 Catania, Italy; (E.M.N.); (G.R.)
| | - Giuseppe Ruberto
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council ICB-CNR, 95126 Catania, Italy; (E.M.N.); (G.R.)
| | - Lucian Hritcu
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania; (L.C.); (E.T.-C.); (G.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-232-201-666
| | - Gabriela Dumitru
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania; (L.C.); (E.T.-C.); (G.D.)
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