Indian Medicinal Herbs and Formulations for Alzheimer's Disease, from Traditional Knowledge to Scientific Assessment

Comprehensive profiling of traditional herbomineral formulation Manasamitra vatakam in rat brain following oral administration and in-silico screening of the identified compound for anti-Alzheimer's activity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Multi-targeted drug therapy has received substantial attention for the treatment of diseases of multifactorial origin, such as neurodegenerative diseases. Manasamitra vatakam (MMV) is a traditional Ayurvedic formulation used to improve cognitive impairment and mental illness. Here we have used a unique method for leveraging the barrier properties of the intestinal and blood-brain barrier (BBB) to screen and identify the bioactive molecules against Alzheimer's disease (AD). The current method exemplifies a facile method to expedite drug discovery from traditional formulations.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study aimed to identify the phytoconstituents of MMV that reach the brain tissue and to predict major bioactive constituents by computational docking studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After oral administration of the formulation, brain samples from male Sprague Dawley rats were collected at different time intervals and analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to identify the phytoconstituents. In silico molecular docking studies were carried out to analyze the binding affinity of the compounds to the target proteins of AD using Schrodinger Maestro. The molecular dynamic studies were carried out for all the docked complexes having higher docking scores.

RESULTS

34 phytoconstituents were identified by LC-MS analysis of brain homogenates. In the in silico docking study, the phytoconstituents chrysin, convolvin, rutin, galangin, palmatoside G, isoliquiritigenin, quercetin, and naringenin showed higher docking score against the target proteins of AD. These compounds may serve as the primary bioactive compounds responsible for the neuroprotective activity of the herbal formulation. Furthermore, molecular dynamic studies indicated that the galangin-acetylcholinesterase enzyme complex has the highest stability among these eight compounds.

CONCLUSION

The study, together with previous in vivo and in vitro efficacy results, suggests that BBB-permeable compounds with high binding affinities for the target proteins of AD might be responsible for the effectiveness of MMV against AD.

Curcumin: A Golden Approach to Healthy Aging: A Systematic Review of the Evidence

Aging-related disorders pose significant challenges due to their complex interplay of physiological and metabolic factors, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Curcumin, a natural compound with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has emerged as a promising candidate for mitigating these age-related processes. However, gaps in understanding the precise mechanisms of curcumin's effects and the optimal dosages for different conditions necessitate further investigation. This systematic review synthesizes current evidence on curcumin's potential in addressing age-related disorders, emphasizing its impact on cognitive function, neurodegeneration, and muscle health in older adults. By evaluating the safety, efficacy, and mechanisms of action of curcumin supplementation, this review aims to provide insights into its therapeutic potential for promoting healthy aging. A systematic search across three databases using specific keywords yielded 2256 documents, leading to the selection of 15 clinical trials for synthesis. Here, we highlight the promising potential of curcumin as a multifaceted therapeutic agent in combating age-related disorders. The findings of this review suggest that curcumin could offer a natural and effective approach to enhancing the quality of life of aging individuals. Further research and well-designed clinical trials are essential to validate these findings and optimize the use of curcumin in personalized medicine approaches for age-related conditions.

Targeting key players in Alzheimer's disease: bioactive compounds from Moringa oleifera, Desmodium gangeticum, and Centella asiatica as potential therapeutics

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is one of the critical reasons for dementia around the world, with a huge number of cases being reported every year. The breakdown of Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) plays a crucial role in AD development. The Beta-site APP Cleaving Enzyme 1 (BACE1) is a highly significant proteolytic enzyme found to be critically involved in the APP breakdown process and generates beta-amyloid plaques in the extracellular neuronal membrane. In this study, we have used natural compounds with cognitive and neuroprotective activities from three plants, Centella asiatica, Moringa oleifera, and Desmodium gangeticum to inhibit the activity of BACE1. We have identified nine compounds out of 73 compounds filtered out from the three plants showing high affinity with the catalytic dyad region of BACE1 through molecular docking studies. Interestingly, the 200 ns molecular dynamics simulation study further confirmed the stability of the complexes formed between 9 compounds and the BACE1 protein. Furthermore, the free energy calculations also revealed these complexes possess favorable energies. Astilbin, Delphinidin 3-glucoside, and kaempferol 7-O-glucoside showed good binding affinity and structural stability when compared to other compounds and the control CNP520. Following a preliminary screening, the Astilbin compound was chosen based on the grounds of binding affinity, ADMET Properties, Hbond formation, Molecular Dynamic simulation, and MM-PBSA studies. A subsequent 1microsecond molecular dynamics simulation was conducted for the Astilbin complex. Through microsecond simulation, it was found that Astilbin alters BACE1's behavior and induces conformational rearrangements. Thus, this study opens a gateway to inhibit the activity of BACE1 protein through Astilbin thereby disclosing the possibility of managing Alzheimer's Disease.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Exploring the neuropharmacological properties of scopoletin-rich Evolvulus alsinoides extract using in-silico and in-vitro methods

OBJECTIVES

This study investigates the neuropharmacologic properties of Scopoletin, a bioactive compound in Evolvulus alsinoides (EA) extract, for managing cognitive impairment using in-vitro, in-silico, and zebrafish embryo toxicity assays.

METHODS

The study estimates Scopoletin concentration in EA extract using HPTLC, assesses antioxidant properties using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assays, and uses bioinformatic tools for scopoletin targets. Zebrafish embryo toxicity (ZET) is used to assess its toxicological profile.

RESULTS

0.0076% w/w Scopoletin in the samples was quantified using HPTLC, further studies on the DPPH (0.5 mM) and FRAP gave EC50 at 440.0 μg/ml and 84.29 μg/ml respectively. Twelve common targets associated with cognitive impairment (CI) were identified, along with possible pathways and molecular interactions. Our results indicate significant binding affinities of Scopoletin with ERAP1, SCN3A, and COMT. Molecular dynamics simulations further confirm the stability of these interactions. ZET assessment demonstrated mortality after 450 µg/ml concentration of EA extract.

CONCLUSION

The study verifies the presence of Scopoletin in EA, along with their targets playing a crucial role in neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. The ZET demonstrated concentration-dependent effects, emphasizing the importance of dosage considerations in developing new formulations or therapeutics. This comprehensive study contributes valuable insight into the therapeutic potential of Scopoletin from EA for cognitive impairment, paving the way for further research.

Targeting chemokine-receptor mediated molecular signaling by ethnopharmacological approaches

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Infection and inflammation are critical to global human health status and the goal of current pharmacological interventions intends formulating medications/preventives as a measure to deal with this situation. Chemokines and their cognate receptors are major regulatory molecules in many of these ailments. Natural products have been a keen source to the drug development industry, every year contributing significantly to the growing list of FDA approved drugs. A multiverse of natural resource is employed as a part of curative regimen in folk/traditional/ethnomedicine which can be employed to discover, repurpose, and design potent medications for the diseases of clinical concern.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review aims to systematically document the ethnopharmacologically active agents targeting the infectious-inflammatory diseases through the chemokine-receptor nexus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Articles related to chemokine/receptor modulating ethnopharmacological anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious natural sources, bioactive compounds, and formulations have been examined with special emphasis on women related diseases. The available literature has been thoroughly scrutinized for the application of traditional medicines in chemokine associated experimental methods, their regulatory outcomes, and pertinence to women's health wherever applicable. Moreover, the potential traditional regimens under clinical trials have been critically assessed.

RESULTS

A systematic and comprehensive review on the chemokine-receptor targeting ethnopharmaceutics from the available literature has been provided. The article discusses the implication of traditional medicine in the chemokine system dynamics in diverse infectious-inflammatory disorders such as cardiovascular diseases, allergic diseases, inflammatory diseases, neuroinflammation, and cancer. On this note, critical evaluation of the available data surfaced multiple diseases prevalent in women such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, breast cancer, cervical cancer and urinary tract infection. Currently there is no available literature highlighting chemokine-receptor targeting using traditional medicinal approach from women's health perspective. Moreover, despite being potent in vitro and in vivo setups there remains a gap in clinical translation of these formulations, which needs to be strategically and scientifically addressed to pave the way for their successful industrial translation.

CONCLUSIONS

The review provides an optimistic global perspective towards the applicability of ethnopharmacology in chemokine-receptor regulated infectious and inflammatory diseases with special emphasis on ailments prevalent in women, consecutively addressing their current status of clinical translation and future directions.

Neuropsychopharmacological Induction of (Lucid) Dreams: A Narrative Review

Lucid dreaming (LD) is a physiological state of consciousness that occurs when dreamers become aware that they are dreaming, and may also control the oneiric content. In the general population, LD is spontaneously rare; thus, there is great interest in its induction. Here, we aim to review the literature on neuropsychopharmacological induction of LD. First, we describe the circadian and homeostatic processes of sleep regulation and the mechanisms that control REM sleep with a focus on neurotransmission systems. We then discuss the neurophysiology and phenomenology of LD to understand the main cortical oscillations and brain areas involved in the emergence of lucidity during REM sleep. Finally, we review possible exogenous substances-including natural plants and artificial drugs-that increase metacognition, REM sleep, and/or dream recall, thus with the potential to induce LD. We found that the main candidates are substances that increase cholinergic and/or dopaminergic transmission, such as galantamine. However, the main limitation of this technique is the complexity of these neurotransmitter systems, which challenges interpreting results in a simple way. We conclude that, despite these promising substances, more research is necessary to find a reliable way to pharmacologically induce LD.

Nootropic activity of methanolic extract from Evolvulus alsinoides Linn. in mice with scopolamine-induced amnesia

Plants have been used as therapeutic agents in both un-ionized (Unani, Ayurveda) and unstructured forms since ancient times. Therefore, it is of interest to document the nootropic activity of methanolic extract from Evolvulus alsinoides Linn (Vishnukranthi) in mice with scopolamine-induced amnesia. Healthy male Swiss albino mice ranging between 25 and 30 g were used in the study. Scopolamine induced amnesia, the following two tests are performed, elevated plus maze test, passive avoidance test. The mean time spent in the open arm, closed arm, and central platform for each group of animals. The total transitions were 12.6±0.89 by GS group mice, 3.4±0.55 by GSP group mice, 7±0.71 by GSLD group mice and 10±0.71 by GSHD group mice. A significant difference was seen between GS and GSP group mice means. The mean time in the safe zone and shock zone for each group of animals when comparing to Group 2 Vs Group 3, 4 showed a statistical significance of p < 0.05. The findings of this study suggest that Evolvulus alsinoides may be a promising candidate for the development of new treatments for memory impairment and other cognitive disorders. It should be noted that more data is needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of Evolvulus alsinoides in humans and to investigate its long-term effects.

A Narrative Review of the Herbal Preparation of Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese, and Kampō Medicines Applied as Radioprotectors

In recent years, there has been growing scientific interest in the search for natural radioprotectors that can be used to mitigate the effects of radiation on patients, healthcare personnel, and even for space travel. This narrative review covers the past fifty years and focuses on herbal preparations of Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese, and Kampō Medicines that have the potential to reduce or eliminate the harmful effects of radiation. Our findings highlight ten herbal preparations, namely Abana, Amalakyadi Churna, Amritaprasham, Brahma, Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang (BZYQT), Chyavanaprasha, Cystone, Geriforte, Mentat, and Triphala, which have demonstrated potential radioprotective effects. This review examines their composition, properties, and possible mechanisms of action in relation to their radioprotective properties. Exploring the ethnobotany of traditional Asian medicine is particularly interesting as it may lead to the discovery of new active compounds with radioprotective properties.

A Review on Natural Antioxidants for Their Role in the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease

The neurodegenerative condition known as Parkinson's disease (PD) is brought on by the depletion of dopaminergic neurons in the basal ganglia, which is the brain region that controls body movement. PD occurs due to many factors, from which one of the acknowledged effects of oxidative stress is pathogenic pathways that play a role in the development of Parkinson's disease. Antioxidants, including flavonoids, vitamins E and C, and polyphenolic substances, help to reduce the oxidative stress brought on by free radicals. Consequently, this lowers the risk of neurodegenerative disorders in the long term. Although there is currently no cure for neurodegenerative illnesses, these conditions can be controlled. The treatment of this disease lessens its symptoms, which helps to preserve the patient's quality of life. Therefore, the use of naturally occurring antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which may be obtained through food or nutritional supplements and have a variety of positive effects, has emerged as an appealing alternative management strategy. This article will examine the extent of knowledge about antioxidants in the treatment of neurodegenerative illnesses, as well as future directions for research. Additionally, an evaluation of the value of antioxidants as neuroprotective agents will be provided.

Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy’s Extraction, Chemical Characterization and Evaluation of the Potential Effects on Glycaemic Balance in a 3T3-L1 Adipocyte Cell Model

Convolvulus pluricaulis (CP) is a common Indian herb, largely employed in Ayurvedic medicine and known for its neuroprotective and neuroinflammatory action. Its effectiveness against several pathologic/sub-pathologic conditions is widely accepted, but it is not yet completely chemically characterized. In recent years, several researchers have pointed out the involvement of CP and other Convolvulaceae in lipidic and glucidic metabolism, particularly in the control of hyperlipidaemia and diabetic conditions. In this scenario, the aim of the study was to chemically characterize the medium polarity part of the CP whole plant and its fractions and to shed light on their biological activity in adipocyte differentiation using the 3T3-L1 cell model. Our results demonstrated that the CP extract and fractions could upregulate the adipocyte differentiation through the modulation of the nuclear receptor PPARγ (Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ), broadly recognized as a key regulator of adipocyte differentiation, and the glucose transporter GLUT-4, which is fundamental for cellular glucose uptake and for metabolism control. CP also showed the ability to exert an anti-inflammatory effect, downregulating cytokines such as Rantes, MCP-1, KC, eotaxin, and GM-CSF, which are deeply involved in insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. Taken together, these data suggest that CP could exert a potential beneficial effect on glycemia and could be employed as an anti-diabetic adjuvant or, in any case, a means to better control glucose homeostasis.

Phytotherapeutic alternatives for neurodegenerative dementias: Scientific review, discussion and therapeutic proposal

The incidence and prevalence of age-related neurodegenerative dementias have been increasing. There is no curative therapy and conventional drug treatment can cause problems for patients. Medicinal plants traditionally used for problems associated with ageing are emerging as a therapeutic resource. The main aim is to give a proposal for use and future research based on scientific knowledge and tradition. A literature search was conducted in several searchable databases. The keywords used were related to neurodegenerative dementias, ageing and medicinal plants. Boolean operators and filters were used to focus the search. As a result, there is current clinical and preclinical scientific information on 49 species used in traditional medicine for ageing-related problems, including neurodegenerative dementias. There are preclinical and clinical scientific evidences on their properties against protein aggregates in the central nervous system and their effects on neuroinflammation, apoptosis dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, gabaergic, glutamatergic and dopaminergic systems alterations, monoamine oxidase alterations, serotonin depletion and oestrogenic protection. In conclusion, the potential therapeutic effect of the different medicinal plants depends on the type of neurodegenerative dementia and its stage of development, but more clinical and preclinical research is needed to find better, safer and more effective treatments.

Network pharmacology and bioinformatics approach reveals the therapeutic mechanism of action of curcumin in Alzheimer disease

Curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substance which plays a major role in reducing the amyloid plaques formation, which is the major cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Consequently, a methodical approach was used to select the potential protein targets of curcumin in AD through network pharmacology. In this study, through integrative methods, AD targets of curcumin through SwissTargetPrediction database, STITCH database, BindingDB, PharmMapper, Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database were predicted followed by gene enrichment analysis, network construction, network topology, and docking studies. Gene ontology analysis facilitated identification of a list of possible AD targets of curcumin (74 targets genes). The correlation of the obtained targets with AD was analysed by using gene ontology (GO) pathway enrichment analyses and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). We have incorporated the applied network pharmacological approach to identify key genes. Furthermore, we have performed molecular docking for analysing the mechanism of curcumin. In order to validate the temporospatial expression of key genes in human central nervous system (CNS), we searched the Human Brain Transcriptome (HBT) dataset. We identified top five key genes namely, PPARγ, MAPK1, STAT3, KDR and APP. Further validated the expression profiling of these key genes in publicly available brain data expression profile databases. In context to a valuable addition in the treatment of AD, this study is concluded with novel insights into the therapeutic mechanisms of curcumin, will ease the treatment of AD with the clinical application of curcumin.

Effect of Unloaded and Curcumin-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles on Tissue Transglutaminase Isoforms Expression Levels in an Experimental Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease representing the most prevalent cause of dementia. It is also related to the aberrant amyloid-beta (Aβ) protein deposition in the brain. Since oxidative stress is involved in AD, there is a possible role of antioxidants present in the effected person’s diet. Thus, we assessed the effect of the systemic administration of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) to facilitate curcumin (CUR) delivery on TG2 isoform expression levels in Wild Type (WT) and in TgCRND8 (Tg) mice. An experimental model of AD, which expresses two mutated human amyloid precursor protein (APP) genes, was used. Behavioral studies were also performed to evaluate the improvement of cognitive performance and memory function induced by all treatments. The expression levels of Bcl-2, Cyclin-D₁, and caspase-3 cleavage were evaluated as well. In this research, for the first time, we demonstrated that the systemic administration of SLNs-CUR, both in WT and in Tg mice, allows one to differently modulate TG2 isoforms, which act either on apoptotic pathway activation or on the ability of the protein to repair cellular damage in the brains of Tg mice. In this study, we also suggest that SLNs-CUR could be an innovative tool for the treatment of AD.

An update on molecular mechanisms of curcumin effect on diabetes

Owing to its prevalent nature, diabetes mellitus has become one of the most serious endocrine illnesses affecting a patient's quality of life due to the manifestation of side effects such as cardiovascular diseases, retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy. Curcumin ((1E, 6E) 21, 7-bis (4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione), a major compound of turmeric, has been used in conventional medicine because of its safe nature and cost-effectiveness to meliorate diabetes and its comorbidities. These effects have also been observed in rodent models of diabetes resulting in a reduction of glycemia and blood lipids. Both the preventive and therapeutic activities of this compound are due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics. Furthermore, preclinical outcomes and clinical investigation demonstrate that the use of curcumin neutralizes insulin resistance, obesity, and hyperglycemia. Despite the many benefits of curcumin, its two limiting factors, solubility and bioavailability, remain a challenge for researchers; therefore, several methods such as drug formulation, nano-drug delivery, and the use of curcumin analogs have been developed to deliver curcumin and increase its bioavailability. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The rise of people with type 2 diabetes has become a major concern at the global healthcare level. The best diabetes treatments today are anti-diabetic drug administration, lifestyle-related interventions (such as healthy eating and daily physical activity), arterial pressure detection, and fat control. The polyphenol curcumin, found in turmeric, can promote health by acting on a variety of cellular signaling pathways. This review article discusses curcumin and its role in the treatment of diabetes.

Medha Plus - A novel polyherbal formulation ameliorates cognitive behaviors and disease pathology in models of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multi-faceted neurodegenerative disorder that leads to drastic cognitive impairments culminating in death. Pathologically, it is characterized by amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques, neurofibrillary tangles and neurodegeneration in brain. Complete cure of AD remains elusive to date. Available synthetic drugs only provide symptomatic reliefs targeting single molecule, hence, are unable to address the multi-factorial aspects in AD pathogenesis. It is imperative to develop combinatorial drugs that address the multiple molecular targets in AD. We show a unique polyherbal formulation of Brahmi, Mandukaparni, Shankhpushpi, Yastimadhu, Kokilaksha and Shunthi called 'Medha Plus' (MP), conventionally used for improving memory and reducing anxiety, was able to ameliorate cognitive deficits and associated pathological hallmarks of AD. Viability assays revealed that MP prevented Aβ-induced loss of neurites as well as neuronal apoptosis in cellular models. An array of behavioral studies showed that MP was able to recover AD-associated memory deficits in both Aβ-injected rats and 5XFAD mice. Immunohistochemical studies further revealed that MP treatment reduced Aβ depositshpi and decreased apoptotic cell death in the hippocampus. Enzymatic assays demonstrated anti-oxidative and anti-acetyl cholinesterase properties of MP especially in hippocampus of Aβ-injected rats. An underlying improvement in synaptic plasticity was observed with MP treatment in 5XFAD mice along with an increased expression of phospho-Akt at serine 473 indicating a role of PI3K/Akt signaling in correcting these synaptic deficits. Thus, our strong experiment-driven approach shows that MP is an incredible combinatorial drug that targets multiple molecular targets with exemplary neuroprotective properties and is proposed for clinical trial.

Application of Sol–Gels Modified with Natural Plants Extracts as Stationary Phases in Open-Tubular Capillary Electrochromatography

Ethanol extracts of three widely growing plants were added to silica sol–gel solutions, which were subsequently applied as wall surface modifiers in inner quartz capillaries. Modified capillaries were used for open-tubular capillary electrochromatographic separation of nucleotides and amino groups containing biological compounds (neurotransmitters, amino acids and oligopeptides). The experiments were performed at physiological pH 7.40, and eventual changes of effective mobilities were calculated. Specific compounds characteristic for each plant were tested as sol–gel additives as well, and thus-modified capillaries were used for the separations of the same analytes under identical conditions. The aim of this study was to find out possible interactions between physiological compounds and extracts of freely available plants anchorded in the sol-gel stationary phase in the flowing system. Even though the amount of the modifier in each capillary is very small, basic statistical evaluation showed some not negligible changes in effective mobility of tested analytes. These changes were bigger than ±5% for separations of nucleotides in capillaries with curcuma, Moringa or the mixture of synthetic additives as the sol-gel aditive, and for separations of amino compounds where these changes varying by additive, analyte by analyte.

A comprehensive review on medicinal herbs and novel formulations for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases reported in the aging population across the globe. About 46.8 million people are reported to have dementia, and AD is mainly responsible for dementia in aged people. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is thought to occur due to the accumulation of β-amyloid (Aβ) in the neocortex portion of the brain, nitric oxide mediated dysfunctioning of blood-brain barrier, reduced activity of serine racemase enzyme, cell cycle disturbances, damage of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and glutamatergic neurotransmission. Modern treatment methods target the pathways responsible for the disease. To date, solely symptomatic treatments exist for this disease, all making an attempt to counterbalance the neurotransmitter disturbance. Treatments able to prevent or at least effectively modifying the course of AD, referred to as 'disease-modifying' drugs, are still under extensive research. Effective treatments entail a better indulgence of the herbal bioactives by novel drug delivery systems. The herbal bioactive administered by novel drug delivery systems have proved beneficial in treating this disease. This review provides detailed information about the role of medicinal plants and their formulations in treating Alzheimer disease which will be highly beneficial for the researchers working in this area.

Molecular docking analysis of hyperphosphorylated tau protein with compounds derived from Bacopa monnieri and Withania somnifera

Tau protein, the major player in Alzheimer's disease forms neurofibrillary tangles in elderly people. Bramhi (Baccopa Monniera) is often used as an ayurvedic treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Therefore it is of interest to study the interaction of compounds derived from Baccopa with the Tau protein involved in tangle formation. We show that compounds such as bacopaside II, bacopaside XII, and nicotine showed optimal binding features with the R2 repeat domain of hyperphosphorylated tau protein for further consideration in the context of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Chronic Stress and Oxidative Stress as Common Factors of the Pathogenesis of Depression and Alzheimer's Disease: The Role of Antioxidants in Prevention and Treatment

There is a growing body of scientific research showing the link between depression and dementia in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The chronic stress contributes to the formation of oxidative stress in the parts of the brain involved in the development of depression and AD. The scientific literature reports the significant role of antioxidants, which are highly effective in treating these diseases. In this review, we have summarized the relationship between chronic stress, oxidative stress, and the changes in the brain they cause occurring in the brain. Among all the compounds showing antioxidant properties, the most promising results in AD treatment were observed for Vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), melatonin, polyphenols, curcumin, and selenium. In case of depression treatment, the greatest potential was observed in curcumin, zinc, selenium, vitamin E, and saffron.

The Rhesus Macaque as a Translational Model for Neurodegeneration and Alzheimer's Disease

A major obstacle to progress in understanding the etiology of normative and pathological human brain aging is the availability of suitable animal models for experimentation. The present article will highlight our current knowledge regarding human brain aging and neurodegeneration, specifically in the context of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Additionally, it will examine the use of the rhesus macaque monkey as a pragmatic translational animal model in which to study underlying causal mechanisms. Specifically, the discussion will focus on behavioral and protein-level brain changes that occur within the central nervous system (CNS) of aged monkeys, and compare them to the changes observed in humans during clinically normative aging and in AD.

In Vivo Neuropharmacological Potential of Gomphandra tetrandra (Wall.) Sleumer and In-Silico Study against β-Amyloid Precursor Protein

Medicinal plants possess a surplus of novel and biologically active secondary metabolites that are responsible for counteracting diseases. Traditionally, Gomphandra tetrandra (Wall.) Sleumer is used to treat mental disorders. The present research was designed to explore phytochemicals from the ethanol leaf extract of Gomphandra tetrandra (Wall.) Sleumer to identify the potential pharmacophore(s) in the treatment of neurological disorders. The chemical compounds of the experimental plant were identified through GC-MS analysis. In-vitro antioxidant activity was assessed using different methods. Furthermore, in-vivo neurological activity was assessed in Swiss-albino mice. Computer-aided analysis was appraised to determine the best-fit phytoconstituent of a total of fifteen identified compounds in the experimental plant extract against beta-amyloid precursor protein. The experimental extract revealed fifteen compounds in GC-MS analysis and the highest content was 9, 12, 15-octadecatrienoic acid (z,z,z). The extract showed potent antioxidant activity in in-vitro assays. Furthermore, in in-vivo neurological assays, the extract disclosed significant (p < 0.05) neurological activity. The most favorable phytochemicals as neurological agents were selected via ADMET profiling, and molecular docking was studied with beta-amyloid precursor protein. In the computer-aided study, 1, 5-diphenyl-2h-1, 2, 4-triazoline-3-thione (Pub Chem CID: 2802516) was more active than other identified compounds with strong binding affinity to beta-amyloid precursor protein. The present in vivo and in silico studies revealed neuropharmacological features of G. tetrandra leaf extract as a natural agent against neurological disorders, especially Alzheimer’s disease.

Biomolecules of mushroom: a recipe of human wellness

The Indian system of medicine - Ayurveda says "When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no use". In this context, mushroom constitutes one of the major resources for nutraceuticals. Biomolecules of mushrooms have attracted the attention of researchers around the globe due to their proven healthy attributes. They have a plenitude of health-giving properties and these range from immunomodulatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anticancer, anti-HIV, antidiabetic, anticholesterolic to antiarthritic activities.Mushrooms contain both primary and secondary metabolites. The primary metabolites provide energy while the secondary metabolite exhibits medicinal properties. Hence, the mushroom can be a recipe for human wellness and will play a significant role in fighting COVID-19 pandemics and other infectious diseases.The key findings suggested in this paper refer to the exploration of health and the healing traits of biomolecules of mushrooms. This article reviews the current status of the medicinal attributes of mushrooms and their biomolecules in different diseases such as cardiovascular, diabetes, reproductive diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. The global malnutrition-related morbidity and mortality among children under five and lactating women presents a frightening picture and also a black spot on the human face. Malnutrition is responsible for more ill-health than any other cause. Mushrooms as a rich source of bioactive compounds can be claimed as "Best from the Waste" since they grow on the most abundant organic wastes of the Earth, the lignocellulosic substrate, and 'Best of the Rest' because they are excellent nutraceutical resources.

Neuroprotective Herbs for the Management of Alzheimer's Disease

Background—Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a multifactorial, progressive, neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by memory loss, personality changes, and a decline in cognitive function. While the exact cause of AD is still unclear, recent studies point to lifestyle, diet, environmental, and genetic factors as contributors to disease progression. The pharmaceutical approaches developed to date do not alter disease progression. More than two hundred promising drug candidates have failed clinical trials in the past decade, suggesting that the disease and its causes may be highly complex. Medicinal plants and herbal remedies are now gaining more interest as complementary and alternative interventions and are a valuable source for developing drug candidates for AD. Indeed, several scientific studies have described the use of various medicinal plants and their principal phytochemicals for the treatment of AD. This article reviews a subset of herbs for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cognitive-enhancing effects. Methods—This article systematically reviews recent studies that have investigated the role of neuroprotective herbs and their bioactive compounds for dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease and pre-Alzheimer’s disease. PubMed Central, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases of articles were collected, and abstracts were reviewed for relevance to the subject matter. Conclusions—Medicinal plants have great potential as part of an overall program in the prevention and treatment of cognitive decline associated with AD. It is hoped that these medicinal plants can be used in drug discovery programs for identifying safe and efficacious small molecules for AD.