Annona atemoya Leaf Extract Improves Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment by Preventing Hippocampal Cholinergic Dysfunction and Neuronal Cell Death

Alleviative effect of scopolamine‑induced memory deficit via enhancing antioxidant and cholinergic function in rats by pinostrobin from Boesenbergia rotunda (L.)

Pinostrobin, a key bioactive compound found in the medicinal plant Boesenbergia rotunda (L.), has been noted for its beneficial biological properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammation, anti-cancer and anti-amnesia activities. In view of this, the present study purposed to evaluate the neuroprotective potential of pinostrobin in reversing scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment involving oxidative stress and cholinergic function in rats. A total of 30 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=6): Group 1 received vehicle as a control, group 2 received vehicle + scopolamine (3 mg/kg, i.p.), group 3 received pinostrobin (20 mg/kg, p.o.) + scopolamine, group 4 received pinostrobin (40 mg/kg, p.o.) + scopolamine and group 5 received donepezil (5 mg/kg, p.o.) + scopolamine. Treatments were administered orally to the rats for 14 days. During the final 7 days of treatment, a daily injection of scopolamine was administered. Scopolamine impaired learning and memory performance, as measured by the novel object recognition test and the Y-maze test. Additionally, oxidative stress marker levels, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and glutamate receptor 1 (GluR1) expression were determined. Consequently, the findings demonstrated that the administration of pinostrobin (20 and 40 mg/kg) markedly improved cognitive function as indicated by an increase in recognition index and by spontaneous alternation behaviour. Pinostrobin also modulated the levels of oxidative stress by causing a decrease in malondialdehyde levels accompanied by increases in superoxide dismutase and glutathione activities. Similarly, pinostrobin markedly enhanced cholinergic function by decreasing AChE activity and promoting ChAT immunoreactivity in the hippocampus. Additionally, the reduction in GluR1 expression due to scopolamine was diminished by treatment with pinostrobin. The findings indicated that pinostrobin exhibited a significant restoration of scopolamine-induced memory impairment by regulating oxidative stress and cholinergic system function. Thus, pinostrobin could serve as a potential therapeutic agent for the management of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

Non-clinical safety assessment of Annona atemoya leaf extract: evaluation of genotoxicity

The leaves, stems, and fruits of Annona atemoya (A. atemoya; AA), a fruit-bearing plant of the family Annonaceae, exhibit anti-angiogenic, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities. However, the safety of AA has not been comprehensively elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the potential genotoxicity of an AA leaf (AAL) ethanol extract using a standard three-test battery constituting in vitro mammalian chromosomal aberration, in vivo micronucleus, and bacterial reverse mutation (also known as the Ames test) tests, as recommended by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of Korea. In vitro chromosomal aberration assay revealed that AAL extract did not induce structural or numerical aberrations, with or without metabolic activation (S9). In vivo micronucleus assay revealed that the number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs) and the PCE/normochromatic erythrocyte ratio after AAL extract treatment were not substantially different from those in the negative control. Changes in body weight and mortality were not observed. However, AAL extract partially induced mutagenic activity in all three bacterial strains in the bacterial reverse mutation assay, indicating that it could potentially aid in determining the genotoxic safety of AAL. QuantSeq 3' mRNA sequencing analysis to elucidate the genotoxicity mechanisms of AAL extract using TK6 cells revealed that the genotoxic effects of AAL may be associated with cellular morphology-associated (cell development and keratinization), nucleotide metabolism, and electron transport chain functions.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43188-024-00241-4.

Nelumbo nucifera leaves extract ameliorated scopolamine-induced cognition impairment via enhanced adult hippocampus neurogenesis

In this presentation, we explored the molecular mechanisms of N. nucifera leaf water extracts (NLWEs) and polyphenol extract (NLPE) on scopolamine-induced cell apoptosis and cognition defects. The administration of NLWE and NLPE did not alter the body weight and serum biomarker rs and significantly ameliorated scopolamine-induced cognition impairment according to Y-maze test analysis. In mice, treatment with scopolamine disrupted normal histoarchitecture in the hippocampus, whereas the administration of NLWE and NLPE reversed the phenomenon. Western blot analysis revealed that scopolamine mitigated the expression of doublecortin (DCX), nestin, and NeuN, and cotreatment with NLWE or NLPE significantly recovered the expression of these proteins. NLWE and NLPE upregulated DCX and NeuN expression in the hippocampus region, as evidenced by immunohistochemical staining analysis of scopolamine-treated mice. NLWE and NLPE obviously elevated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and enhanced its downstream proteins activity. NLWE and NLPE attenuated scopolamine-induced apoptosis by reducing Bax and increased Bcl-2 expression. In addition, scopolamine also triggered apoptosis in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells whereas co-treatment with NLWE or quercetin-3-glucuronide (Q3G) reversed the phenomenon. NLWE or Q3G enhanced Bcl-2 and reduced Bax expression in the presence of scopolamine in SH-SY5Y cells. NLWE or Q3G recovered the inhibitory effects of scopolamine on neurogenesis and BDNF signals in SH-SY5Y cells. Overall, our results revealed that N. nucifera leaf extracts and Q3G promoted adult hippocampus neurogenesis and prevented apoptosis to mitigate scopolamine-induced cognition dysfunction through the regulation of BDNF signaling pathway.

Digestive and Absorptive Properties of the Antarctic Krill Tripeptide Phe-Pro-Phe (FPF) and Its Auxiliary Memory-Enhancing Effect

Aging and stress have contributed to the development of memory disorders. Phe-Pro-Phe (FPF) was identified with high stability by mass spectrometry from simulated gastrointestinal digestion and everted gut sac products of the Antarctic krill peptide Ser-Ser-Asp-Ala-Phe-Phe-Pro-Phe-Arg (SSDAFFPFR) which was found to have a positive impact on memory enhancement. This study investigated the digestive stability, absorption, and memory-enhancing effects of FPF using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, simulated gastrointestinal digestion, in vivo fluorescence distribution analysis, mouse behavioral experiments, acetylcholine function, Nissl staining, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. FPF crossed the blood-brain barrier into the brain after digestion, significantly reduced shock time, working memory errors, and reference memory errors, and increased the recognition index. Additionally, FPF elevated ACh content; Nissl body counts; and CREB, SYN, and PSD-95 expression levels, while reducing AChE activity (P < 0.05). This implies that FPF prevents scopolamine-induced memory impairment and provides a basis for future research on memory disorders.

Neuroprotective effects of Petiveria alliacea on scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairment mouse model

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE

Petiveria alliacea L., commonly known as macura and gully root, is an important medicinal plant used in the Caribbean and Central America to treat ailments associated to the central nervous system, including poor memory.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To assess the effects of the P. alliacea leaves methanol fraction (PMF) on a scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairment mouse model related to acetylcholinesterase activity and oxidative stress.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

After PMF administration at doses of 500 or 900 mg/kg, cognitive ability was evaluated using the Morris water maze (MWM), Y-maze (YM) and novel object recognition (NOR) tests. The mouse brain tissue was further assessed for acetylcholinesterase activity and antioxidant activity. Levels of oxidative stress were also evaluated by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione activity. Acute toxicity was also evaluated.

RESULTS

PMF led to memory improvement in the behavioral tests in mice with scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment. Moreover, PMF inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity and showed antioxidant potential that in turn attenuated cholinergic degradation. Additionally, PMF increased glutathione levels and glutathione reductase activity and reduced MDA levels in the brain. Moreover, no acute toxicity was detected with the use of PMF.

CONCLUSION

In a mouse model of scopolamine-induced cognitive deficit, PMF exhibited protective effects, decreasing oxidative damage and regulating cholinergic function in the brain bearing significant memory enhancing potency. These data suggest that PMF is a promising candidate for developing therapies for neurodegenerative disorders.

Network pharmacology and in vivo experiment-based strategy to investigate mechanisms of JingFangFuZiLiZhong formula for ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory disease, often cause carcinogenesis, disability, and intestinal perforation. The JingFangFuZiLiZhong formula (JFFZLZ) shows a good effect against UC in the clinic. Hence, we aim to investigate the mechanisms between JFFZLZ and UC via network pharmacology data mining and in vivo experiments.

METHODS

We obtained active constituents and related targets from public databases. The overlapped genes between JFFZLZ and UC targets were further analysed by enrichment analysis. The active constituents and hub targets were used to construct molecule docking analysis. We finally screened out nine hub targets and their expressions were verified in the Gene Expression Omnibus database and UC rats' colon tissues after JFFZLZ treatment.

RESULTS

The results implied that JFFZLZ mainly regulated signal transduction, metabolites production, and inflammation pathways. The expression of STAT3, CXCL8, IL6, CXCL12, TNF, TP53, and PTPN11 were both upregulated in colon tissues of UC patients and UC rats. While RELA, EGFR, and TP53 were downregulated in UC patients, but upregulated in UC rats. Furthermore, JFFZLZ could repair UC rats' colon mucosal damage and promote the healing of ulcers via regulating the hub targets.

CONCLUSION

These results elucidated that the anti-UC effect of JFFZLZ was closely related to the inhibition of inflammatory response, inhibition of oxidative stress, and repairing colon mucosal damage through different signal pathways. The findings could contribute to a better understanding of the regulation mechanisms in JFFZLZ against UC.Key messagesJFFZLZ could reduce the inflammatory infiltration and repair UC rats' colon mucosal damage.Through the network pharmacology-based strategy and public database mining, we obtained the hub targets and key pathways between JFFZLF and UC.The mechanism of JFFZLZ against UC was inhibition of inflammatory response and oxidative stress by regulating the expression of the hub targets.

A network pharmacology approach to identify the mechanisms and molecular targets of curcumin against Alzheimer disease

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer disease (AD) is a degenerative brain disease, which may lead to severe memory loss and other cognitive disorders. However, few effective drugs are available in the clinic at present. Curcumin, a major ingredient of traditional Chinese medicine, Curcuma Longa, has various pharmacological activities. Therefore, exploring clinical drugs based on the inhibition of AD pathological features is imperative.

METHODS

First, we utilized the HERB database and Swisstarget Prediction database to get the related targets of curcumin and intersected with the AD targets. The intersection targets were used to construct the protein-protein interaction network and performed gene ontology and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analyses. Further, we obtained targets of curcumin against AD-related tau and aβ pathology via the AlzData database. These targets were applied to perform GEO and receiver operating characteristic analyses. Finally, the reliability of the core targets was evaluated using molecular docking technology.

RESULTS

We identified 49 targets of curcumin against AD, and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analysis demonstrated that the Alzheimer disease pathway (has05010) was significantly enriched. Even more, we obtained 16 targets of curcumin-related Aβ and tau pathology. Among these targets, 8 targets involved the Alzheimer disease pathway and the biological process analyses showed that positive regulation of cytokine production (GO:0001819) was significantly enriched. Bioinformatic analyses indicated that HMOX1, CSF1R, NFKB1, GSK3B, BACE1, AR, or PTGS1 expression was significantly different compared to the control group in the AD patients. Finally, molecular docking studies suggested these genes have a good binding force with curcumin.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we identified curcumin exerted the effect of treating AD by regulating multitargets and multichannels through the method of network pharmacology.

E. Gaafar P, Mousa MR, Fayez AM, Elsheikh MA. Novel Luteolin-Loaded Chitosan Decorated Nanoparticles for Brain-Targeting Delivery in a Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model: Focus on Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Amyloidogenic Pathways

Preparation and evaluation of a non-invasive intranasal luteolin delivery for the management of cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD) using novel chitosan decorated nanoparticles. Development of luteolin-loaded chitosomes was followed by full in vitro characterization. In vivo efficacy was evaluated using a sporadic Alzheimer's disease (SAD) animal model via intracerebroventricular injection of 3 mg/kg streptozotocin (ICV-STZ). Treatment groups of luteolin suspension and chitosomes (50 mg/kg) were then intranasally administered after 5 h of ICV-STZ followed by everyday administration for 21 consecutive days. Behavioral, histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical studies were conducted. Chitosomes yielded promising quality attributes in terms of particle size (PS) (412.8 ± 3.28 nm), polydispersity index (PDI) (0.378 ± 0.07), Zeta potential (ZP) (37.4 ± 2.13 mv), and percentage entrapment efficiency (EE%) (86.6 ± 2.05%). Behavioral findings showed obvious improvement in the acquisition of short-term and long-term spatial memory. Furthermore, histological evaluation revealed an increased neuronal survival rate with a reduction in the number of amyloid plaques. Biochemical results showed improved antioxidant effects and reduced pro-inflammatory mediators' levels. In addition, a suppression by half was observed in the levels of both Aβ aggregation and hyperphosphorylated-tau protein in comparison to the model control group which in turn confirmed the capability of luteolin-loaded chitosomes (LUT-CHS) in attenuating the pathological changes of AD. The prepared nanoparticles are considered a promising safe, effective, and non-invasive nanodelivery system that improves cognitive function in SAD albino mice as opposed to luteolin suspension.

A Brain-Targeted Approach to Ameliorate Memory Disorders in a Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model via Intranasal Luteolin-Loaded Nanobilosomes

Impaired memory and cognitive function are the main features of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Unfortunately, currently available treatments cannot cure or delay AD progression. Moreover, the blood-brain barrier hampers effective delivery of treatment to the brain. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the impact of intranasally delivered luteolin on AD using bile-salt-based nano-vesicles (bilosomes). Different bilosomes were prepared using 23-factorial design. The variables were defined by the concentration of surfactant, the molar ratio of cholesterol:phospholipid, and the concentration of bile salt. Results demonstrated optimized luteolin-loaded bilosomes with particle size (153.2 ± 0.98 nm), zeta potential (-42.8 ± 0.24 mV), entrapment efficiency% (70.4 ± 0.77%), and % drug released after 8 h (80.0 ± 1.10%). In vivo experiments were conducted on an AD mouse model via intracerebroventricular injection of 3 mg/kg streptozotocin. We conducted behavioral, biochemical marker, histological, and immune histochemistry assays after administering a luteolin suspension or luteolin bilosomes (50 mg/kg) intranasally for 21 consecutive days. Luteolin bilosomes improved short-term and long-term spatial memory. They also exhibited antioxidant properties and reduced levels of proinflammatory mediators. They also suppressed both amyloid β aggregation and hyperphosphorylated Tau protein levels in the hippocampus. In conclusion, luteolin bilosomes are an effective, safe, and non-invasive approach with superior cognitive function capabilities compared to luteolin suspension.

Chinese Herbal Extracts Exert Neuroprotective Effect in Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Through the Dopaminergic Synapse/Apoptosis Signaling Pathway

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) as an age-related, irreversible neurodegenerative disease, characterized by cognitive dysfunction, has become progressively serious with a global rise in life expectancy. As the failure of drug elaboration, considerable research effort has been devoted to developing therapeutic strategies for treating AD. TCM is gaining attention as a potential treatment for AD. Gastrodia elata Blume, Polygala tenuifolia Willd., Cistanche deserticola Ma, Rehmannia lutinosa (Gaertn.)DC., Acorus gramineus Aiton, and Curcuma longa L. (GPCRAC) are all well-known Chinese herbs with neuroprotective benefits and are widely used in traditional Chinese decoction for AD therapy. However, the efficacy and further mechanisms of GPCRAC extracts in AD experimental models are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the synergistic protective efficacy of GPCRAC extracts (composed of extracts from these six Chinese medicines), and the protein targets mediated by GPCRAC extracts in treating AD. Methods: Scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment mouse model was established to determine the neuroprotective effects of GPCRAC extracts in vivo, as shown by behavioral tests and cerebral cholinergic function assays. To identify the potential molecular mechanism of GPCRAC extracts against AD, label-free quantitative proteomics coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were performed. The integrated bioinformatics analysis was applied to screen the core differentially expressed proteins in vital canonical pathways. Critical altered proteins were validated by qPCR and Western blotting. Results: Administration of GPCRAC extracts significantly recovered scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment, as evidenced by the improved learning and memory ability, increased Ach content and ChAT activity, as well as decreased AchE activity in the hippocampus of mice. In total, 390 proteins with fold-change>1.2 or <0.83 and p < 0.05 were identified as significant differentially expressed proteins, of which 110 were significantly up-regulated and 25 were significantly down-regulated between control and model group. By mapping the significantly regulated proteins, we identified five hub proteins: PPP2CA, Gsk3β, PP3CC, PRKACA, and BCL-2 that were associated with dopaminergic synapse and apoptosis signaling pathway, respectively. Western blotting and QPCR demonstrate that the expression levels of these core proteins could be significantly improved by the administration of GPCRAC extracts. These pathways and some of the identified proteins are implicated in AD pathogenesis. Conclusion: Administration of GPCRAC extracts was effective on alleviating scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment, which might be through modulation of dopaminergic synapse and apoptosis signaling pathway. Consequently, our quantitative proteome data obtained from scopolamine-treated model mice successfully characterized AD-related biological alterations and proposed novel protein biomarkers for AD.

Medicinal plants used in traditional Mayan medicine for the treatment of central nervous system disorders: An overview

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

For thousands of years, different cultural groups have used and transformed natural resources for medicinal purposes focused on psychological or neurological conditions. Some of these are recognized as central nervous system (CNS) disorders and diseases, whereas other ethnopsychiatric interpretations are explained in culture-specific terms. In traditional Mayan medicine, several herbs have been part of treatments and rituals focused on cultural and ethnomedical concepts.

AIM OF REVIEW

This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the medicinal plants used in Mesoamerica by traditional healers and Mayan groups to CNS disorders and associate the traditional use with demonstrated pharmacological evidence to establish a solid foundation for directing future research.

METHODS

A systematic search for primary sources of plant use reports for traditional CNS-related remedies of Mesoamerica were obtained from library catalogs, thesis and scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar; and Science Direct), and entered in a database with data analyzed in terms of the usage frequency, use by ethnic groups, plant endemism, and pharmacological investigation.

RESULTS

A total of 155 plants used for ethnopsychiatric conditions in Mesoamerica by Mayan groups were found, encompassing 127 native species. Of these, only 49 native species have reported in vitro or in vivo pharmacological analyses. The most commonly reported ethnopsychiatric conditions are related to anxiety, depression, memory loss, epilepsy, and insomnia. The extent of the scientific evidence available to understand the pharmacological application for their use against CNS disorders varied between different plant species, with the most prominent evidence shown by Annona cherimola, Justicia pectoralis, J. spicigera, Mimosa pudica, Persea americana, Petiveria alliacea, Piper amalago, Psidium guajava, Tagetes erecta and T. lucida.

CONCLUSION

Available pharmacological data suggest that different plant species used in traditional Mayan medicine may target the CNS, mainly related to GABA, serotonin, acetylcholine, or neuroprotective pathways. However, more research is required, given the limited data regarding mechanism of action at the preclinical in vivo level, identification of active compounds, scarce number of clinical studies, and the dearth of peer-reviewed studies.

Sea Cucumber-Derived Peptide Attenuates Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Impairment by Preventing Hippocampal Cholinergic Dysfunction and Neuronal Cell Death

The incidence of neurodegenerative diseases related to cognitive decline and memory loss is on the rise as the global elderly population increases. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the sea cucumber-derived peptide Phe-Tyr-Asp-Trp-Pro-Lys (FYDWPK) on scopolamine-induced neurotoxicity in an animal model. The Morris water maze, passive avoidance apparatus, and shuttle box test were used to assess learning and memory abilities. In behavioral tests, FYDWPK effectively alleviated learning and memory impairment. FYDWPK also alleviated cholinergic dysfunction in mice with dementia. Furthermore, FYDWPK significantly improved oxidative imbalance by increasing superoxide dismutase activity and decreasing malondialdehyde levels (P < 0.05). The pathological results showed that FYDWPK alleviated neuronal loss, blurred caryotheca, and pyknotic nuclei in the hippocampus, and a high dose of FYDWPK had the best effect. In conclusion, FYDWPK alleviated cognitive and memory impairments by regulating oxidative imbalance, reducing cholinergic dysfunction, and relieving pathological alterations.

Sea Cucumber Peptides Attenuated the Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment in Mice and Rats and the Underlying Mechanism

Social stress and unhealthy diets lead to memory impairment, triggering health problems. This study aimed to determine the mitigating effect and regulation mechanism of sea cucumber peptides (SCP) against memory impairment. Here, scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mouse and rat models was used based on behavioral tests, a histological staining technique, Fourier transform infrared microscopy, and gas-chromatographic analysis as well as a Western blotting method. SCP improved the behavioral performance and regulated the disorder of the cholinergic system in mouse models in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, the underlying mechanism was explored in high-dose SCP using mouse and rat models. SCP repaired damaged neuronal cells, enhanced the Nissl body number, increased the unsaturated lipid level, and activated the long-term potentiation (LTP) pathway (p-CaMKII, p-CREB, and BDNF), both in the mouse and rat hippocampus. The results indicated that SCP upregulated the LTP pathway and unsaturated lipid level to combat scopolamine-induced memory impairment, suggesting that SCP was a potential candidate for neurological recovery.

Neuroprotective effects of NDEELNK from sea cucumber ovum against scopolamine-induced PC12 cell damage through enhancing energy metabolism and upregulation of the PKA/BDNF/NGF signaling pathway

The aim of the study was to evaluate the neuroprotective function of sea cucumber ovum peptide-derived NDEELNK and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. NDEELNK exerted the neuroprotective effect by improving the acetylcholine (ACh) level and reducing the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in PC12 cells. By molecular docking, we confirmed that the NDEELNK backbone and AChE interacted through hydrophobic and hydrogen bonds in contact with the amino acid residues of the cavity wall. NDEELNK increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, thereby reducing mitochondrial dysfunction and enhancing energy metabolism. Our results demonstrated that NDEELNK supplementation alleviated scopolamine-induced PC12 cell damage by improving the cholinergic system, increasing energy metabolism and upregulating the expression of phosphorylated protein kinase A (p-PKA), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) signaling proteins in in vitro experiments. These results demonstrated that the sea cucumber ovum peptide-derived NDEELNK might play a protective role in PC12 cells.

Protective Effect of Processed Polygoni multiflori Radix and Its Major Substance during Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cognitive disorder in the elderly population. However, effective pharmacological agents targeting AD have not been developed. The processed Polygoni multiflori Radix (PPM) and its main active substance, 2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-glucoside (TSG), has received considerable attention, majorly due to its neuroprotective activities against multiple biological activities within the human body. In this study, we provide new evidence on the therapeutic effect of PPM and TSG during cognitive impairment by evaluating the ameliorative potential of PPM and TSG in scopolamine-induced amnesia in ICR mice. PPM (100 or 200 mg/kg) was orally administered during the experimental period (days 1–15), and scopolamine was intraperitoneally injected to induce cognitive deficits during the behavioural test periods (days 8–15). The administration of PPM and TSG significantly improved memory loss and cognitive dysfunction in behavioural tests and regulated the cholinergic function, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and neural apoptosis. The present study suggests that PPM and TSG improved scopolamine-induced cognitive dysfunction, but further study has to be supported for the clinical application of PPM and TSG for AD prevention and treatment.

The Phytochemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities of Annona atemoya: A Systematic Review

Annona atemoya also known as the custard apple is a hybrid between two Annonaceae species: Cherimoya (Annona cherimola) and the sugar apple (Annona squamosa). It is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical continents including north and south America, Asia, Africa and Australia. Despite becoming an increasingly important commercial fruit plant due to its’ creamy succulent flesh, compared to other Annonaceae species relatively few studies have investigated the phytochemistry and bioactivities of A. atemoya. Studies that evaluated A. atemoya extracts and its constituents were searched through the databases Scopus, Pubmed and Embase from inception to June 2020. Constituents of A. atemoya include alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes and acetogenins. The results indicate that the constituents of A. atemoya possess cytotoxic, anti-angiogenic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities. However, many of these studies are currently limited in quality and further phytochemical and pharmacological studies are required.

The TLC-Bioautography as a Tool for Rapid Enzyme Inhibitors detection - A Review

Microorganisms and plants can be important sources of many compounds with potential pharmaceutical applications. Extraction of these matrices is one of the ways of identifying the presence of inhibitory active substances against enzymes whose high activity leads to serious human diseases including cancer, Parkinson's or Crohn's diseases. The isolation and purification of inhibitors are time-consuming and expensive steps in the analysis of the crude extract and therefore, it is necessary to find a fast, efficient, and inexpensive method for screening extracts of interest. TLC-Bioautography combines the separation of the extract on a thin layer with its subsequent biological analysis. TLC-Bioautography methods have been developed for several classes of enzymes including oxidoreductases, hydrolases and isomerases, and there is a potential for developing functional methods for other classes of enzymes. This review summarizes known TLC-Bioautography methods and their applications for determining the presence of enzyme inhibitors in extracts and compares the effectiveness of different methodological approaches. It also indicates the current state and perspective of the development of TLC-Bioautography and its possible future applications.