The use of Huperzia species for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dang Kim Thu ◽  
Dao Thi Vui ◽  
Nguyen Thi Ngoc Huyen ◽  
Duong Ky Duyen ◽  
Bui Thanh Tung
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Adverse Reactions ◽  
Memory Loss ◽  
Neural System ◽  
Drug Candidates ◽  
Potential Source ◽  
Pubmed Database ◽  
Ad Therapy

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD), which relates to nervous degeneration, is the most popular form of memory loss. The pathogenesis of AD is not fully understood, and there are no therapies for this disorder. Some drugs have been used in clinical applications for preventing and treating AD, but they have significant adverse reactions. Therefore, there is a need to develop treatment for AD. Traditional medicine has used many medicinal plants to alleviate the symptoms of AD. Medicinal plants may reduce neurodegenerative disorders with fewer side effects than chemical drugs, and they are promising drug candidates for AD therapy. This review is the summary of the pathogenesis and treatments of AD and includes information about the chemistry and bioactivities of some medicinal plants from the Huperzia species, such as Huperzia saururus, Huperzia selago, Huperzia phlegmaria, Huperzia fargesii, Huperzia serrata, Huperzia reflexa and Huperzia quadrifariata, that are used for the treatment of AD. We searched literature, including Medline, Embase, Google Scholar and PubMed database, and did a bibliographic review of relevant articles. Key words included Huperzia species, huperzine, huperin, Huperzia and Alzheimer’s disease. We found that the main bioactive compounds of the Huperzia species are alkaloids, which have shown significant effects on preventing the development of AD. They are new promising compounds against AD due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities in the neural system. Our conclusion from this review is that the Huperzia species are potential source containing various pharmaceutical compounds for the treatment of AD.

scholarly journals Neuroprotective Herbs for the Management of Alzheimer’s Disease

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 543
Author(s):  
Julie Gregory ◽  
Yasaswi V. Vengalasetti ◽  
Dale E. Bredesen ◽  
Rammohan V. Rao
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Disease Progression ◽  
Memory Loss ◽  
Herbal Remedies ◽  
Alternative Interventions ◽  
Drug Candidates ◽  
Personality Changes

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.

scholarly journals Novel Blood Biomarkers for an Earlier Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease: A Literature Review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiavax Rao ◽  
Andrew J. Boileau
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Clinical Diagnosis ◽  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Memory Loss ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Pubmed Database ◽  
Diagnostic Approaches

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition associated with neurofibrillary tangles and cortical deposition of amyloid plaques. Clinical presentation of the disease involves manifestations such as memory loss, cognitive decline and dementia with some of the earliest reported deficits being episodic memory impairment and olfactory dysfunction. Current diagnostic approaches rely on autopsy characterization of gross brain pathology, or brain imaging of biomarkers late in the disease course. The aim of this literature review is to identify and compare newly emerging and novel CSF, serum and mucosal biomarkers, with the potential of making an earlier clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Utilizing such techniques may allow for earlier therapeutic intervention, reduction of disability and enhancement of quality of life. Literature review and analysis was performed by screening the PubMed database for relevant studies within the past 5 years. All studies showed statistically significant (P < 0.05) differences in testing between AD patients and controls. Two categories of serum biomarkers (redox-reactive antiphospholipid antibodies and microRNAs) and an olfactory mucosal marker (microRNA-206) could discriminate between early AD patients and controls with high sensitivity and specificity. In conclusion, certain studies have shown promising results with high sensitivity and specificity, high discriminative potential for Alzheimer’s disease early in its progression, and statistically significant results in larger study samples. Utilization of such diagnostic techniques should increase the efficacy of making an earlier clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

The hybrid compounds as multi-target ligands for the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: Considerations on Donepezil

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hayrettin Ozan Gulcan ◽  
Muberra Kosar
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Cholinesterase Inhibition ◽  
Recent Period ◽  
Hybrid Molecule ◽  
Design Studies ◽  
Drug Candidates ◽  
Hybrid Molecules ◽  
Ad Therapy ◽  
Main Strategy

: The strategies to combat Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) have been changing with respect to the failures of many drug candidates assessed in clinical studies, the complex pathophysiology of AD, and the limitations of the current drugs employed. So far, none of the targets, either validated or nonvalidated, have been shown to be purely causative in the generation and development of AD. Considering the progressive and the neurodegenerative characteristics of the disease, the main strategy has been based on the design of molecules capable of showing activity on more than one receptor, and it is defined as multi-target ligand design strategy. The hybrid molecule concept is an outcome of this approach. Donepezil, as one of the currently employed drugs for AD therapy, has also been utilized in hybrid drug design studies. This review has aimed to present the promising donepezil-like hybrid molecules introduced in the recent period. Particularly, multi-target ligands with additional activities concomitant to cholinesterase inhibition are preferred.

scholarly journals New Approaches to Treating Alzheimer's Disease

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. PMC.S13210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hailin Zheng ◽  
Mati Fridkin ◽  
Moussa Youdim
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Hypoxia Inducible Factor ◽  
Network Medicine ◽  
Pathway Network ◽  
Drug Candidates ◽  
New Approaches ◽  
Single Target ◽  
Ad Therapy

To date, no truly efficacious drugs for Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been developed; moreover, all new anti-AD drugs developed since 2003 have failed. To succeed where previous ones have failed in drug development, new approaches for AD therapy are needed. Here we discuss the potential application of network medicine as a new approach to AD treatment. Unlike traditional approaches focused on a single target/pathway, network medicine targets and restores disease-disrupted networks through simultaneous modulation of numerous proteins (targets)/pathways involved in AD pathogenesis. We consider several drug candidates under development for AD therapy, including Keap1–Nrf2 regulators, endogenous neurogenic agents, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) activators. These drug candidates are multi-target ligands with the potential to further develop as network medicines, since they act as master regulators to initiate a broad range of cellular defense mechanisms/cytoprotective genes that exert their efficacy in a holistic way. We also explore their diverse mechanisms of action and potential disease-modifying effects, which may have profound implications for drug discovery.

Small Molecule Natural Products and Alzheimer’s Disease

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 187-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoai Wu ◽  
Huawei Cai ◽  
Lili Pan ◽  
Gang Cui ◽  
Feng Qin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Natural Products ◽  
Small Molecule ◽  
Memory Loss ◽  
Bioactive Natural Products ◽  
Drug Candidates ◽  
Ache Inhibitors ◽  
Cns Drugs ◽  
The Brain

<P>Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive and deadly neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by memory loss, cognitive impairment and dementia. Several hypotheses have been proposed for the pathogenesis based on the pathological changes in the brain of AD patients during the last few decades. Unfortunately, there is no effective agents/therapies to prevent or control AD at present. Currently, only a few drugs, which function as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors or N-methyl-Daspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, are available to alleviate symptoms. </P><P> Since many small molecule natural products have shown their functions as agonists or antagonists of receptors, as well as inhibitors of enzymes and proteins in the brain during the development of central nervous system (CNS) drugs, it is likely that natural products will play an important role in anti-AD drug development. We review recent papers on using small molecule natural products as drug candidates for the treatment of AD. These natural products possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticholinesterase, anti-amyloidogenic and neuroprotective activities. Moreover, bioactive natural products intended to be used for preventing AD, reducing the symptoms of AD and the new targets for treatment of AD are summarized.</P>

The Therapeutic Potential of Purinergic Receptors in Alzheimer’s Disease and Promising Therapeutic Modulators

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lili Pan ◽  
Yu Ma ◽  
Yunchun Li ◽  
Haoxing Wu ◽  
Rui Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Purinergic Receptors ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Purinergic Signaling ◽  
Memory Loss ◽  
Related Research ◽  
Central Nervous System Disorders ◽  
G Protein Coupled

Abstract:: Recent studies have proven that the purinergic signaling pathway plays a key role in neurotransmission and neuromodulation, and is involved in various neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders. With the characterization of the subtypes of receptors in purinergic signaling, i.e. the P1 (adenosine), P2X (ion channel) and P2Y (G protein-coupled), more attentions were paid to the pathophysiology and therapeutic potential of purinergic signaling in central nervous system disorders. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive and deadly neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by memory loss, cognitive impairment and dementia. However, as drug development aimed to prevent or control AD follows a series of failures in recent years, more researchers focused on the neuroprotection-related mechanisms such as purinergic signaling in AD patients to find a potential cure. This article reviews the recent discoveries of purinergic signaling in AD, summaries the potential agents as modulators for the receptors of purinergic signaling in AD related research and treatments. Thus, our paper provided an insight for purinergic signaling in the development of anti-AD therapies.

Recent Updates in the Alzheimer’s Disease Etiopathology and Possible Treatment Approaches: A Narrative Review of Current Clinical Trials

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 273-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elahe Zarini-Gakiye ◽  
Javad Amini ◽  
Nima Sanadgol ◽  
Gholamhassan Vaezi ◽  
Kazem Parivar
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Small Molecules ◽  
Clinical Trial Design ◽  
Treatment Approaches ◽  
Drug Candidates ◽  
Novel Treatments ◽  
Approved Drugs ◽  
Tau Aggregation

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most frequent subtype of incurable neurodegenerative dementias and its etiopathology is still not clearly elucidated. Objective: Outline the ongoing clinical trials (CTs) in the field of AD, in order to find novel master regulators. Methods: We strictly reviewed all scientific reports from Clinicaltrials.gov and PubMed databases from January 2010 to January 2019. The search terms were “Alzheimer's disease” or “dementia” and “medicine” or “drug” or “treatment” and “clinical trials” and “interventions”. Manuscripts that met the objective of this study were included for further evaluations. Results: Drug candidates have been categorized into two main groups including antibodies, peptides or hormones (such as Ponezumab, Interferon β-1a, Solanezumab, Filgrastim, Levemir, Apidra, and Estrogen), and naturally-derived ingredients or small molecules (such as Paracetamol, Ginkgo, Escitalopram, Simvastatin, Cilostazo, and Ritalin-SR). The majority of natural candidates acted as anti-inflammatory or/and anti-oxidant and antibodies exert their actions via increasing amyloid-beta (Aβ) clearance or decreasing Tau aggregation. Among small molecules, most of them that are present in the last phases act as specific antagonists (Suvorexant, Idalopirdine, Intepirdine, Trazodone, Carvedilol, and Risperidone) or agonists (Dextromethorphan, Resveratrol, Brexpiprazole) and frequently ameliorate cognitive dysfunctions. Conclusion: The presences of a small number of candidates in the last phase suggest that a large number of candidates have had an undesirable side effect or were unable to pass essential eligibility for future phases. Among successful treatment approaches, clearance of Aβ, recovery of cognitive deficits, and control of acute neuroinflammation are widely chosen. It is predicted that some FDA-approved drugs, such as Paracetamol, Risperidone, Escitalopram, Simvastatin, Cilostazoand, and Ritalin-SR, could also be used in off-label ways for AD. This review improves our ability to recognize novel treatments for AD and suggests approaches for the clinical trial design for this devastating disease in the near future.

Many caregivers of persons with memory loss or Alzheimer's disease are unaware of the abilities of their persons with AD to recall their drugs and medical histories

Dementia ◽  
2018 ◽  
pp. 147130121882096
Author(s):  
Thomas A Ala ◽  
GaToya Simpson ◽  
Marshall T Holland ◽  
Vajeeha Tabassum ◽  
Maithili Deshpande ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Memory Loss ◽  
Medical Histories ◽  
With Memory

scholarly journals Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neural Precursors Improve Memory, Synaptic and Pathological Abnormalities in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1802
Author(s):  
Enrique Armijo ◽  
George Edwards ◽  
Andrea Flores ◽  
Jorge Vera ◽  
Mohammad Shahnawaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Memory Loss ◽  
Amyloid Β ◽  
Cerebral Atrophy ◽  
Brain Inflammation ◽  
Neural Precursors ◽  
Model Of Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Induced Pluripotent

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia in the elderly population. The disease is characterized by progressive memory loss, cerebral atrophy, extensive neuronal loss, synaptic alterations, brain inflammation, extracellular accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques, and intracellular accumulation of hyper-phosphorylated tau (p-tau) protein. Many recent clinical trials have failed to show therapeutic benefit, likely because at the time in which patients exhibit clinical symptoms the brain is irreversibly damaged. In recent years, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been suggested as a promising cell therapy to recover brain functionality in neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. To evaluate the potential benefits of iPSCs on AD progression, we stereotaxically injected mouse iPSC-derived neural precursors (iPSC-NPCs) into the hippocampus of aged triple transgenic (3xTg-AD) mice harboring extensive pathological abnormalities typical of AD. Interestingly, iPSC-NPCs transplanted mice showed improved memory, synaptic plasticity, and reduced AD brain pathology, including a reduction of amyloid and tangles deposits. Our findings suggest that iPSC-NPCs might be a useful therapy that could produce benefit at the advanced clinical and pathological stages of AD.

scholarly journals Exploitation of Marine Molecules to Manage Alzheimer’s Disease

Marine Drugs ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (7) ◽  
pp. 373
Author(s):  
Marisa Silva ◽  
Paula Seijas ◽  
Paz Otero
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Senile Plaques ◽  
Nmda Receptor Antagonists ◽  
Average Life ◽  
Average Life Expectancy ◽  
Large Reservoir ◽  
Drug Candidates ◽  
Neurodegenerative Process ◽  
Main Action

Neurodegenerative diseases are sociosanitary challenges of today, as a result of increased average life expectancy, with Alzheimer’s disease being one of the most prevalent. This pathology is characterized by brain impairment linked to a neurodegenerative process culminating in cognitive decline and behavioral disorders. Though the etiology of this pathology is still unknown, it is usually associated with the appearance of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. The most used prophylaxis relies on anticholinesterase drugs and NMDA receptor antagonists, whose main action is to relieve symptoms and not to treat or prevent the disease. Currently, the scientific community is gathering efforts to disclose new natural compounds effective against Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative pathologies. Marine natural products have been shown to be promising candidates, and some have been proven to exert a high neuroprotection effect, constituting a large reservoir of potential drugs and nutraceutical agents. The present article attempts to describe the processes of extraction and isolation of bioactive compounds derived from sponges, algae, marine bacteria, invertebrates, crustaceans, and tunicates as drug candidates against AD, with a focus on the success of pharmacological activity in the process of finding new and effective drug compounds.

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