scholarly journals Neuroprotective Effects of Ginseng Phytochemicals: Recent Perspectives

Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (16) ◽  
pp. 2939 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xing Huang ◽  
Ning Li ◽  
Yiqiong Pu ◽  
Tong Zhang ◽  
Bing Wang
Keyword(s):  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Active Ingredient ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Neuroprotective Effects ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Therapeutic Drugs ◽  
Ancient Times

As our global population ages, the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases is critical to our society. In recent years, researchers have begun to study the role of biologically active chemicals from plants and herbs to gain new inspiration and develop new therapeutic drugs. Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Mey.) is a famous Chinese herbal medicine with a variety of pharmacological activities. It has been used to treat various diseases since ancient times. Extensive research over the years has shown that ginseng has potential as a neuroprotective drug, and its neuroprotective effects can be used to treat and prevent neurological damage or pathologically related diseases (such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, depression symptoms, and strokes). Moreover, evidence for the medicinal and health benefits of ginsenoside, its main active ingredient, in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases is increasing, and current clinical results have not reported any serious adverse reactions to ginseng. Therefore, we briefly review the recent research and development on the beneficial effects and mechanisms of ginseng and its main active ingredient, ginsenoside, in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, hoping to provide some ideas for the discovery and identification of ginseng neuroprotection.

Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases in diabetes

2020 ◽  
Vol 318 (5) ◽  
pp. E750-E764 ◽  
Author(s):  
Han Cheng ◽  
Xiaokun Gang ◽  
Yujia Liu ◽  
Gang Wang ◽  
Xue Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Reactive Oxygen Species Generation ◽  
Hypoglycemic Agents ◽  
Neuroprotective Effects ◽  
Mitochondrial Dysfunctions ◽  
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Glucagon Like Peptide 1

Mitochondria have an essential function in cell survival due to their role in bioenergetics, reactive oxygen species generation, calcium buffering, and other metabolic activities. Mitochondrial dysfunctions are commonly found in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), and diabetes is a risk factor for NDs. However, the role of mitochondria in diabetic neurodegeneration is still unclear. In the present study, we review the latest evidence on the role of mitochondrial dysfunctions in the development of diabetes-related NDs and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Hypoglycemic agents, especially metformin, have been proven to have neuroprotective effects in the treatment of diabetes, in which mitochondria could act as one of the underlying mechanisms. Other hypoglycemic agents, including thiazolidinediones (TZDs), dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, have gained more attention because of their beneficial effects on NDs, presumably by improving mitochondrial function. Our review highlights the notion that mitochondria could be a promising therapeutic target in the treatment of NDs in patients with diabetes.

New Therapeutic Drugs from Bioactive Natural Molecules: The Role of Gut Microbiota Metabolism in Neurodegenerative Diseases

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 478-489 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Di Meo ◽  
Stella Donato ◽  
Alba Di Pardo ◽  
Vittorio Maglione ◽  
Stefania Filosa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Therapeutic Drugs

Role of Senescence and Neuroprotective Effects of Telomerase in Neurodegenerative Diseases

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuelu Ding ◽  
Xuewen Liu ◽  
Feng Wang ◽  
Fei Wang ◽  
Xin Geng
Keyword(s):  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Neuroprotective Effects

scholarly journals The Role of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L) Pollen in Fertility

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 320-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Tahvilzadeh ◽  
Mannan Hajimahmoodi ◽  
Roja Rahimi
Keyword(s):  
Date Palm ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Phoenix Dactylifera ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Reproductive Effects ◽  
Phoenix Dactylifera L ◽  
Comprehensive Information ◽  
Ancient Times ◽  
Fertility Disorders

Date palm pollen (DPP) is the male reproductive dust of palm flowers used as dietary supplement especially as aphrodisiac and fertility enhancer in both women and men from ancient times. Although there are few clinical trials evaluating the beneficial effects of DPP in humans, various experimental studies have been conducted on the reproductive effects of DPP. Among the compounds isolated from DPP are amino acids, fatty acids, flavonoids, saponins, and estroles. The present review summarizes comprehensive information concerning the phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of DPP and its application in fertility disorders.

scholarly journals Inhibition of Microglia Activation as a Phenotypic Assay in Early Drug Discovery

2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Figuera-Losada ◽  
Camilo Rojas ◽  
Barbara S. Slusher
Keyword(s):  
Drug Discovery ◽  
Nuclear Factor Κb ◽  
Microglia Activation ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Therapeutic Drugs ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein ◽  
Disproportionate Number ◽  
Early Drug

Complex biological processes such as inflammation, cell death, migration, proliferation, and the release of biologically active molecules can be used as outcomes in phenotypic assays during early stages of drug discovery. Although target-based approaches have been widely used over the past decades, a disproportionate number of first-in-class drugs have been identified using phenotypic screening. This review details phenotypic assays based on inhibition of microglial activation and their utility in primary and secondary screening, target validation, and pathway elucidation. The role of microglia, both in normal as well as in pathological conditions such as chronic neurodegenerative diseases, is reviewed. Methodologies to assess microglia activation in vitro are discussed in detail, and classes of therapeutic drugs known to decrease the proinflammatory and cytotoxic responses of activated microglia are appraised, including inhibitors of glutaminase, cystine/glutamate antiporter, nuclear factor κB, and mitogen-activated protein kinases.

scholarly journals The role of plant polyphenols in the health preservation: Effects on human cardiometabolic function

2021 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-42
Author(s):  
Miloš Gostimirović ◽  
Jovana Rajković ◽  
Vladimir Đokić ◽  
Duško Terzić ◽  
Svetozar Putnik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Functioning ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Great Influence ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Plant Fibers ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Cell Life ◽  
Life Habits

Regardless of the continuous improvement of diagnostic possibilities and the organizational structure of the healthcare system that contribute to the reduction of the complicated courses of diseases, modern socio-economic and environmental stressors, life habits and increased fluctuation in the psychological functioning of an individual still have a great influence on the overall burden of human diseases. At present, etiological factors and pathogenic mechanisms of numerous diseases are known, thus enabling their continuous and timely pharmacotherapy. However, for progressive diseases or those associated with numeorus complications, pharmacological treatment can lead to the side effects, and preventive measures are highlighted as the main strategy in the management of such diseases, especially in chronic non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). One of the preventive measures is timely and qualitative supplementation of the diet with beneficial micronutrients and oligoelements. Their main sources are represented in plant fibers that synthesize biologically active substances with a polyphenolic ring in their structure, called natural polyphenolic compounds (NPC). Decades of NPC research have brought new insights into the potential modification of existing pharmacotherapy of numeorus diseases. Currently, it is known that many polyphenols have an optimal pharmacological profile with cardioprotection and at the center of their overall effects. Research into the mechanisms of polyphenolic action is exhaustive, their interactions with numerous subcellular structures have been described, and they are refered as promising molecules, with the potential to modify key pathogenetic elements that lead to the progression of various diseases. So far, their numerous effects on endothelium, smooth muscle cells and lipid cells involved in the process of atherogenesis are known, their antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties have been proven, and the synergy with the intestinal microbial populations has recently been known to contribute to their beneficial effects. This paper has the aim to point out the most important mechanisms that NPC use to improve general functionality of the organism by stimulating its defense capacity, prolonging cell life and delaying its overall aging. As the most important cardioprotective nutrients, a special focus is given to their beneficial effects on cardiovascular and metabolic function.

scholarly journals Functional Foods: An Approach to Modulate Molecular Mechanisms of Alzheimer’s Disease

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 2347
Author(s):  
Anna Atlante ◽  
Giuseppina Amadoro ◽  
Antonella Bobba ◽  
Valentina Latina
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Food Product ◽  
Neuroprotective Effects ◽  
The Road ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Β Amyloid ◽  
The Brain

A new epoch is emerging with intense research on nutraceuticals, i.e., “food or food product that provides medical or health benefits including the prevention and treatment of diseases”, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Nutraceuticals act at different biochemical and metabolic levels and much evidence shows their neuroprotective effects; in particular, they are able to provide protection against mitochondrial damage, oxidative stress, toxicity of β-amyloid and Tau and cell death. They have been shown to influence the composition of the intestinal microbiota significantly contributing to the discovery that differential microorganisms composition is associated with the formation and aggregation of cerebral toxic proteins. Further, the routes of interaction between epigenetic mechanisms and the microbiota–gut–brain axis have been elucidated, thus establishing a modulatory role of diet-induced epigenetic changes of gut microbiota in shaping the brain. This review examines recent scientific literature addressing the beneficial effects of some natural products for which mechanistic evidence to prevent or slowdown AD are available. Even if the road is still long, the results are already exceptional.

The interactions between Alzheimer´s disease and major depression: Role of Ca2+ channel blockers and Ca2+/cAMP signalling

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leandro Bueno Bergantin
Keyword(s):  
Major Depression ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Signalling Pathways ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Channel Blockers ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Neuroprotective Effects ◽  
Hypertensive Patients ◽  
Camp Signalling

Background: The interactions between Alzheimer´s disease (AD) and major depression can be translated into clinical data showing that depressive patients have had an enhanced risk for developing AD (later in life). The cellular mechanisms involved in these interactions remain under intensive debate in literature. In addition, the role of a Ca2+ homeostasis dysregulation in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, like AD, and major depression has been under intensive discussion. Objective: Thus, revealing the interplay between AD and major depression may provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of these diseases. Methods: Publications involving Ca2+ signalling pathways, AD and major depression (alone or combined) were collected by searching multiple databases to find the maximum number of relevant citations (using a search strategy with a high sensitivity for studies of etiology). Results: Ca2+ channel blockers (CCBs), classically prescribed for hypertensive patients, have been demonstrating neuroprotective effects, such as decreasing the incidence of AD in hypertensive patients, including alleviating major depression symptoms. A mechanism under debate is focused on the restoration of the Ca2+ homeostasis. Indeed, previous studies of our own have correlated Ca2+ and cAMP signalling pathways (Ca2+/cAMP signalling) in controlling both the neurotransmitter release and neuronal death. These studies also observed that CCBs can affect Ca2+/cAMP signalling. Conclusion: This review discussed the plausible role of Ca2+/cAMP signalling in the neuroprotective effects of CCBs, including the participation of Ca2+/cAMP signalling in the interactions between major depression and AD. Considering both AD and major depression have become high prevalent medical problems in the world, the comprehension of the interactions between these diseases could improve the drug development.

Neurodegenerative diseases and Flavonoids: Special reference to kaempferol

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahul ◽  
Yasir Hasan Siddique
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Huntington's Disease ◽  
Huntington’S Disease ◽  
Neuroprotective Effects ◽  
Major Health Problem ◽  
Beneficial Effects

: Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Ischemic stroke have become a major health problem worldwide. Pre-clinical studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of flavonoids on neurodegenerative diseases and suggesting them to be used as therapeutic agents. Kaempferol is found in many plants such as tea, beans, broccoli,strawberriesand has neuroprotective effects against the development of many neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease. The present study summarizesthe neuroprotective effects of kaempferol in various models of neurodegenerative diseases. Kaempferol delays the initiation as well as the progression of neurodegenerative disorders by acting as a scavenger of free radicals and preserving the activity of various antioxidant enzymes. Kaempferolcan crossthe blood-brain barrier (BBB), and therefore results inan enhanced protective effect. The multi-target property of kaempferol makes it a potential dietary supplement in preventing and treating neurodegenerative diseases.

scholarly journals The Multifaced Actions of Curcumin in Pregnancy Outcome

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 126
Author(s):  
Giovanni Tossetta ◽  
Sonia Fantone ◽  
Stefano Raffaele Giannubilo ◽  
Daniela Marzioni
Keyword(s):  
Natural Compound ◽  
Curcuma Longa ◽  
Human Diet ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Toxic Agents ◽  
Anti Oxidant ◽  
Ancient Times ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Pleiotropic Functions

Curcumin, also known as diferuloylmethane, is the main polyphenolic substance present in the rhizomes of Curcuma longa L. This plant showed many beneficial effects and has been used since ancient times for both food and pharmaceutical purposes. Due to its pleiotropic functions, curcumin consumption in the human diet has become very common thanks also to the fact that this natural compound is considered quite safe as it does not have serious side effects. Its functions as an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-toxicant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-diabetic compound are already known and widely demonstrated. There are numerous studies concerning its effects on various human pathologies including cancer, diabetes and arthritis while the studies on curcumin during pregnancy have been performed only in animal models. Data concerning the role of curcumin as anti-inflammatory compound suggest a possible use of curcumin in managing pregnancy complications such as Preeclampsia (PE), Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR), PreTerm Birth (PTB), and exposure to toxic agents and pathogens. The aim of this review is to present data to support the possible use of curcumin in clinical trials on human gestation complications.

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