Efficacy of Natural Compounds in Neurodegenerative Disorders

An Update of Fungal Endophyte Diversity and Strategies for Augmenting Therapeutic Potential of their Potent Metabolites: Recent Advancement

Endophytic fungi represent a significant renewable resource for the discovery of pharmaceutically important compounds, offering substantial potential for new drug development. Their ability to address the growing issue of drug resistance has drawn attention from researchers seeking novel, nature-derived lead molecules that can be produced on a large scale to meet global demand. Recent advancements in genomics, metabolomics, bioinformatics, and improved cultivation techniques have significantly aided the identification and characterization of fungal endophytes and their metabolites. Current estimates suggest there are approximately 1.20 million fungal endophytes globally, yet only around 16% (190,000) have been identified and studied in detail. This underscores the vast untapped potential of fungal endophytes in pharmaceutical research. Research has increasingly focused on the transformation of bioactive compounds by fungal endophytes through chemical and enzymatic processes. A notable example is the anthraquinone derivative 6-O-methylalaternin, whose cytotoxic potential is enhanced by the addition of a hydroxyl group, sharing structural similarities with its parent compound macrosporin. These structure-bioactivity studies open up new avenues for developing safer and more effective therapeutic agents by synthesizing targeted derivatives. Despite the immense promise, challenges remain, particularly in the large-scale cultivation of fungal endophytes and in understanding the complexities of their biosynthetic pathways. Additionally, the genetic manipulation of endophytes for optimized metabolite production is still in its infancy. Future research should aim to overcome these limitations by focusing on more efficient cultivation methods and deeper exploration of fungal endophytes' genetic and metabolic capabilities to fully harness their therapeutic potential.

Luteolin for neurodegenerative diseases: a review

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, and multiple sclerosis affect millions of people around the world. In addition to age, which is a key factor contributing to the development of all neurodegenerative diseases, genetic and environmental components are also important risk factors. Current methods of treating neurodegenerative diseases are mostly symptomatic and do not eliminate the cause of the disease. Many studies focus on searching for natural substances with neuroprotective properties that could be used as an adjuvant therapy in the inhibition of the neurodegeneration process. These compounds include flavonoids, such as luteolin, showing significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective activity. Increasing evidence suggests that luteolin may confer protection against neurodegeneration. In this review, we summarize the scientific reports from preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies regarding the beneficial effects of luteolin in neurodegenerative diseases. Luteolin was studied most extensively in various models of Alzheimer's disease but there are also several reports showing its neuroprotective effects in models of Parkinson's disease. Though very limited, studies on possible protective effects of luteolin against Huntington's disease and multiple sclerosis are also discussed here. Overall, although preclinical studies show the potential benefits of luteolin in neurodegenerative disorders, clinical evidence on its therapeutic efficacy is still deficient.

Exploring the Comprehensive Neuroprotective and Anticancer Potential of Afzelin

Neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and others) and cancer, seemingly disparate in their etiology and manifestation, exhibit intriguing associations in certain cellular and molecular processes. Both cancer and neurodegenerative diseases involve the deregulation of cellular processes such as apoptosis, proliferation, and DNA repair and pose a significant global health challenge. Afzelin (kaempferol 3-O-rhamnoside) is a flavonoid compound abundant in various plant sources. Afzelin exhibits a diverse range of biological activities, offering promising prospects for the treatment of diseases hallmarked by oxidative stress and deregulation of cell death pathways. Its protective potential against oxidative stress is also promising for alleviating the side effects of chemotherapy. This review explores the potential therapeutic implications of afzelin, including its capacity to mitigate oxidative stress, modulate inflammation, and promote cellular regeneration in neurodegenerative and cancer diseases.

The Standardized Extract of Centella asiatica and Its Fractions Exert Antioxidative and Anti-Neuroinflammatory Effects on Microglial Cells and Regulate the Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway

Background

Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress can aggravate the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Centella asiatica has been traditionally consumed for memory and cognition. The triterpenes (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, madecassic acid) have been standardized in the ethanolic extract of Centella asiatica (SECA). The bioactivity of the triterpenes in different solvent polarities of SECA is still unknown.

Objective

In this study, the antioxidative and anti-neuroinflammatory effects of SECA and its fractions were explored on lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced microglial cells.

Methods

HPLC measured the four triterpenes in SECA and its fractions. SECA and its fractions were tested for cytotoxicity on microglial cells using MTT assay. NO, pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), ROS, and MDA (lipid peroxidation) produced by LPS-induced microglial cells were measured by colorimetric assays and ELISA. Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expressions were measured using western blotting.

Results

The SECA and its fractions were non-toxic to BV2 microglial cells at tested concentrations. The levels of NO, TNF-α, IL-6, ROS, and lipid peroxidation in LPS-induced BV2 microglial cells were significantly reduced (p < 0.001) by SECA and its fractions. SECA and some of its fractions can activate the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway by significantly enhancing (p < 0.05) the Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expressions.

Conclusions

This study suggests that the inhibitory activity of SECA and its fractions on pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress events may be the result of the activation of antioxidant defense systems. The potential of SECA and its fractions in reducing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress can be further studied as a potential therapeutic strategy for AD.

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Phytoconstituents for Addressing Neurodegenerative Disorders

Neurodegenerative disorder is a serious condition that is caused by abnormal or no neurological function. Neurodegenerative disease is a major growing cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, especially in the elderly. After World War Ⅱ, eugenics term was exterminated from medicines. Neurodegenerative disease is a genetically inherited disease. Lifestyle changes, environmental factors, and genetic modification, together or alone, are involved in the occurrence of this disorder. The major examples of neurodegenerative disorders are Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, in which apoptosis and necrosis are the two major death pathways for neurons. It has been determined from various studies that the etiology of the neurodegenerative disease involves the role of oxidative stress and anti-oxidant defence system, which are prime factors associated with the activation of signal transduction pathway that is responsible for the formation of synuclein in the brain and manifestation of toxic reactions in the form of functional abnormality, which ultimately leads to the dysfunction of neuronal pathway or cell. There has not been much success in the discovery of effective therapy to treat neurodegenerative diseases because the main cause of abnormal functioning or death of neurons is not well known. However, the use of natural products that are derived from plants has effective therapeutic potential against neurodegenerative disease. The natural compounds with medicinal properties to prevent neurological dysfunction are curcumin, wolfberry, ginseng, and Withania somnifera. The selection and use of natural compounds are based on their strong anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties against neurodegenerative disease. Herbal products have active constituents that play an important role in the prevention of communication errors between neurons and neurotransmitters and their respective receptors in the brain, which influence their function. Considering this, natural products have great potential against neurodegenerative diseases. This article reviews the natural compounds used to treat neurodegenerative diseases and their mechanisms of action.

Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) Pathways in Age-Related Cardiovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Age-associated cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases lead to high morbidity and mortality around the world. Sirtuins are vital enzymes for metabolic adaptation and provide protective effects against a wide spectrum of pathologies. Among sirtuins, mitochondrial sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is an essential player in preserving the habitual metabolic profile. SIRT3 activity declines as a result of aging-induced changes in cellular metabolism, leading to increased susceptibility to endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, heart failure and neurodegenerative diseases. Stimulating SIRT3 activity via lifestyle, pharmacological or genetic interventions could protect against a plethora of pathologies and could improve health and lifespan. Thus, understanding how SIRT3 operates and how its protective effects could be amplified, will aid in treating age-associated diseases and ultimately, in enhancing the quality of life in elders.

Garcinol blocks motor behavioural deficits by providing dopaminergic neuroprotection in MPTP mouse model of Parkinson's disease: involvement of anti-inflammatory response

Although the etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) is poorly understood, studies in animal models revealed loss of dopamine and the dopaminergic neurons harbouring the neurotransmitter to be the principal cause behind this neuro-motor disorder. Neuroinflammation with glial cell activation is suggested to play a significant role in dopaminergic neurodegeneration. Several biomolecules have been reported to confer dopaminergic neuroprotection in different animal models of PD, owing to their anti-inflammatory potentials. Garcinol is a tri-isoprenylated benzophenone isolated from Garcinia sp. and accumulating evidences suggest that this molecule could provide neuroprotection by modulating oxidative stress and inflammation. However, direct evidence of dopaminergic neuroprotection by garcinol in the pre-clinical model of PD is not yet reported. The present study aims to investigate whether administration of garcinol in the MPTP mouse model of PD may ameliorate the cardinal motor behavioural deficits and prevent the loss of dopaminergic neurons. As expected, garcinol blocked the parkinsonian motor behavioural deficits which include akinesia, catalepsy, and rearing anomalies in the mice model. Most importantly, the degeneration of dopaminergic cell bodies in the substantia nigra region was significantly prevented by garcinol. Furthermore, garcinol reduced the inflammatory marker, glial fibrillary acidic protein, in the substantia nigra region. Since glial hyperactivation-mediated inflammation is inevitably associated with the loss of dopaminergic neurons, our study suggests the anti-inflammatory role of garcinol in facilitating dopaminergic neuroprotection in PD mice. Hence, in the light of the present study, it is suggested that garcinol is an effective anti-parkinsonian agent to block motor behavioural deficits and dopaminergic neurodegeneration in PD.

Pharmacological Properties and Health Benefits of Eugenol: A Comprehensive Review

The biologically active phytochemicals are sourced from edible and medicinally important plants and are important molecules being used for the formulation of thousands of drugs. These phytochemicals have great benefits against many ailments particularly the inflammatory diseases or oxidative stress-mediated chronic diseases. Eugenol (EUG) is a versatile naturally occurring molecule as phenolic monoterpenoid and frequently found in essential oils in a wide range of plant species. EUG bears huge industrial applications particularly in pharmaceutics, dentistry, flavoring of foods, agriculture, and cosmeceutics. It is being focused recently due to its great potential in preventing several chronic conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared EUG as a nonmutant and generally recognized as safe (GRAS) molecule. The available literature about pharmacological activities of EUG shows remarkable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties and has a significant effect on human health. The current manuscript summarizes the pharmacological characteristics of EUG and its potential health benefits.

The Moringin/α-CD Pretreatment Induces Neuroprotection in an In Vitro Model of Alzheimer's Disease: A Transcriptomic Study

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and represents the most common form of senile dementia. Autophagy and mitophagy are cellular processes that play a key role in the aggregation of β-amyloid (Aβ) and tau phosphorylation. As a consequence, impairment of these processes leads to the progression of AD. Thus, interest is growing in the search for new natural compounds, such as Moringin (MOR), with neuroprotective, anti-amyloidogenic, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory properties that could be used for AD prevention. However, MOR appears to be poorly soluble and stable in water. To increase its solubility MOR was conjugated with α-cyclodextrin (MOR/α-CD). In this work, it was evaluated if MOR/α-CD pretreatment was able to exert neuroprotective effects in an AD in vitro model through the evaluation of the transcriptional profile by next-generation sequencing (NGS). To induce the AD model, retinoic acid-differentiated SH-SY5Y cells were exposed to Aβ_1-42. The MOR/α-CD pretreatment reduced the expression of the genes which encode proteins involved in senescence, autophagy, and mitophagy processes. Additionally, MOR/α-CD was able to induce neuronal remodeling modulating the axon guidance, principally downregulating the Slit/Robo signaling pathway. Noteworthy, MOR/α-CD, modulating these important pathways, may induce neuronal protection against Aβ_1-42 toxicity as demonstrated also by the reduction of cleaved caspase 3. These data indicated that MOR/α-CD could attenuate the progression of the disease and promote neuronal repair.

Nanomedicine-based technologies and novel biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease: from current to future challenges

Increasing life expectancy has led to an aging population, which has consequently increased the prevalence of dementia. Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia worldwide, is estimated to make up 50-80% of all cases. AD cases are expected to reach 131 million by 2050, and this increasing prevalence will critically burden economies and health systems in the next decades. There is currently no treatment that can stop or reverse disease progression. In addition, the late diagnosis of AD constitutes a major obstacle to effective disease management. Therefore, improved diagnostic tools and new treatments for AD are urgently needed. In this review, we investigate and describe both well-established and recently discovered AD biomarkers that could potentially be used to detect AD at early stages and allow the monitoring of disease progression. Proteins such as NfL, MMPs, p-tau217, YKL-40, SNAP-25, VCAM-1, and Ng / BACE are some of the most promising biomarkers because of their successful use as diagnostic tools. In addition, we explore the most recent molecular strategies for an AD therapeutic approach and nanomedicine-based technologies, used to both target drugs to the brain and serve as devices for tracking disease progression diagnostic biomarkers. State-of-the-art nanoparticles, such as polymeric, lipid, and metal-based, are being widely investigated for their potential to improve the effectiveness of both conventional drugs and novel compounds for treating AD. The most recent studies on these nanodevices are deeply explained and discussed in this review.

Malonic acid suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced BV2 microglia cell activation by inhibiting the p38 MAPK/NF-κB pathway

An inflammatory reaction caused by the activation of microglia in the brain can lead to neurodegeneration and cause diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The regulation of inflammation can aid in preventing the development of neurodegenerative disease. Malonic acid has a variety of biological activity. The effects of malonic acid on microglia are not currently well known. Therefore, in this study, we investigate the effects of inflammation of malonic acid in BV2 microglia cells. As a result, we demonstrated that malonic acid on LPS-treated microglia decreased pro-inflammatory responses and mechanisms of the p38 MAPK/NF-κB pathway. Inflammatory mediators significantly decreased the LPS-induced production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species. Pro-inflammatory cytokines of IL-6 suppressed gene expression. In addition, the protein expression of NF-κB decreased at the nucleus, as did the protein expression of activated phosphorylated IκB-α, which is an NF-κB regulator-related protein. The expression of phosphorylated p38, a mediator of inflammatory cytokines, was regulated. Therefore, our results indicate that malonic acid has anti-inflammatory effects and may be a potential therapeutic candidate for neuroinflammatory diseases.

Botanical Drug Puerarin Promotes Neuronal Survival and Neurite Outgrowth against MPTP/MPP+-Induced Toxicity via Progesterone Receptor Signaling

Background

Progesterone receptor (PR) modulates neuroprotective and regenerative responses in Parkinson's disease and related neurological diseases.

Objectives

The present study was designed to determine whether botanical drug puerarin could exhibit neuroprotective and neurorestorative activities via PR signaling.

Methods

The neuroprotective and neurotrophic activities of puerarin were investigated in MPTP-lesioned mice and MPP⁺-challenged primary rat midbrain neurons. Rotarod performance test and tail suspension test were used to assess motor functions. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and PR were determined by immunostaining, Western blotting, and luciferase reporter assays. Neurite outgrowth was assessed by fluorescence staining and immunostaining.

Results

Puerarin effectively ameliorated the MPTP-induced motor abnormalities in MPTP-lesioned mice and protected primary rat midbrain neurons against MPP⁺-induced toxicity via PR signaling although progesterone exhibited the neuroprotection. PR antagonist mifepristone (RU486) diminished the neuroprotection of puerarin in MPTP-lesioned mice and MPP⁺-induced primary rat midbrain neurons. Moreover, puerarin promoted the differentiation of primary rat midbrain neurons and potentiated NGF to induce neuritogenesis in PC12 cells. RU486 and PR-siRNA could inhibit the effect of puerarin. Puerarin and progesterone could enhance the PR promoter.

Conclusion

Puerarin attenuated MPTP- and MPP⁺-induced toxicity and potentiated neurite outgrowth via PR. These results suggested that puerarin may become an alternative hormone for suppressing MPTP- and MPP⁺-induced toxicity in neurodegenerative diseases.

Aster ageratoides Turcz. extract attenuates Alzheimer's disease-associated cognitive deficits and vascular dementia-associated neuronal death

Dementia is the common neurodegenerative disorder affecting the elderly, with a progressive cognitive decline and memory loss. Since Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VD) share key pathologies including oxidative damage, oral supplement of phytochemical medicines, which are well-known for their antioxidant properties, can be a viable therapy for both types of dementia. In this study, the therapeutic potential of the Aster ageratoides extract (AAE), an oriental drug with multiple medicinal properties, was tested on experimental rat models of AD and VD. After confirming the in vitro attenuation of neuronal excitotoxicity by AAE, rats were orally administered with AAE for 7 days and subsequently tested under 2 different experimental paradigms: efficacy screening against #1 AD and #2 VD. For paradigm #1, the rats received intraperitoneal scopolamine and subsequently underwent 3 different behavior tests i.e., the Y-maze, novel object recognition, and passive avoidance tests. For paradigm #2, the rats were operated with the 2-vessel occlusion and hypovolemia (2VO/H) technique, and at postoperative day 7, their hippocampal neuronal viability and the neuroinflammatory changes were quantified. The results showed that the scopolamine-induced impairment of memory performance was significantly improved by AAE intake. Furthermore, while the 2VO/H operation induced marked hippocampal neuronal death and microglial activation, both these effects were significantly attenuated by AAE supplements. Some of the aforementioned effects of AAE intake were dose-dependent. These results provided evidence that AAE supplements can exert anti-AD and -VD efficacies and suggested that AAE might be used as an edible phytotherapeutic for the 2 major types of dementia.

SIRT3 Regulation of Mitochondrial Quality Control in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases are disorders that are characterized by a progressive decline of motor and/or cognitive functions caused by the selective degeneration and loss of neurons within the central nervous system. The most common neurodegenerative diseases are Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Huntington's disease (HD). Neurons have high energy demands, and dysregulation of mitochondrial quality and function is an important cause of neuronal degeneration. Mitochondrial quality control plays an important role in maintaining mitochondrial integrity and ensuring normal mitochondrial function; thus, defects in mitochondrial quality control are also significant causes of neurodegenerative diseases. The mitochondrial deacetylase SIRT3 has been found to have a large effect on mitochondrial function. Recent studies have also shown that SIRT3 has a role in mitochondrial quality control, including in the refolding or degradation of misfolded/unfolded proteins, mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy, and mitochondrial biogenesis, all of which are affected in neurodegenerative diseases.

Phytochemicals Bridging Autophagy Induction and Alpha-Synuclein Degradation in Parkinsonism

Among nutraceuticals, phytochemical-rich compounds represent a source of naturally-derived bioactive principles, which are extensively studied for potential beneficial effects in a variety of disorders ranging from cardiovascular and metabolic diseases to cancer and neurodegeneration. In the brain, phytochemicals produce a number of biological effects such as modulation of neurotransmitter activity, growth factor induction, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, stem cell modulation/neurogenesis, regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis, and counteracting protein aggregation through modulation of protein-folding chaperones and the cell clearing systems autophagy and proteasome. In particular, the ability of phytochemicals in restoring proteostasis through autophagy induction took center stage in recent research on neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). Indeed, autophagy dysfunctions and α-syn aggregation represent two interdependent downstream biochemical events, which concur in the parkinsonian brain, and which are targeted by phytochemicals administration. Therefore, in the present review we discuss evidence about the autophagy-based neuroprotective effects of specific phytochemical-rich plants in experimental parkinsonism, with a special focus on their ability to counteract alpha-synuclein aggregation and toxicity. Although further studies are needed to confirm the autophagy-based effects of some phytochemicals in parkinsonism, the evidence discussed here suggests that rescuing autophagy through natural compounds may play a role in preserving dopamine (DA) neuron integrity by counteracting the aggregation, toxicity, and prion-like spreading of α-syn, which remains a hallmark of PD.

16S rRNA gene profiling and genome reconstruction reveal community metabolic interactions and prebiotic potential of medicinal herbs used in neurodegenerative disease and as nootropics

The prebiotic potential of nervine herbal medicines has been scarcely studied. We therefore used anaerobic human fecal cultivation to investigate whether medicinal herbs commonly used as treatment in neurological health and disease in Ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine modulate gut microbiota. Profiling of fecal cultures supplemented with either Kapikacchu, Gotu Kola, Bacopa/Brahmi, Shankhapushpi, Boswellia/Frankincense, Jatamansi, Bhringaraj, Guduchi, Ashwagandha or Shatavari by 16S rRNA sequencing revealed profound changes in diverse taxa. Principal coordinate analysis highlights that each herb drives the formation of unique microbial communities predicted to display unique metabolic potential. The relative abundance of approximately one-third of the 243 enumerated species was altered by all herbs. Additional species were impacted in an herb-specific manner. In this study, we combine genome reconstruction of sugar utilization and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) pathways encoded in the genomes of 216 profiled taxa with monosaccharide composition analysis of each medicinal herb by quantitative mass spectrometry to enhance the interpretation of resulting microbial communities and discern potential drivers of microbiota restructuring. Collectively, our results indicate that gut microbiota engage in both protein and glycan catabolism, providing amino acid and sugar substrates that are consumed by fermentative species. We identified taxa that are efficient amino acid fermenters and those capable of both amino acid and sugar fermentation. Herb-induced microbial communities are predicted to alter the relative abundance of taxa encoding SCFA (butyrate and propionate) pathways. Co-occurrence network analyses identified a large number of taxa pairs in medicinal herb cultures. Some of these pairs displayed related culture growth relationships in replicate cultures highlighting potential functional interactions among medicinal herb-induced taxa.

In Vitro Screening for Cytotoxic Activity of Herbal Extracts

Experimental studies have shown that a variety of chemopreventive plant components affect tumor initiation, promotion, and progression and the main difference, between botanical medicines and synthetic drugs, resides in the presence of complex metabolite mixtures shown by botanical medicine which in turn exert their action on different levels and via different mechanisms. In the present study, we performed an in vitro screening of ethanol extracts from commercial plants in order to investigate potential antitumor activity against human tumor cell lines. Experimental results obtained through a variety of methods and techniques indicated that extracts of I. verum, G. glabra, R. Frangula, and L. usitatissimum present significant reduction in in vitro tumor cell proliferation, suggesting these extracts as possible chemotherapeutical adjuvants for different cancer treatments.