Antioxidant-Rich Fraction of Urtica dioica Mediated Rescue of Striatal Mito-Oxidative Damage in MPTP-Induced Behavioral, Cellular, and Neurochemical Alterations in Rats

Neuroprotective and antioxidant effects of Urtica dioica extract against chlorpyrifos-induced toxicity: an in vivo study

This study examines the neuroprotective and antioxidant effects of Urtica dioica ethanolic extract (UDExt) and melatonin (Mel) in mitigating chlorpyrifos (CPF)-induced toxicity in rats, with melatonin serving as a standard antioxidant. Male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: (I) Control, (II) UDExt (200 mg/kg), (III) Mel (20 mg/kg), (IV) CPF (10 mg/kg), (V) UDExt + CPF, and (VI) Mel + CPF. UDExt and Mel were administered for 7 days prior to CPF exposure, followed by a treatment of 14 days. The findings revealed that CPF exposure significantly impaired hematological parameters (WBC, PLT, LYM), increased lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation, and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GPx) in brain and cerebellar tissues compared to control rats. Behavioral tests, including the open field test, showed that CPF reduced locomotor activity and increased anxiogenic symptoms. The Y-maze test revealed impaired recognition memory, and the tail suspension test indicated increased depressive symptoms. Histological analysis revealed neuronal damage in the brain and cerebellum tissues. Treatment with UDExt or melatonin, following CPF exposure, significantly improved hematological parameters, reduced lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation, normalized antioxidant enzyme activities, and alleviated neurobehavioral alterations. Histopathological analysis also showed that UDExt or melatonin combined with CPF notably reduced neuronal damage in the brain and cerebellum. UDExt and melatonin mitigated the CPF-induced neurobehavioral alterations associated oxidative injury.

Crosstalk between gut-brain axis: unveiling the mysteries of gut ROS in progression of Parkinson's disease

"Path to a good mood lies through the gut." This statement seems to imply that it has long been believed that the gut is connected with the brain. Research has shown that eating food activates the reward system and releases dopamine (DA), establishing a link between the peripheral and central nervous system. At the same time, researchers also trust that the gut is involved in the onset of many diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD), in which gastrointestinal dysfunction is considered a prevalent symptom. Reports suggest that PD starts from the gut and reaches the brain via the vagus nerve. Recent studies have revealed an intriguing interaction between the gut and brain, which links gut dysbiosis to the etiology of PD. This review aims to explore the mechanistic pathway how reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the gut affects the makeup and operation of the dopamine circuitry in the brain. Our primary concern is ROS generation in the gut, which disrupts the gut microbiome (GM), causing α-synuclein accumulation and inflammation. This trio contributes to the loss of DA neurons in the brain, resulting in PD development. This review also compiles pre-clinical and clinical studies on antioxidants, demonstrating that antioxidants reduce ROS and increase DA levels. Collectively, the study highlights the necessity of comprehending the gut-brain axis for unraveling the riddles of PD pathogenesis and considering new therapeutic approaches.

Effects of polyphenol on motor function in mice with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Polyphenols have been reported to have a multi-targeted neuroprotective effect on Parkinson's disease (PD). However, there has been no comprehensive analysis of the effect of polyphenol therapy on improving motor symptoms in PD. We used keywords to search the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, SpringerLink, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang and Web of Science from the establishment of the database to April 2023. A randomized effects model systematic review and meta-analysis of 83 included studies were conducted to investigate the ameliorative effects of polyphenols on 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced motor dysfunction in a rodent model of PD. The results showed that compared with PD control group, polyphenols significantly improved balance, exploration, vertical crawling, horizontal crawling, muscle strength and sensorimotor function motor dysfunction of rodents. Subgroup analysis showed that the types of polyphenols had different recovery effects on motor symptoms of PD. Oral polyphenol intervention was superior to intraperitoneal and intravenous administration. This meta-analysis provides comprehensive evidence for the prevention or treatment of Parkinson's motor symptoms with polyphenols and expands the idea of future clinical application of polyphenols.

The role of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) in the management of rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease in rats

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative conditions. Alpha-synuclein deposition, Lewy bodies (LBs) formation, disruption of the autophagic machinery, apoptosis of substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation are all pathologic hallmarks of PD. The leaves of the stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) have a long history as an herbal cure with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective properties. The current study aims for the first time to investigate the role of Nettle supplementation on Rotenone-induced PD. Rats were divided into five groups; a Saline control, Nettle control (100 mg/kg/day), Rotenone control (2 mg/kg/day), Rotenone + Nettle (50 mg /kg/day), and Rotenone + Nettle (100 mg/kg). After four weeks, the rats were examined for behavioral tests. The midbrains were investigated for histopathological alteration and immunohistochemical reaction for Tyrosine hydroxylase in the dopaminergic neurons, α-synuclein for Lewy bodies, caspase 3 for apoptotic neurons, LC3 and P62 for autophagic activity. Midbrain homogenates were examined for oxidative stress markers. mRNA expression of TNFα and Il6; inflammatory markers, Bcl-2, BAX and Caspase 3; apoptosis markers, were detected in midbrains. The results showed that Nettle caused recovery of midbrain dopaminergic neurons, by inhibiting apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress and by restoring the autophagic machinery with clearance of α-synuclein deposits. We can conclude that Nettle is a potentially effective adjuvant in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Role of Network Pharmacology in Prediction of Mechanism of Neuroprotective Compounds

Network pharmacology is an emerging pioneering approach in the drug discovery process, which is used to predict the therapeutic mechanism of compounds using various bioinformatic tools and databases. Emerging studies have indicated the use of network pharmacological approaches in various research fields, particularly in the identification of possible mechanisms of herbal compounds/ayurvedic formulations in the management of various diseases. These techniques could also play an important role in the prediction of the possible mechanisms of neuroprotective compounds. The first part of the chapter includes an introduction on neuroprotective compounds based on literature. Further, network pharmacological approaches are briefly discussed. The use of network pharmacology in the prediction of the neuroprotective mechanism of compounds is discussed in detail with suitable examples. Finally, the chapter concludes with the current challenges and future prospectives.

The modulator role of Urtica dioica on deleterious effects of retinoic acid high doses on histological parameters and fertilization of rats

Aim

This study purposed to evaluate the modulator and protective role of Urtica dioica (UD) extract against deleterious effects of retinoic acid (RA) high doses on histological parameters and fertilization of rats.

Materials and methods

For the in-vivo phase, 60 female Wistar rats were divided into 6 identical groups as 1) control, 2) 25 mg/kg RA, 3) 25 mg/kg UD extract, 4) 50 mg/kg UD extract, 5) UD extract (25 mg/kg) + RA (25 mg/kg), and 6) UD extract (50 mg/kg) + RA (25 mg/kg). Biochemical parameters, including luteinizing hormone (LH), folliclestimulating hormone (FSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities, were measured. In the in-vitro phase, oocytes were obtained from 10 female rats without injection. In addition to the mentioned parameters, histological parameters (oocytes in various stages) and the results of IVM, IVF, and embryo developments were assessed and compared among the groups with the use of one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests.

Results

The high dosage of RA significantly reduced the LH and FSH levels; however, UD alone and with RA increased the hormone levels in rats. Regarding the reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity levels in rats' blood samples, RA increased the MDA and decreased the SOD and CAT levels. Treatment with UD extract (UD + RA groups) significantly improved the parameters mentioned, showing UD's antioxidant effect. The rate of oocyte maturation, 2-cell-4-cell and 4-cell-8-cell embryos, and blastocyst formation increased significantly in the groups in which UD extracts were administered compared to the control and RA groups. Furthermore, the increases were significant in the UD + RA groups compared to the RA group.

Conclusion

UD extract can significantly reduce RA high doses side effects on histological parameters and fertilization of rats and has the protective potential against RA deleterious effects.

Comparative Amino Acid Profile and Antioxidant Activity in Sixteen Plant Extracts from Transylvania, Romania

In addition to the naturopathic medicines based on the antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, or antioxidant properties of plant extracts that have been capitalized upon through the pharmaceutical industry, the increasing interest of the food industry in this area requires potent new materials capable of supporting this market. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro amino acid contents and antioxidant activities of ethanolic extracts from sixteen plants. Our results show high accumulated amino acid contents, mainly of proline, glutamic, and aspartic acid. The most consistent values of essential amino acids were isolated from T. officinale, U. dioica, C. majus, A. annua, and M. spicata. The results of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-pycrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay indicate that R. officinalis was the most potent antioxidant, followed by four other extracts (in decreasing order): T. serpyllum, C. monogyna, S. officinalis, and M. koenigii. The network and principal component analyses found four natural groupings between samples based on DPPH free radical scavenging activity content. Each plant extracts' antioxidant action was discussed based on similar results found in the literature, and a lower capacity was observed for most species. An overall ranking of the analyzed plant species can be accomplished due to the range of experimental methods. The literature review revealed that these natural antioxidants represent the best side-effect-free alternatives to synthetic additives, especially in the food processing industry.

The medicinal chemistry of Urtica dioica L.: from preliminary evidence to clinical studies supporting its neuroprotective activity

Urtica dioica is a perennial herb from the family of Urticaceae that is commonly known as stinging nettle. This plant is widespread in Europe, Africa, America, and a part of Asia, as it adapts to different environments and climatic conditions. The leaves, stalk, and bark of U. dioica found applications in the field of nutrition, cosmetics, textile, pest control and pharmacology. In this connection, bioactive chemical constituents such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, amino acids, carotenoids, and fatty acids have been isolated from the plant. With this review, we aim at providing an updated and comprehensive overview of the contributions in literature reporting computational, in vitro, pre-clinical and clinical data supporting the therapeutic applications of U. dioica. Experimental evidence shows that U. dioica constituents and extracts can provide neuroprotective effects by acting through a combination of different molecular mechanisms, that are discussed in the review. These findings could lay the basis for the identification and design of more effective tools against neurodegenerative diseases.

Ozanimod-Dependent Activation of SIRT3/NF-κB/AIM2 Pathway Attenuates Secondary Injury After Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is characterized by poor prognosis and high mortality rates. To date, satisfactory therapeutic approaches for ICH remain limited, so it is urgently needed to develop a safer and more effective prescription. Secondary inflammatory response has been acknowledged as an aggravating factor to neurological deterioration after ICH. As a component of inflammasome sensors, absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) plays an important role in the neuroinflammation process. Here, ozanimod, a novel selective sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator, has gained much attention, which alleviates the resultant neuroinflammation and improves functional recovery derived from ICH. In this study, ozanimod improved neurological functions of ICH mice via reduction of hematoma size. Furthermore, both microglial and AIM2 inflammasome activations were reversed by ozanimod, which are confirmed by the downregulation of related inflammatory proteins and cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), coupled with the upregulation of SIRT3, by leveraging the Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, we find that ozanimod decreases nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) expression. Notably, in vitro cell experiments induced by lipopolysaccharide confirms that the anti-inflammatory effect of ozanimod could be abolished by the SIRT3 inhibitor. In conclusion, these results indicate that ozanimod mitigates ICH-induced secondary inflammatory responses by modulating AIM2 inflammasome mediated by SIRT3/NF-κB/AIM2 pathway. This demonstrates ozanimod orchestrates ICH-induced neuroinflammation and could be a targeted therapy for improving prognosis of ICH.

Antioxidant Activity of Urtica dioica: An Important Property Contributing to Multiple Biological Activities

Urtica dioica (UD) is a multi-functional plant known to be used as both food and medicine from ancient times. The plant has the potential to be used as a fertilizer and for biological pest control. It is also used in textile and related industries for its quality fibers. In the recent past, the plant has received great attention for its numerous important biological activities and food applications. The antioxidant activity of UD is the crucial factor supporting its important biological activities, such as anticancer, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. The antioxidant activity of UD is also found to be protective in different organs, including the brain, liver, lungs, kidney, ovary, and uterus, and may also be protective against diseases associated with these organs. Few clinical studies have endorsed the antioxidant potential of UD in patients. The current work is an attempt to comprehensively compile and discuss the antioxidant activity of UD from in vitro, in vivo and human studies. The insights of the current study would be helpful in getting a panoramic view of the antioxidant potential of UD, and provide direction for optimizing and developing it for therapeutic applications against important diseases and conditions in the near future.

Multifaceted role of polyphenols in the treatment and management of neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are conditions that cause neuron structure and/or function to deteriorate over time. Genetic alterations may be responsible for several NDDs. However, a multitude of physiological systems can trigger neurodegeneration. Several NDDs, such as Huntington's, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's, are assigned to oxidative stress (OS). Low concentrations of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species are crucial for maintaining normal brain activities, as their increasing concentrations can promote neural apoptosis. OS-mediated neurodegeneration has been linked to several factors, including notable dysfunction of mitochondria, excitotoxicity, and Ca2+ stress. However, synthetic drugs are commonly utilized to treat most NDDs, and these treatments have been known to have side effects during treatment. According to providing empirical evidence, studies have discovered many occurring natural components in plants used to treat NDDs. Polyphenols are often safer and have lesser side effects. As, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, celastrol, berberine, genistein, and luteolin have p-values less than 0.05, so they are typically considered to be statistically significant. These polyphenols could be a choice of interest as therapeutics for NDDs. This review highlighted to discusses the putative effectiveness of polyphenols against the most prevalent NDDs.

Medicinal pteridophytes: ethnopharmacological, phytochemical, and clinical attributes

Background

Almost from the very beginning of human existence, man has been interacting with plants. Throughout human history, plants have provided humans with basic needs such as sustenance, firewood, livestock feed, and wood. The world has approximately 3 million vascular plants. The treatment of primary health problems is provided primarily by traditional medicines by around 80% of the world's population. Compared to other vascular plants, pteridophytes remain underexplored in ethnobotanical aspects, despite being regarded as a valuable component of healthcare for centuries. As an alternative medicine, pteridophytes are being investigated for their pharmacological activity. Almost 2000 years ago, humans were exploring and using plant species from this lineage because of its beneficial properties since pteridophytes were the first vascular plants.

Main body of the abstract

All popular search engines such as PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Scopus were searched to retrieve the relevant literature using various search strings relevant to the topic. Pteridophytes belonging to thirty different families have been documented as medicinal plants. For instance, Selaginella sp. has been demonstrated to have numerous therapeutic properties, including antioxidative, inflammation-reducing, anti-carcinogenic, diabetes-fighting, virucidal, antibacterial, and anti-senile dementia effects. In addition, clinical trials and studies performed on pteridophytes and derived compounds are also discussed in details.

Short conclusion

This review offers a compilation of therapeutically valuable pteridophytes utilized by local ethnic groups, as well as the public.

Graphical Abstract

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L.): Nutritional Composition, Bioactive Compounds, and Food Functional Properties

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L., Urticaceae) is commonly found in Asia, Africa, and Europe and has a long history of being used as food and traditional medicine. Recently, this plant is gaining attention as a highly nutritious food, where fresh leaves are dried and used as powder or in other forms. Leaves are rich in many bioactive compounds. This review aims to cover the traditional uses in food and medicine, as well as its nutritional composition, including its bioactive chemical constituents and reported food functional activities. Various bioactive chemical constituents have been isolated from stinging nettle to date, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, amino acid, carotenoids, and fatty acids. Stinging nettle extracts and its compounds, such as rutin, kaempferol, and vitamin A, are also used for their nutritional properties and as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents. Future studies should focus on the proper formulation and stability testing of the functional foods containing stinging nettle and their detailed activities in clinical studies.

A focus on natural products for preventing and cure of mitochondrial dysfunction in Parkinson's disease

Mitochondria are considered the only source of energy production within cells. This organelle is vital for neural function and survival by producing energy (adenosine triphosphate (ATP)) and regulating intracellular calcium. Mitochondrial dysfunction, which significantly contributes to both idiopathic and familial types of Parkinson's disease (PD), depletes cellular energy, disrupts homeostasis, and induces oxidative stress, leading to cell death. In recent years several natural products have been discovered to be protective against mitochondrial dysfunction. This review discusses the role of mitochondria in the progression of PD to define the path for using natural products to prevent and/or cure PD.

Role of medicinal plants in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 and in the management of post-COVID-19 complications

BACKGROUND

The worldwide corona virus disease outbreak, generally known as COVID-19 pandemic outbreak resulted in a major health crisis globally. The morbidity and transmission modality of COVID-19 appear more severe and uncontrollable. The respiratory failure and following cardiovascular complications are the main pathophysiology of this deadly disease. Several therapeutic strategies are put forward for the development of safe and effective treatment against SARS-CoV-2 virus from the pharmacological view point but till date there are no specific treatment regimen developed for this viral infection.

PURPOSE

The present review emphasizes the role of herbs and herbs-derived secondary metabolites in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 virus and also for the management of post-COVID-19 related complications. This approach will foster and ensure the safeguards of using medicinal plant resources to support the healthcare system. Plant-derived phytochemicals have already been reported to prevent the viral infection and to overcome the post-COVID complications like parkinsonism, kidney and heart failure, liver and lungs injury and mental problems. In this review, we explored mechanistic approaches of herbal medicines and their phytocomponenets as antiviral and post-COVID complications by modulating the immunological and inflammatory states.

STUDY DESIGN

Studies related to diagnosis and treatment guidelines issued for COVID-19 by different traditional system of medicine were included. The information was gathered from pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions approaches. The gathered information sorted based on therapeutic application of herbs and their components against SARSCoV-2 and COVID-19 related complications.

METHODS

A systemic search of published literature was conducted from 2003 to 2021 using different literature database like Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science to emphasize relevant articles on medicinal plants against SARS-CoV-2 viral infection and Post-COVID related complications.

RESULTS

Collected published literature from 2003 onwards yielded with total 625 articles, from more than 18 countries. Among these 625 articles, more than 95 medicinal plants and 25 active phytomolecules belong to 48 plant families. Reports on the therapeutic activity of the medicinal plants belong to the Lamiaceae family (11 reports), which was found to be maximum reported from 4 different countries including India, China, Australia, and Morocco. Other reports on the medicinal plant of Asteraceae (7 reports), Fabaceae (8 reports), Piperaceae (3 reports), Zingiberaceae (3 reports), Ranunculaceae (3 reports), Meliaceae (4 reports) were found, which can be explored for the development of safe and efficacious products targeting COVID-19.

CONCLUSION

Keeping in mind that the natural alternatives are in the priority for the management and prevention of the COVID-19, the present review may help to develop an alternative approach for the management of COVID-19 viral infection and post-COVID complications from a mechanistic point of view.

Chemically induced models of Parkinson's disease

Environmental toxins are harmful substances detrimental to humans. Constant exposure to these fatal neurotoxins can cause various neurodegenerative disorders. Although poisonous, specific neurotoxins at optimal concentrations mimic the clinical features of neurodegenerative diseases in several animal models. Such chemically-induced model systems are beneficial in deciphering the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration and drug screening for these disorders. One such neurotoxin is 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), a widely used chemical that recapitulates Parkinsonian features in various animal models. Apart from MPTP, other neurotoxins like 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), paraquat, rotenone also induce specific clinical features of Parkinson's disease in animal models. These chemically-induced Parkinson's disease models are playing a crucial role in understanding Parkinson's disease onset, pathology, and novel therapeutics. In this review, we provide a concise overview of various neurotoxins that can recapitulate Parkinsonian features in different in vivo and in vitro model systems specifically focusing on the different treatment methodologies of neurotoxins.

Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products in Treating Neurodegenerative Disorders and Their Future Prospects and Challenges

Natural products derived from plants, as well as their bioactive compounds, have been extensively studied in recent years for their therapeutic potential in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), including Alzheimer's (AD), Huntington's (HD), and Parkinson's (PD) disease. These diseases are characterized by progressive dysfunction and loss of neuronal structure and function. There has been little progress in designing efficient treatments, despite impressive breakthroughs in our understanding of NDs. In the prevention and therapy of NDs, the use of natural products may provide great potential opportunities; however, many clinical issues have emerged regarding their use, primarily based on the lack of scientific support or proof of their effectiveness and patient safety. Since neurodegeneration is associated with a myriad of pathological processes, targeting multi-mechanisms of action and neuroprotection approaches that include preventing cell death and restoring the function of damaged neurons should be employed. In the treatment of NDs, including AD and PD, natural products have emerged as potential neuroprotective agents. This current review will highlight the therapeutic potential of numerous natural products and their bioactive compounds thatexert neuroprotective effects on the pathologies of NDs.

Global survey of medicinal plants during lactation and postpartum recovery: Evolutionary perspectives and contemporary health implications

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cross-cultural comparison of plants used during lactation and the postpartum period offers insight into a largely overlooked area of ethnopharmacological research. Potential roles of phytochemicals in emerging models of interaction among immunity, inflammation, microbiome and nervous system effects on perinatal development have relevance for the life-long health of individuals and of populations in both traditional and contemporary contexts.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Delineate and interpret patterns of traditional and contemporary global use of medicinal plants ingested by mothers during the postpartum period relative to phytochemical activity on immune development and gastrointestinal microbiome of breastfed infants, and on maternal health.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Published reviews and surveys on galactagogues and postpartum recovery practices plus ethnobotanical studies from around the world were used to identify and rank plants, and ascertain regional use patterns. Scientific literature for 20 most-cited plants based on frequency of publication was assessed for antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antidepressant, analgesic, galactagogic and safety properties.

RESULTS

From compilation of 4418 use reports related to 1948 species, 105 plant taxa were recorded ≥7 times, with the most frequently cited species, Foeniculum vulgare, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Pimpinella anisum, Euphorbia hirta and Asparagus racemosus, 81, 64, 42, 40 and 38 times, respectively. Species and use vary globally, illustrated by the pattern of aromatic plants of culinary importance versus latex-producing plants utilized in North Africa/Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa with opposing predominance. For 18/20 of the plants a risk/benefit perspective supports assessment that positive immunomodulation and related potential exceed any safety concerns. Published evidence does not support a lactation-enhancing effect for nearly all the most-cited plants while antidepressant data for the majority of plants are predominately limited to animal studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Within a biocultural context traditional postpartum plant use serves adaptive functions for the mother-infant dyad and contributes phytochemicals absent in most contemporary diets and patterns of ingestion, with potential impacts on allergic, inflammatory and other conditions. Polyphenolics and other phytochemicals are widely immunologically active, present in breast milk and predominately non-toxic. Systematic analysis of phytochemicals in human milk, infant lumen and plasma, and immunomodulatory studies that differentiate maternal ingestion during lactation from pregnancy, are needed. Potential herb-drug interaction and other adverse effects should remain central to obstetric advising, but unless a plant is specifically shown as harmful, considering potential contributions to health of individuals and populations, blanket advisories against postpartum herbal use during lactation appear empirically unwarranted.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine Induced Parkinson's Disease in Mouse: Potential Association between Neurotransmitter Disturbance and Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis

Recent studies have revealed significant roles of neurotransmitters and gut microbiota along the gut-brain axis in Parkinson's disease (PD); however, the potential mechanisms remain poorly understood. In the current study, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) induced characteristic PD neurobehavior changes accompanied by increased α-synuclein, apoptotic protein Bim, and cleaved caspase-3 and decreased expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Meanwhile, the tryptophan (Trp) and tyrosine (Tyr) neurotransmitter metabolites involving kynurenine (KYN), serotonin (5-HT), and dopamine (DA) pathways were significantly changed in serum. Furthermore, the step-limited enzymes, which are responsible for the key metabolic pathways of these neurotransmitters, were obviously dysregulated. The 16S rRNA gene sequence results indicated that the abundance and diversity of the microbiota were obviously decreased in MPTP-treated mice, the presence of Ruminococcus, Parabacteroides and Parasutterella genera were obviously increased, while Coriobacteriaceae, Flavonifractor, Lachnospiraceae, Lactobacillaceae, and Rikenellaceae abundance was markedly decreased. The connectivity between the gut microbiota and neurotransmitter metabolism revealed that the gut microbiota dysbiosis was associated with disturbance of the DA, KYN, and 5-HT metabolic pathways. Therefore, our results provide evidence that gut-microbiota-brain axis disturbance may play an important role in PD development and targeting this axis might provide a promising therapeutic strategy for PD.

Natural Products and Their Bioactive Compounds: Neuroprotective Potentials against Neurodegenerative Diseases

In recent years, natural products, which originate from plants, animals, and fungi, together with their bioactive compounds have been intensively explored and studied for their therapeutic potentials for various diseases such as cardiovascular, diabetes, hypertension, reproductive, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are characterized by the progressive dysfunction and loss of neuronal structure and function that resulted in the neuronal cell death. Since the multifactorial pathological mechanisms are associated with neurodegeneration, targeting multiple mechanisms of actions and neuroprotection approach, which involves preventing cell death and restoring the function to damaged neurons, could be promising strategies for the prevention and therapeutic of neurodegenerative diseases. Natural products have emerged as potential neuroprotective agents for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. This review focused on the therapeutic potential of natural products and their bioactive compounds to exert a neuroprotective effect on the pathologies of neurodegenerative diseases.

Therapeutic Perspectives of Molecules from Urtica dioica Extracts for Cancer Treatment

A large range of chronic and degenerative diseases can be prevented through the use of food products and food bioactives. This study reports the health benefits and biological activities of the Urtica dioica (U. dioica) edible plant, with particular focus on its cancer chemopreventive potential. Numerous studies have attempted to investigate the most efficient anti-cancer therapy with few side effects and high toxicity on cancer cells to overcome the chemoresistance of cancer cells and the adverse effects of current therapies. In this regard, natural products from edible plants have been assessed as sources of anti-cancer agents. In this article, we review current knowledge from studies that have examined the cytotoxic, anti-tumor and anti-metastatic effects of U. dioica plant on several human cancers. Special attention has been dedicated to the treatment of breast cancer, the most prevalent cancer among women and one of the main causes of death worldwide. The anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of U. dioica have been demonstrated on different human cancers, investigating the properties of U. dioica at cellular and molecular levels. The potent cytotoxicity and anti-cancer activity of the U. dioica extracts are due to its bioactive natural products content, including polyphenols which reportedly possess anti-oxidant, anti-mutagenic and anti-proliferative properties. The efficacy of this edible plant to prevent or mitigate human cancers has been demonstrated in laboratory conditions as well as in experimental animal models, paving the way to the development of nutraceuticals for new anti-cancer therapies.

Ambroxol modulates 6-Hydroxydopamine-induced temporal reduction in Glucocerebrosidase (GCase) enzymatic activity and Parkinson's disease symptoms

Reduced glucocerebrosidase (GCase) enzymatic activity is found in sporadic cases of Parkinson's disease making GCase a serious risk factor for PD. GCase gene mutations constitute a major risk factor in early-onset PD but only account for 5-10% cases. Having enough evidence for construct and face validity, 6-OHDA-induced hemiparkinson's model may be useful to assess the GCase-targeting drugs in order to have new leads for treatment of PD. Ambroxol (AMB) is reported to increase GCase activity in different brain-regions. Therefore, we investigated anti-PD like effects of AMB as well as GCase activity in striatal and nigral tissues of rats in hemiparkinson's model. AMB was given a dose of 400 mg/kg per oral twice daily and SEL used as positive control was given in the dose of 10 mg/kg per oral daily from D-4 to D-27 after 6-OHDA administration. 6-OHDA reduced GCase activity in striatal and in a progressive manner in nigral tissues. AMB and SEL attenuated 6-OHDA-induced motor impairments, dopamine (DA) depletion and GCase deficiency. AMB and SEL also ameliorated 6-OHDA-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in terms of MTT reduction, α-synuclein pathology, loss of nigral cells, and intrinsic pathway of apoptosis by modulating cytochrome-C, caspase-9, and caspase-3 expressions. The results suggest that AMB attenuated 6-OHDA-induced GCase deficiency and PD symptoms. Therefore, the regenerative effects of AMB in dopamine toxicity may be due to its effects on GCase activity and mitochondrial function. Results indicate that SEL also has regenerative effect in the 6-OHDA model. Thus, GCase enzymatic activity is likely to be involved in the development of PD symptoms, and 6-OHDA-induced hemiparkinson's model may be used to evaluate compounds targeting GCase activity for management of PD symptoms.