Neuroprotective effects of oral gallic acid against oxidative stress induced by 6-hydroxydopamine in rats

Neuroprotective Properties of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum): State of the Art and Future Pharmaceutical Applications for Alzheimer's Disease

This study explores the neuropharmacological potential of various molecular and amino acid components derived from Syzygium aromaticum (clove), an aromatic spice with a long history of culinary and medicinal use. Key bioactive compounds such as eugenol, α-humulene, β-caryophyllene, gallic acid, quercetin, and luteolin demonstrate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties by scavenging free radicals, modulating calcium channels, and reducing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Moreover, gallic acid and asiatic acid may exhibit protective effects, including neuronal apoptosis inhibition, while other useful properties of clove phytocompounds include NF-κB pathway inhibition, membrane stabilization, and suppression of pro-inflammatory pathways, possibly in neurons or other relevant cell types, further contributing to neuroprotection and cognitive enhancement. Amino acid analysis revealed essential and non-essential amino acids such as aspartic acid, serine, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, and arginine in various clove parts (buds, fruits, branches, and leaves). These amino acids play crucial roles in neurotransmitter synthesis, immune modulation, antioxidant defense, and metabolic regulation. Collectively, these bioactive molecules and amino acids contribute to clove's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neurotrophic, and neurotransmitter-modulating effects, highlighting its potential as a preventive and therapeutic candidate for neurodegenerative disorders. While preliminary preclinical studies support these neuroprotective properties, further research, including clinical trials, is needed to validate the efficacy and safety of clove-based interventions in neuroprotection.

A comprehensive review of natural compounds and their structure-activity relationship in Parkinson's disease: exploring potential mechanisms

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of dopamine-producing cells in the Substantia nigra region of the brain. Complementary and alternative medicine approaches have been utilized as adjuncts to conventional therapies for managing the symptoms and progression of PD. Natural compounds have gained attention for their potential neuroprotective effects and ability to target various pathways involved in the pathogenesis of PD. This comprehensive review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the molecular targets and mechanisms of natural compounds in various experimental models of PD. This review will also explore the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of these compounds and assess the clinical studies investigating the impact of these natural compounds on individuals with PD. The insights shared in this review have the potential to pave the way for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies and interventions for PD.

Liangxue Tongyu Prescription exerts neuroprotection by regulating the microbiota-gut-brain axis of rats with acute intracerebral hemorrhage

Liangxue Tongyu Prescription (LTP) is a classic herbal formula for treating acute intracerebral hemorrhage (AICH) in China. Previous studies have shown that LTP significantly ameliorates neurological impairments and gastrointestinal dysfunction in patients with AICH. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate whether LTP exerts its neuroprotective effect on AICH rats through the microbiota-gut-brain axis and explore its potential underlying mechanism. In the current study, AICH models were established by injecting autologous whole blood into the right caudate nucleus of rats. Behavioural and pathological evaluations demonstrated that LTP ameliorated neuronal and intestinal damage in AICH rats. Analysis via western blot, quantitative real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and tunel staining indicated that LTP upregulated the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor(NGF) and reduced neuronal cell apoptosis. Additionally, 16S rDNA sequencing revealed that LTP mitigated dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota in AICH rats. LTP increased the levels of noradrenaline (NA), dopamine (DA), glutamate (GLU) and modulated brain-gut peptides such as gastrin (GAS), motilin (MTL), ghrelin in AICH rats. Furthermore, LTP enhanced vagus nerve discharge. In summary, this research provides evidence suggesting that LTP's influence on AICH may involve modulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis, offering a potential scientific rationale for its therapeutic efficacy in improving outcomes of AICH.

Intranasal AdipoRon mitigates motor and cognitive deficits in hemiparkinsonian rats through neuroprotective mechanisms against oxidative stress and synaptic dysfunction

While motor symptoms are the most well-known manifestation of Parkinson's disease (PD), patients may also suffer from non-motor signs like cognitive impairments. The adiponectin receptor agonist AdipoRon (Adipo) has shown neuroprotective effects in preclinical studies. The objective of this study was to determine the potential benefits of chronic intranasal treatment of Adipo on motor function and cognitive performance in a hemiparkinsonian rat model caused by injecting 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the left forebrain bundle. After one week, PD rats were given either a vehicle or one of three dosages of Adipo (0.1, 1, and 10 μg) or levodopa (10 mg/kg orally) daily for 21 days. Recognition and spatial memory were determined using the novel object recognition test (NORT) and the Barnes maze test, respectively. The hippocampal tissues of the animals were harvested to examine oxidative stress status as well as the protein expressions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95). In hemiparkinsonian rats, motor impairments, recognition memory, and spatial memory were all improved by chronic intranasal Adipo at 1 and 10 μg. Furthermore, we found that unilateral 6-OHDA injection elevated hippocampal oxidative stress (ROS) while concurrently reducing total antioxidant capacity (TAC), BDNF, PSD-95, and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx). However, Adipo 10 μg significantly reduced these biochemical alterations in the hippocampus of 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. Chronic intranasal Adipo ameliorated spatial and recognition memory deterioration in hemiparkinsonian rats, presumably by increasing hippocampal synaptic protein levels, reducing oxidative stress, and increasing BDNF.

Propolis extract nanoparticles alleviate diabetes-induced reproductive dysfunction in male rats: antidiabetic, antioxidant, and steroidogenesis modulatory role

Diabetes can affect male fertility via oxidative stress and endocrine system disruption. Nanomedicine based on natural products is employed to address diabetes complications. The current study aims to investigate the potential beneficial effect of propolis extract nanoparticles against diabetes-induced testicular damage in male rats. Sixty male rats were randomly allocated to six groups (n = 10). The first group served as a control group. The second and third received propolis extract (Pr) and propolis extract nanoparticles (PrNPs). The fourth group is the diabetic group that received streptozotocin (STZ) (55 mg kg/bwt) single-dose i/p. The fifth and sixth groups are diabetic rats treated with Pr and PrNPs. Both Pr and PrNPs were received at a dose (100 mg/kg bwt) orally. After 60 days, animals were euthanized, then pancreatic and testicular tissues were collected for redox status evaluation, gene expression analysis, and histopathological examination. Also, hormonal analysis (Insulin, total testosterone, and luteinizing hormone (LH) ) along with semen quality evaluation were done. Results showed that the induction of diabetes led to testicular and pancreatic redox status deterioration showing a reduction in reduced glutathione (GSH) as well as elevation of malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO) levels. Also, relative transcript levels of testicular cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily A member 1 (CYP11A1), 3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD-3β), and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NFE2L2) were significantly down-regulated, While the advanced glycation end-product receptor (AGER) relative gene expression was significantly upregulated. Furthermore, hormonal and semen analysis disturbances were observed. Upon treatment with Pr and PrNPs,  a marked upregulation of testicular gene expression of CYP11A1, HSD-3β, and NFE2L2 as well as a downregulation of AGER, was observed. Hormones and semen analysis were improved. In addition, the testicular and pancreatic redox status was enhanced. Results were confirmed via histopathological investigations. PrNPs outperformed Pr in terms of steroidogenesis pathway improvement, testicular antioxidant defense mechanism augmentation, and prospective antidiabetic activity.

Role of Glutathione in Parkinson's Disease Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Potential of Polyphenols

Oxidative stress is recognized to have a central role in the initiation and progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). Within the brain, neurons are particularly sensitive to oxidation due in part to their weak intrinsic antioxidant defense. Theoretically, neurons mostly depend on neighboring astrocytes to provide antioxidant protection by supplying cysteine-containing products for glutathione (GSH) synthesis. Astrocytes and neurons possess several amino acid transport systems for GSH and its precursors. Indeed, GSH is the most abundant intrinsic antioxidant in the central nervous system. The GSH depletion and/or alterations in its metabolism in the brain contribute to the pathogenesis of PD. Noteworthy, polyphenols possess potent antioxidant activity and can augment the GSH redox system. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have indicated that polyphenols exhibit potent neuroprotective effects in PD. Epidemiological studies have found an association between the consumption of dietary polyphenols and a lower PD risk. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the biosynthesis and metabolism of GSH in the brain, with an emphasis on their contribution and therapeutic potential in PD. In particular, we focus on polyphenols that can increase brain GSH levels against PD. Furthermore, some current challenges and future perspectives for polyphenol-based therapies are also discussed.

Neuroprotective role of coconut oil for the prevention and treatment of Parkinson's disease: potential mechanisms of action

Neurodegenerative disease (ND) is a clinical condition in which neurons degenerate with a consequent loss of functions in the affected brain region. Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most progressive ND after Alzheimer's disease (AD), which affects the motor system and is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons from the nigrostriatal pathway in the midbrain, leading to bradykinesia, rigidity, resting tremor, postural instability and non-motor symptoms such as cognitive declines, psychiatric disturbances, autonomic failures, sleep difficulties, and pain syndrome. Coconut oil (CO) is an edible oil obtained from the meat of Cocos nucifera fruit that belongs to the palm family and contains 92% saturated fatty acids. CO has been shown to mediate oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis and excitotoxicity-induced effects in PD in various in vitro and in vivo models as a multi-target bioagent. CO intake through diet has also been linked to a decreased incidence of PD in people. During digestion, CO is broken down into smaller molecules, like ketone bodies (KBs). The KBs then penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and are used as a source of energy its ability to cross BBB made this an important class of natural remedies for the treatment of ND. The current review describes the probable neuroprotective potential pathways of CO in PD, either prophylactic or therapeutic. In addition, we briefly addressed the important pathogenic pathways that might be considered to investigate the possible use of CO in neurodegeneration such as AD and PD.

Gallic acid attenuates lipopolysaccharide - induced memory deficits, neurochemical changes, and peripheral alterations in purinergic signaling

Neuroinflammation is associated with many neurological disorders. Gallic acid (GA) has attracted significant attention due to its biological properties, such as neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. In this study, we evaluated the effects of GA in memory, TNF-α levels, oxidative stress, and activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), Na+, K+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase in the brain of mice exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Additionally, we evaluated alterations in adenine nucleotides and nucleosides in the serum. Male mice were orally pretreated with vehicle or GA (50 or 100 mg/kg) for 14 days. Between days 8 and 14, the animals also received LPS injection (250 µg/kg) or saline. At the end of the experimental protocol, the animals were submitted to object recognition test, euthanized and cerebral cortex, hippocampus, striatum and blood were collected. LPS induced memory deficits, which were prevented by GA treatment. GA protected against LPS-induced oxidative damage in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum by reducing reactive oxygen species and nitrite levels, while increasing total thiol content and activities of antioxidant enzymes. GA also prevented LPS-induced alterations in AChE, Na+, K+-ATPase, and Ca2+-ATPase activities in brain structures. LPS elevated TNF-α levels in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, which were attenuated by GA treatment. Furthermore, LPS caused a reduction in ADP and AMP hydrolysis and an increase in adenosine deamination in the serum, which were also prevented by GA. The effects of GA against neuroinflammation may be attributed to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which modulate various pathways, including those involved in memory mechanisms.

Gallic acid ameliorates LPS-induced memory decline by modulating NF-κB, TNF-α, and Caspase 3 gene expression and attenuating oxidative stress and neuronal loss in the rat hippocampus

Neuroinflammation and apoptosis play critical roles in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is responsible for most cases of dementia in the elderly people. Gallic acid is a phenolic compound with radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities. This study aimed to explore the protective effects of gallic acid on LPS-induced spatial memory impairment and find the underlying mechanisms. Gallic acid was orally administered (100 mg/kg) to male Wistar rats for 12 days. LPS was injected intraperitoneally at a dose of 1 mg/kg on days 8-12. Morris water maze paradigm was used to evaluate spatial learning and memory. The mRNA level of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and Caspase 3, lipid peroxidation and total thiol level was assessed in the rat hippocampus. Neuronal loss and histological changes were also evaluated in the brain. LPS treatment resulted in spatial learning and memory impairment, upregulation of NF-κB, TNF-α, and Caspase 3 mRNA expression, increased lipid peroxidation, decreased total thiol level, and neuronal loss in the hippocampus. Moreover, treatment with gallic acid at a dosage of 100 mg/kg ameliorated memory decline, reduced the mRNA level of NF-κB, TNF-α, and Caspase 3, decreased lipid peroxidation and increased total thiol level in the hippocampus. Gallic acid also prevented LPS-induced neuronal loss and histological changes in the brain. Conclusively, our study demonstrated that gallic acid exerts neuroprotective effect against LPS-induced memory decline in rats. This outcome could be due to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic activities of gallic acid.

Cognitive-Enhancing Effect of Marine Brown Algae-Derived Phenolics through S100B Inhibition and Antioxidant Activity in the Rat Model of Ischemic Stroke

Cognitive impairments are frequently reported after ischemic strokes. Novel and effective treatments are required. This study aimed to develop a functional ingredient obtained from marine algae and to determine the effect of the extract on antioxidative stress, as well as neuroprotective effects, in a rat model of MCAO-induced ischemic stroke. Among the selected marine algal extracts, Sargassum polycystum displayed the highest total phenolic content and antioxidative potential, and was subsequently used to evaluate cognitive function in rat models of ischemic stroke. The S. polycystum extract, administered at doses of 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg BW, significantly improved cognitive function by enhancing cognitive performance in the Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests. Biochemical changes revealed that providing S. polycystum increased the activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px by 52.48%, 50.77%, and 66.20%, respectively, and decreased the concentrations of MDA by 51.58% and S100B by 36.64% compared to the vehicle group. These findings suggest that S. polycystum extract may mitigate cognitive impairment in ischemic stroke by reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting S100B expression, thus highlighting its potential as a functional ingredient for drugs and nutraceuticals aimed at neuroprotection.

Ameliorative effects of gallic acid on tebuconazole-induced adverse effects in the cerebellum of adult albino rats: histopathological and immunohistochemical evidence

Tebuconazole (TEB) is a common triazole sterol demethylation inhibitor fungicide utilized to manage a variety of diseases in crops like cereals, fruits, and vegetables. The aim of this work was to assess the effects of TEB on the structure of the cerebellum in adult albino rats and possible protective impact of co-administration of Gallic acid (GA). Four groups of forty adult male albino rats were randomly selected, and the rats in group I received corn oil through daily gavage for 4 weeks. Group II received GA dissolved in the normal saline at a dose of 100 mg/kg through daily gavage for 4 weeks, group III administered with TEB dissolved in corn oil at its acceptable daily intake dose (0.02 mg/kg body weight) through daily gavage for 4 weeks, group IV rats received both TEB and GA. For light microscopic, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical investigations, cerebellar specimens were prepared. TEB exposure led to neuronal damage in the form of degenerated Purkinje cells with vacuolated cytoplasm, areas of lost Purkinje cells, the basket cells appeared vacuolated with degenerated neuropil, the granule cells clumped with congested areas between them, dilated cerebellar islands, weak positive bcl2 immunoreactions in the Purkinje cells, and numerous GFAP-positive astrocytes. GA mitigated TEB-mediated histological changes in the cerebellar cortex. We concluded that TEB caused Purkinje neurons in the rat cerebellar cortex to degenerate and undergo apoptosis. GA had a neuroprotective benefit against TEB toxicity in the rat cerebellar cortex.

Neuroprotective effect of gallic acid in mice with rotenone-induced neurodegeneration

We investigated the effect of gallic acid (Gal) against neurodegenerative pathophysiology relevant to Parkinsion's disease (PD) in mice with rotenone-induced toxicity. Forty male institute of cancer research (ICR) mice were randomly divided into four groups: sham-veh, PD-veh (received subcutaneous injection with 2.5 mg/kg/48 h of rotenone); PD-Gal50; and PD-Gal100 (the latter two groups received subcutaneous injection with 2.5 mg/kg/48 h of rotenone and oral gavage with gallic acid 50 and 100 mg/kg/48 h, respectively). All treatments continued for 5 weeks with motor ability assessments once per week using hanging and rotarod tests. Brain tissue evaluation of oxidative status, together with striatal and substantia nigra par compacta (SNc) histological and immunohistological assessments were performed. The results indicate that rotenone significantly induced muscle weakness and motor coordination deficit from the first week of rotenone injection, and a significant increase in neuronal degeneration was presented in both the striatum and SNc. Decreased tyrosine hydroxylase and increment of glia fibrillary acidic protein expression in SNc were depicted. The deteriorating effects of rotenone were ameliorated by gallic acid treatment, especially 100 mg/kg dose. Rotenone did not induce a significant change of lipid peroxidation indicated, but gallic acid exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on the lipid peroxidation increment. Rotenone showed a significant reduction of superoxide dismutase activity, and neither 50 nor 100 mg/kg of gallic acid could alleviate this enzyme activity. In conclusion, gallic acid ameliorated motor deficits and preserving SNc neurons which led to maintaining of the dopaminergic source, including a nurturing effect on supporting astrocytes in mice with rotenone-induced neurodegeneration.

Biotransformation of camu-camu galloylated ellagitannins by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum with extracellular tannase activity

Some strains of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum produce specific tannases that could enable the metabolism of ellagitannins into more bioavailable phenolic metabolites, thereby promoting the health effects of these polyphenols. However, the metabolic ability of these strains remains poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed the ability of broad esterase-producing (Est_1092+) and extracellular tannase-producing (TanA+) strains to convert a wide assortment of ellagitannins from camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) fruit. To this end, forty-three strains were screened to identify and sequence (WGS) those producing Est_1092. In addition, six previously reported TanA+ strains were included in the study. Each strain (Est_1092+ or TanA+) was inoculated into a minimal culture medium supplemented with an aqueous camu-camu extract. After fermentation, supernatants were collected for semi-quantification of ellagitannins and their metabolites by mass spectrometry. For analysis, the strains were grouped according to their enzyme type and compared with an Est_1092 and TanA-lacking strain. Out of the forty-three isolates, three showed Est_1092 activity. Of the Est_1092+ and TanA+ strains, only the latter hydrolyzed the tri-galloyl-HHDP-glucose and various isomers of HHDP-galloyl-glucose, releasing HHDP-glucose and gallic acid. TanA+ strains also transformed three isomers of di-HHDP-galloyl-glucose, liberating di-HHDP-glucose and gallic acid. Overall, TanA+ strains released 3.6-4.9 times more gallic acid than the lacking strain. In addition, those exhibiting gallate decarboxylase activity pursued gallic acid metabolism to release pyrogallol. Neither Est_1092+ nor TanA+ strains transformed ellagitannin-core structures. In summary, TanA+ L. plantarum strains have the unique ability to hydrolyze a wide range of galloylated ellagitannins, releasing phenolic metabolites with additional health benefits.

Phenolic Compounds from Cherries and Berries for Chronic Disease Management and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Therefore, there is increasing interest in dietary interventions to reduce risk factors associated with these conditions. Cherries and berries are rich sources of bioactive compounds and have attracted attention for their potential cardiovascular benefits. This review summarises the current research on the effects of cherry and berry consumption on cardiovascular health, including in vivo studies and clinical trials. These red fruits are rich in phenolic compounds, such as anthocyanins and flavonoids, which have multiple bioactive properties. These properties include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory effects. Studies suggest that regular consumption of these fruits may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to lower blood pressure, improved lipid profiles, and enhanced endothelial function. However, interpreting findings and establishing optimal dosages is a challenge due to the variability in fruit composition, processing methods, and study design. Despite these limitations, the evidence highlights the potential of cherries and berries as components of preventive strategies against CVD. Further research is needed to maximise their health benefits and improve clinical practice.

Therapeutic potential of berries in age-related neurological disorders

Aging significantly impacts several age-related neurological problems, such as stroke, brain tumors, oxidative stress, neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and dementia), neuroinflammation, and neurotoxicity. Current treatments for these conditions often come with side effects like hallucinations, dyskinesia, nausea, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal distress. Given the widespread availability and cultural acceptance of natural remedies, research is exploring the potential effectiveness of plants in common medicines. The ancient medical system used many botanical drugs and medicinal plants to treat a wide range of diseases, including age-related neurological problems. According to current clinical investigations, berries improve motor and cognitive functions and protect against age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, berries may influence signaling pathways critical to neurotransmission, cell survival, inflammation regulation, and neuroplasticity. The abundance of phytochemicals in berries is believed to contribute to these potentially neuroprotective effects. This review aimed to explore the potential benefits of berries as a source of natural neuroprotective agents for age-related neurological disorders.

Gallic acid: design of a pyrogallol-containing hydrogel and its biomedical applications

Polyphenol hydrogels have garnered widespread attention due to their excellent adhesion, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. Gallic acid (GA) is a typical derivative of pyrogallol that is used as a hydrogel crosslinker or bioactive additive and can be used to make multifunctional hydrogels with properties superior to those of widely studied catechol hydrogels. Furthermore, compared to polymeric tannic acid, gallic acid is more suitable for chemical modification, thus broadening its range of applications. This review focuses on multifunctional hydrogels containing GA, aiming to inspire researchers in future biomaterial design. We first revealed the interaction mechanisms between GA molecules and between GA and polymers, analyzed the characteristics GA imparts to hydrogels and compared GA hydrogels with hydrogels containing catechol. Subsequently, in this paper, various methods of integrating GA into hydrogels and the applications of GA in biomedicine are discussed, finally assessing the current limitations and future development potential of GA. In summary, GA, a natural small molecule polyphenol with excellent functionality and diverse interaction modes, has great potential in the field of biomedical hydrogels.

Neuroprotective Effects of Polysaccharides and Gallic Acid from Amauroderma rugosum against 6-OHDA-Induced Toxicity in SH-SY5Y Cells

The pharmacological activity and medicinal significance of Amauroderma rugosum (AR) have rarely been documented. We examined the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of AR on 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced neurotoxicity in an SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell model of Parkinson's disease (PD) and explored the active ingredients responsible for these effects. The results showed that the AR aqueous extract could scavenge reactive oxygen species and reduce SH-SY5Y cell death induced by 6-OHDA. In addition, the AR aqueous extract increased the survival of Caenorhabditis elegans upon juglone-induced toxicity. Among the constituents of AR, only polysaccharides and gallic acid exhibited antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. The AR aqueous extract reduced apoptosis and increased the expression of phospho-Akt, phospho-mTOR, phospho-MEK, phospho-ERK, and superoxide dismutase-1 in 6-OHDA-treated SH-SY5Y cells. The polysaccharide-rich AR extract was slightly more potent than the aqueous AR extract; however, it did not affect the expression of phospho-Akt or phospho-mTOR. In conclusion, the AR aqueous extract possessed antioxidant and neuroprotective properties against 6-OHDA-induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. The mechanism of action involves the upregulation of the Akt/mTOR and MEK/ERK-dependent pathways. These findings indicate the potential utility of AR and its active ingredients in preventing or treating neurodegenerative disorders associated with oxidative stress such as PD.

Investigation of the General Molecular Mechanisms of Gallic Acid via Analyses of Its Transcriptome Profile

Gallic acid (GA), a phenolic compound naturally found in many plants, exhibits potential preventive and therapeutic roles. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of its diverse biological activities remain unclear. Here, we investigated possible mechanisms of GA function through a transcriptome-based analysis using LINCS L1000, a publicly available data resource. We compared the changes in the gene expression profiles induced by GA with those induced by FDA-approved drugs in three cancer cell lines (A549, PC3, and MCF7). The top 10 drugs exhibiting high similarity with GA in their expression patterns were identified by calculating the connectivity score in the three cell lines. We specified the known target proteins of these drugs, which could be potential targets of GA, and identified 19 potential targets. Next, we retrieved evidence in the literature that GA likely binds directly to DNA polymerase β and ribonucleoside-diphosphate reductase. Although our results align with previous studies suggesting a direct and/or indirect connection between GA and the target proteins, further experimental investigations are required to fully understand the exact molecular mechanisms of GA. Our study provides insights into the therapeutic mechanisms of GA, introducing a new approach to characterizing therapeutic natural compounds using transcriptome-based analyses.

Gallic Acid Inhibits Proliferation and Migration of Smooth Muscle Cells in a Pig In-Stent Restenosis Model

In-stent restenosis (ISR) develops primarily due to neointimal hyperplasia. Gallic acid (GA) has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardioprotective effects. This study sought to investigate the effects of GA on neointimal hyperplasia and proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in a pig ISR model. In vitro proliferation and migration experiments were confirmed, after VSMCs were treated with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB) and GA (100 µM) using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and a scratch wound assay for 24 hours and 48 hours. A bare metal stent (BMS) was implanted in the pig coronary artery to induce ISR with overdilation (1.1-1.2:1), and GA (10 mg/kg/day) was administered for 4 weeks. At the 4-week follow-up, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and histopathological analyses were performed. GA decreased the proliferation of VSMCs by PDGF-BB for 24 hours (89.24±24.56% vs. 170.04±19.98%, p<0.001) and 48 hours (124.87±7.35% vs. 187.64±4.83%, p<0.001). GA inhibited the migration of VSMCs induced by PDGF-BB for 24 hours (26.73±2.38% vs. 65.38±9.73%, p<0.001) and 48 hours (32.96±3.04% vs. 77.04±10.07%, p<0.001). Using OCT, % neointimal hyperplasia was shown to have significantly decreased in the GA group compared with control vehicle group (28.25±10.07% vs. 37.60±10.84%, p<0.001). GA effectively reduced neointimal hyperplasia by inhibiting the proliferation and migration of VSMCs in a pig ISR model. GA could be a potential treatment strategy for reducing ISR after stent implantation.

The Effects of Sumac Consumption on Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Factors: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials

BACKGROUND

Rhus coriaria L., commonly known as Sumac, is a plant from the Anacardiaceae family that is known for its high phytochemical content. These phytochemicals have the potential to effectively manage inflammation and oxidative stress. To explore the existing evidence on the impact of Sumac consumption on inflammation and oxidative stress, we conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search of Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to August 2023 to identify relevant studies examining the effects of Sumac on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. The selected studies were assessed for risk of bias using the Cochrane tool.

RESULTS

A total of seven trials were included in this review. Among these trials, three focused on diabetes patients, while the remaining four involved individuals with fatty liver, overweight individuals with depression, and those with polycystic ovary or metabolic syndrome. Five studies reported the effects of Sumac on oxidative stress, with four of them demonstrating a significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and an increase in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and paraoxonase 1 (PON1). Regarding inflammation, one study reported no significant difference in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels between the intervention and control groups. The results for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, reported in five trials, were inconsistent.

CONCLUSION

Sumac consumption over time may positively affect oxidative stress, although short-term use shows minimal impact. While one study found no significant effect on IL-6 and TNF-α, hs-CRP levels could decrease or remain unchanged. Further meta-analyses are needed to fully understand Sumac's potential benefits in managing metabolic diseases.

Bioactive compounds from Actinidia arguta fruit as a new strategy to fight glioblastoma

In recent years, there has been a significant demand for natural products as a mean of disease prevention or as an alternative to conventional medications. The driving force for this change is the growing recognition of the abundant presence of valuable bioactive compounds in natural products. On recent years Actinia arguta fruit, also known as kiwiberry, has attracted a lot of attention from scientific community due to its richness in bioactive compounds, including phenolic compounds, organic acids, vitamins, carotenoids and fiber. These bioactive compounds contribute to the fruit's diverse outstanding biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, and anti-cancer properties. Due to these properties, the fruit may have the potential to be used in the treatment/prevention of various types of cancer, including glioblastoma. Glioblastoma is the most aggressive form of brain cancer, displaying 90 % of recurrence rate within a span of 2 years. Despite the employment of an aggressive approach, the prognosis remains unfavorable, emphasizing the urgent requirement for the development of new effective treatments. The preclinical evidence suggests that kiwiberry has potential impact on glioblastoma by reducing the cancer self-renewal, modulating the signaling pathways involved in the regulation of the cell phenotype and metabolism, and influencing the consolidation of the tumor microenvironment. Even though, challenges such as the imprecise composition and concentration of bioactive compounds, and its low bioavailability after oral administration may be drawbacks to the development of kiwiberry-based treatments, being urgent to ensure the safety and efficacy of kiwiberry for the prevention and treatment of glioblastoma. This review aims to highlight the potential impact of A. arguta bioactive compounds on glioblastoma, providing novel insights into their applicability as complementary or alternative therapies.

Neurotrophic Natural Products

Neurotrophins (NGF, BDNF, NT3, NT4) can decrease cell death, induce differentiation, as well as sustain the structure and function of neurons, which make them promising therapeutic agents for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. However, neurotrophins have not been very effective in clinical trials mostly because they cannot pass through the blood-brain barrier owing to being high-molecular-weight proteins. Thus, neurotrophin-mimic small molecules, which stimulate the synthesis of endogenous neurotrophins or enhance neurotrophic actions, may serve as promising alternatives to neurotrophins. Small-molecular-weight natural products, which have been used in dietary functional foods or in traditional medicines over the course of human history, have a great potential for the development of new therapeutic agents against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. In this contribution, a variety of natural products possessing neurotrophic properties such as neurogenesis, neurite outgrowth promotion (neuritogenesis), and neuroprotection are described, and a focus is made on the chemistry and biology of several neurotrophic natural products.

Mediterranean Shrub Species as a Source of Biomolecules against Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases are associated with oxidative stress, due to an imbalance in the oxidation-reduction reactions at the cellular level. Various treatments are available to treat these diseases, although they often do not cure them and have many adverse effects. Therefore, it is necessary to find complementary and/or alternative drugs that replace current treatments with fewer side effects. It has been demonstrated that natural products derived from plants, specifically phenolic compounds, have a great capacity to suppress oxidative stress and neutralize free radicals thus, they may be used as alternative alternative pharmacological treatments for pathological conditions associated with an increase in oxidative stress. The plant species that dominate the Mediterranean ecosystems are characterized by having a wide variety of phenolic compound content. Therefore, these species might be important sources of neuroprotective biomolecules. To evaluate this potential, 24 typical plant species of the Mediterranean ecosystems were selected, identifying the most important compounds present in them. This set of plant species provides a total of 403 different compounds. Of these compounds, 35.7% are phenolic acids and 55.6% are flavonoids. The most relevant of these compounds are gallic, vanillic, caffeic, chlorogenic, p-coumaric, and ferulic acids, apigenin, kaempferol, myricitrin, quercetin, isoquercetin, quercetrin, rutin, catechin and epicatechin, which are widely distributed among the analyzed plant species (in over 10 species) and which have been involved in the literature in the prevention of different neurodegenerative pathologies. It is also important to mention that three of these plant species, Pistacea lentiscus, Lavandula stoechas and Thymus vulgaris, have most of the described compounds with protective properties against neurodegenerative diseases. The present work shows that the plant species that dominate the studied geographic area can provide an important source of phenolic compounds for the pharmacological and biotechnological industry to prepare extracts or isolated compounds for therapy against neurodegenerative diseases.

Herbal/Natural Compounds Resist Hallmarks of Brain Aging: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Strategies

Aging is a complex process of impaired physiological integrity and function, and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurodegeneration, and cancer. The cellular environment of the aging brain exhibits perturbed bioenergetics, impaired adaptive neuroplasticity and flexibility, abnormal neuronal network activity, dysregulated neuronal Ca²⁺ homeostasis, accumulation of oxidatively modified molecules and organelles, and clear signs of inflammation. These changes make the aging brain susceptible to age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. In recent years, unprecedented advances have been made in the study of aging, especially the effects of herbal/natural compounds on evolutionarily conserved genetic pathways and biological processes. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the aging process and age-related diseases, and we discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic properties of herbal/natural compounds against the hallmarks of brain aging.

Neurobiological effects of gallic acid: current perspectives

Gallic acid (GA) is a phenolic molecule found naturally in a wide range of fruits as well as in medicinal plants. It has many health benefits due to its antioxidant properties. This study focused on finding out the neurobiological effects and mechanisms of GA using published data from reputed databases. For this, data were collected from various sources, such as PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, SpringerLink, and Web of Science. The findings suggest that GA can be used to manage several neurological diseases and disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, strokes, sedation, depression, psychosis, neuropathic pain, anxiety, and memory loss, as well as neuroinflammation. According to database reports and this current literature-based study, GA may be considered one of the potential lead compounds to treat neurological diseases and disorders. More preclinical and clinical studies are required to establish GA as a neuroprotective drug.

Omics combined with network pharmacology reveal the neuroprotective mechanism of Sophora tonkinensis based on the biolabel research pattern: The treatment of Parkinson's disease against oxidative stress and neuroexcitatory toxicity

Based on the biolabel research pattern, omics and network pharmacology were used for exploring the neuroprotection of Sophora tonkinensis (ST) in the treatment of brain diseases. Multi-omics were applied to investigate biolabels for ST intervention in brain tissue. Based on biolabels, the therapeutic potential, mechanism and material basis of ST for treating brain diseases were topologically analyzed by network pharmacology. A Parkinson's disease (PD) mouse model was used to validate biolabel analysis results. Four proteins and three metabolites were involved in two key pathways (alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism and arginine biosynthesis) and considered as biolabels. Network pharmacology showed that ST has the potential to treat some brain diseases, especially PD. Eight compounds (including caffeic acid, gallic acid and cinnamic acid) may serve as the material basis of ST treating brain diseases via the mediation of three biolabels. In the PD model, ST and its active compounds (caffeic acid and gallic acid) may protect dopaminergic neurons (maximum recovery rate for dopamine, 49.5%) from oxidative stress (E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase parkin, reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, etc.) and neuroexcitatory toxicity (glutamate dehydrogenase, glutamine, glutamic acid, etc.). These findings indicated that omics and network pharmacology may contribute to the achievement of the objectives of this study based on the biolabel research pattern.

Role of polyphenolic compounds and their nanoformulations: a comprehensive review on cross-talk between chronic kidney and cardiovascular diseases

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects a huge portion of the world's population and frequently leads to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). It might be because of common risk factors between chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular diseases. Renal dysfunction caused by chronic kidney disease creates oxidative stress which in turn leads to cardiovascular diseases. Oxidative stress causes endothelial dysfunction and inflammation in heart which results in atherosclerosis. It ends in clogging of veins and arteries that causes cardiac stroke and myocardial infarction. To develop an innovative therapeutic approach and new drugs to treat these diseases, it is important to understand the pathophysiological mechanism behind the CKD and CVDs and their interrelationship. Natural phytoconstituents of plants such as polyphenolic compounds are well known for their medicinal value. Polyphenols are plant secondary metabolites with immense antioxidant properties, which can protect from free radical damage. Nowadays, polyphenols are generating a lot of buzz in the scientific community because of their potential health benefits especially in the case of heart and kidney diseases. This review provides a detailed account of the pathophysiological link between CKD and CVDs and the pharmacological potential of polyphenols and their nanoformulations in promoting cardiovascular and renal health.

Polyphenols Mediate Neuroprotection in Cerebral Ischemic Stroke-An Update

Stroke is one of the main causes of mortality and disability, and it is due to be included in monetary implications on wellbeing frameworks around the world. Ischemic stroke is caused by interference in cerebral blood flow, leading to a deficit in the supply of oxygen to the affected region. It accounts for nearly 80-85% of all cases of stroke. Oxidative stress has a significant impact on the pathophysiologic cascade in brain damage leading to stroke. In the acute phase, oxidative stress mediates severe toxicity, and it initiates and contributes to late-stage apoptosis and inflammation. Oxidative stress conditions occur when the antioxidant defense in the body is unable to counteract the production and aggregation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The previous literature has shown that phytochemicals and other natural products not only scavenge oxygen free radicals but also improve the expressions of cellular antioxidant enzymes and molecules. Consequently, these products protect against ROS-mediated cellular injury. This review aims to give an overview of the most relevant data reported in the literature on polyphenolic compounds, namely, gallic acid, resveratrol, quercetin, kaempferol, mangiferin, epigallocatechin, and pinocembrin, in terms of their antioxidant effects and potential protective activity against ischemic stroke.

Evaluation of betulinic acid effects on pain, memory, anxiety, catalepsy, and oxidative stress in animal model of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is known for motor impairments. Betulinic acid (BA) is a natural compound with antioxidant activity. The present study addresses the question of whether BA affects motor and non-motor dysfunctions and molecular changes in the rat model of PD. The right medial forebrain bundle was lesioned by injection of 6-hydroxydopamine in Male Wistar rats (10-12 weeks old, 270-320 g). Animals were divided into Sham, PD, 3 treated groups with BA (0.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg, IP), and a positive control group received L-dopa (20 mg/kg, P.O) for 7 days. rigidity, anxiety, analgesia, and memory were assessed by bar test, open-field, elevated plus-maze (EPM), tail-flick, and shuttle box. Additionally, the malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and Interleukin 10 (IL10) levels in the whole brain were measured. BA significantly reversed the 6-hydroxydopamine-induced motor and memory complication in the bar test and shuttle box. It modified anxiety-like behavior neither in open-field nor in EPM. It only decreased the time spent in open arms. Moreover, no significant changes were found in the tail-flick between treatment and sham groups. On the other hand, the level of MDA & IL10 were decreased, while the activity of GPx levels of SOD & BDNF in the rats' brains was increased. Our results showed that BA as a free radical scavenger can account for a possible promise as a good therapeutic agent for motor and non-motor complications in PD however further studies may be needed.

Gallic acid abates cadmium chloride toxicity via alteration of neurotransmitters and modulation of inflammatory markers in Wistar rats

Cadmium is a highly neurotoxic heavy metal that disrupts membranes and causes oxidative stress in the brain. The study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of gallic acid on oxidative damage in the brains of Wistar rats exposed to cadmium chloride (CdCl₂). Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of five rats each. Group 1 was administered distilled water only throughout the study. Throughout the study, Group 2 received CdCl₂ alone (5 mg/kg b.w./day), Group 3 received gallic acid (20 mg/kg b.w./day), and Group 4 received CdCl₂ + gallic acid (20 mg/kg). Treatments were oral with distilled water as a vehicle. The study lasted 21 days. In the brain, the activities of cholinesterase and antioxidant enzymes were evaluated, as well as the levels of reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde, neurotransmitters, Na+/K+ ATPase, myeloperoxidase activity, nitric oxide, and interleukin-6. CdCl₂-induced brain impairments in experimental animals and gallic acid prevents the following CdCl₂-induced activities: inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), elevated neurotransmitters (serotonin and dopamine), decreased antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase), decreased glutathione, Na+/K+ ATPases, and increased MDA and neuroinflammatory markers (myeloperoxidase (MPO), nitric oxide, and interleukin-6 in the brain of experimental rats exposed to CdCl₂ (p < 0.05). Taken together, the neuroprotective effects of gallic acid on CdCl₂-induced toxicity in the brains of rats suggest its potent antioxidant and neurotherapeutic properties.

Non-Enzymatic Antioxidants against Alzheimer's Disease: Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline. Although substantial research has been conducted to elucidate the complex pathophysiology of AD, the therapeutic approach still has limited efficacy in clinical practice. Oxidative stress (OS) has been established as an early driver of several age-related diseases, including neurodegeneration. In AD, increased levels of reactive oxygen species mediate neuronal lipid, protein, and nucleic acid peroxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, synaptic damage, and inflammation. Thus, the identification of novel antioxidant molecules capable of detecting, preventing, and counteracting AD onset and progression is of the utmost importance. However, although several studies have been published, comprehensive and up-to-date overviews of the principal anti-AD agents harboring antioxidant properties remain scarce. In this narrative review, we summarize the role of vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, non-flavonoids, mitochondria-targeting molecules, organosulfur compounds, and carotenoids as non-enzymatic antioxidants with AD diagnostic, preventative, and therapeutic potential, thereby offering insights into the relationship between OS and neurodegeneration.

Pre- and post-treatment of α-Tocopherol on cognitive, synaptic plasticity, and mitochondrial disorders of the hippocampus in icv-streptozotocin-induced sporadic Alzheimer's-like disease in male Wistar rat

Objective

Most dementia cases in the elderly are caused by Alzheimer's disease (AD), a complex, progressive neurological disease. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of streptozotocin (STZ) in rat's results in aberrant brain insulin signaling, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction that impair cognition change neural plasticity, and eventually lead to neuronal death. The current study aims to define the neuroprotective action of alpha-tocopherol in enhancing mitochondrial function and the function of synapses in memory-impaired rats brought on by icv-STZ.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were pre-treated with (α-Tocopherol 150 mg/kg) orally once daily for 7 days before and 14 days after being bilaterally injected with icv-STZ (3 mg/kg), while sham group rats received the same volume of STZ solvent. After 2 weeks of icv-STZ infusion, rats were tested for cognitive performance using a behaviors test and then were prepared electrophysiology recordings or sacrificed for biochemical and histopathological assays.

Results

The cognitive impairment was significantly minimized in the behavioral paradigms for those who had taken α-Tocopherol. In the hippocampus of icv-STZ rat brains, α-Tocopherol ocopherol effectively prevented the loss of glutathione levels and superoxide dismutase enzyme activity, lowered mitochondrial ROS and mitochondrial membrane potential, and also brought about a decrease in Aβ aggregation and neuronal death.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated that by lowering neurobehavioral impairments caused by icv-STZ, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction, α-Tocopherol enhanced intracellular calcium homeostasis and corrected neurodegenerative defects in the brain. These findings examine the available approach for delaying AD connected to mitochondrial malfunction and plasticity issues.

Comprehensive analysis of the metabolic and genomic features of tannin transforming Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains

Extracellular tannase Lactiplantibacillus plantarum-producing strains (TanA+) release bioactive metabolites from dietary tannins. However, there is a paucity of knowledge of TanA+ strains and their hydrolyzing capacities. This study aimed to shed light on the metabolic and genomic features of TanA+ L. plantarum strains and to develop a screening technique. The established spectrophotometric was validated by UPLC-UV-QToF. Eight of 115 screened strains harbored the tanA gene, and six presented TanA activity (PROBI S126, PROBI S204, RKG 1-473, RKG 1-500, RKG 2-219, and RKG 2-690). When cultured with tannic acid (a gallotannin), TanA+ strains released 3.2-11 times more gallic acid than a lacking strain (WCFS1) (p < 0.05). TanA+ strains with gallate decarboxylase (n = 5) transformed this latter metabolite, producing 2.2-4.8 times more pyrogallol than the TanA lacking strain (p < 0.05). However, TanA+ strains could not transform punicalagin (an ellagitannin). Genomic analysis revealed high similarity between TanA+ strains, as only two variable regions of phage and polysaccharide synthesis were distinguished. A phylogenetic analysis of 149 additional genome sequences showed that tanA harboring strains form a cluster and present two bacteriocin coding sequences profile. In conclusion, TanA+ L. plantarum strains are closely related and possess the ability to resist and transform gallotannins. TanA can be screened by the method proposed herein.

Potential implications of polyphenolic compounds in neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases are common chronic diseases related to progressive damage to the nervous system. Current neurodegenerative diseases present difficulties and despite extensive research efforts to develop new disease-modifying therapies, there is still no effective treatment for halting the neurodegenerative process. Polyphenols are biologically active organic compounds abundantly found in various plants. It has been reported that plant-derived dietary polyphenols may improve some disease states and promote health. Emerging pieces of evidence indicate that polyphenols are associated with neurodegenerative diseases. This review aims to overview the potential neuroprotective roles of polyphenols in most common neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and ischemic stroke.

New insights into the in vitro, in situ and in vivo antihyperglycemic mechanisms of gallic acid and p-coumaric acid

Objective: To explore the probable in vitro, in situ and in vivo mechanisms of gallic acid (GA) and p-coumaric acid (PCA) as anti-hyperglycemic agents.Animals and methods: Male albino rats were allocated into four groups, group1 was used as normal control. Group 2 was established as a diabetic control and group3 and 4 were treated with an oral dose of GA and PCA, respectively.Results: GA and PCA revealed a significant decrease in the activity of α-amylase, a noticeable rise in glucose induced-insulin secretion and glucose-uptake in peripheral glucose-uptake in vitro, increase also liver glycogen and serum insulin levels in vivo. Further, GA and PCA exhibited a significant reduction in intestinal glucose absorption in situ compared to blank.Conclusion: The antihyperglycemic activities of GA and PCA can be mediated through delaying intestinal glucose absorption, enhancing β-cell activity and promoting glucose uptake by peripheral tissue via enhancing insulin sensitivity.

Hypouricemic effect of gallic acid, a bioactive compound from Sonneratia apetala leaves and branches, on hyperuricemic mice

As a tropical medicinal plant, Sonneratia apetala is mainly distributed in the southeast coastal areas of China. Recently, the hypouricemic effect of Sonneratia apetala leaves and branches (SAL) has been reported, but the active compound and its mechanism are unclear. Thus, this study aims to explore the effective fraction of SAL and the mechanism of its active compound on uric acid formation and excretion. SAL was extracted with ethyl acetate and concentrated to obtain solvent-free extracts (SAL-EA). The remains fraction (SAL-E) and the supernatant fraction (SAL-S) of SAL resulting from water extraction and alcohol precipitation were collected and dried. The effects of different fractions were explored on hyperuricemic mice. SAL-S showed excellent activities in decreasing the levels of uric acid (UA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (CRE) in serum and in attenuating kidney damage. Then, the active compound gallic acid (GA) identified by HPLC was assayed for its mechanism of regulating uric acid metabolism in hyperuricemic mice. The hypouricemic effect of GA was probably associated with the downregulation of URAT1 and GLUT9, upregulation of ABCG2 and decreased activities of adenosine deaminase (ADA) and xanthine oxidase (XOD). Moreover, GA suppressed the level of MDA, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, TGF-β1, COX-2 and cystatin-C (Cys-C), and enhanced the activities of SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, and Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase (NKA) in the kidneys. These results indicated that GA protects against hyperuricemia-induced kidney injury via suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation as well as decreasing the serum levels of UA by regulating urate transporters.

Pretreatment with Carpolobia lutea ethanol extract prevents schizophrenia-like behavior in mice models of psychosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Carpolobia lutea decoction is widely used as a phytotherapeutic against central nervous system-related disorders including insomnia, migraine headache, and mental illness in West and Central Tropical Africa.

AIM

This study was designed to investigate the antipsychotic activity of Carpolobia lutea (EECL) in mice models of psychosis.

METHODS

Male Swiss mice (n = 5/group) were given EECL (100, 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg), haloperidol (1 mg/kg), clozapine (5 mg/kg) and vehicle (10 mL/kg) orally before amphetamine (5 mg/kg)-induced hyperlocomotion and stereotypy, apomorphine (2 mg/kg)-induced stereotypy, or ketamine (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg)-induced hyperlocomotion, enhancement of immobility and cognitive impairment.

RESULTS

EECL (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg) prevented amphetamine- and apomorphine-induced stereotypies, as well as reduced hyperlocomotion induced by amphetamine and ketamine, all of which are predictors of positive symptoms. Regardless of the dose administered, EECL prevented the index of negative symptoms induced by ketamine. Furthermore, higher doses of EECL (400 and 800 mg/kg) also prevented ketamine-induced cognitive impairment, a behavioral phenotype of cognitive symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Pretreatment with EECL demonstrated antipsychotic activity in mice, preventing amphetamine-, apomorphine-, and ketamine-induced schizophrenia-like symptoms, with 800 mg/kg being the most effective dose.

Gallic and ascorbic acids supplementation alleviate cognitive deficits and neuropathological damage exerted by cadmium chloride in Wistar rats

Cadmium is a highly neurotoxic heavy metal that interferes with DNA repair mechanisms via generation of reactive oxygen species. The potentials of polyphenols and antioxidants as effective protective agents following heavy metal-induced neurotoxicity are emerging. We therefore explored the neuroprotective potentials of gallic and ascorbic acids in CdCl₂-induced neurotoxicity. Seventy-two Wistar rats were divided into six groups. Group A received distilled water, B: 3 mg/kg CdCl₂, C: 3 mg/kg CdCl₂ + 20 mg/kg gallic acid (GA), D: 3 mg/kg CdCl₂ + 10 mg/kg ascorbic acid (AA), E: 20 mg/kg GA and F: 10 mg/kg AA orally for 21 days. Depression, anxiety, locomotion, learning and memory were assessed using a battery of tests. Neuronal structure and myelin expression were assessed with histological staining and immunofluorescence. The Morris Water Maze test revealed significant increase in escape latency in CdCl₂ group relative to rats concurrently treated with GA or AA. Similarly, time spent in the target quadrant was reduced significantly in CdCl₂ group relative to other groups. Concomitant administration of gallic acid led to significant reduction in the durations of immobility and freezing that were elevated in CdCl₂ group during forced swim and open field tests respectively. Furthermore, GA and AA restored myelin integrity and neuronal loss observed in the CdCl₂ group. We conclude that gallic and ascorbic acids enhance learning and memory, decrease anxiety and depressive-like behavior in CdCl₂-induced neurotoxicity with accompanying myelin-protective ability.

Subchronic Toxicity Study of Alternanthera philoxeroides in Swiss Albino Mice Having Antioxidant and Anticoagulant Activities

Alternanthera philoxeroides, a tropical herb and edible vegetable, has been popular as a medicinal plant. Applying in vitro approach, we initially attempted to assess the phytochemicals, bioactive chemicals, as well as antioxidant and anticoagulant activities of this plant. Following that, the in vivo toxicological effects of methanolic extracts of A. philoxeroides using different doses on the kidney, heart, lung, liver, stomach, brain, and blood of female Swiss Albino mice were investigated. We estimated phytochemicals content as well as antioxidant activity through DPPH, NO, CUPRAC, and reducing power assays, followed by the anticoagulant activities of PT  and aPTT  and bioactive compounds using HPLC. To confirm the biocompatibility of A. philoxeroides extracts, histopathological and hematological parameters were examined in a mice model. Total phenol, flavonoid, and tannin content in A. philoxeroides was 181.75 ± 2.47 mg/g, 101.5 ± 3 .53 mg/g, and 68.58 ± 0.80 mg/g, respectively. Furthermore, the HPLC study confirmed the presence of four phenolic compounds: catechin, tannic acid, gallic acid, and vanillic acid. The methanolic extract of A. philoxeroides showed considerable antioxidant activity in all four antioxidant assay methods when compared to the standard. In comparison to ascorbic acid, A. philoxeroides also demonstrated a minor concentration-dependent ferric and cupric reduction activity. In vivo evaluation indicated that A. philoxeroides extracts (doses: 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) had no negative effects on the relative organ or body weight, or hematological indicators. Our study concluded that A. philoxeroides had significant antioxidant and anticoagulant activities and demonstrated no negative effects on the body or relative organ weight, histopathological, and hematological indices in the mouse model.

Gallic acid modulates purine metabolism and oxidative stress induced by ethanol exposure in zebrafish brain

Gallic acid (GA) is a secondary metabolite found in plants. It has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and, through scavenging properties, has a protective effect in a brain insult model. Alcohol metabolism generates reactive oxygen species (ROS); thus, alcohol abuse has a deleterious effect on the brain. The zebrafish is a vertebrate often used for screening toxic substances and in acute ethanol exposure models. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether GA pretreatment (24 h) prevents the changes induced by acute ethanol exposure (1 h) in the purinergic signaling pathway in the zebrafish brain via degradation of extracellular nucleotides and oxidative stress. The nucleotide cascade promoted by the nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (NTPDase) and 5'-nucleotidase was assessed by quantifying nucleotide metabolism. The effect of GA alone at 5 and 10 mg L^-1 did not change the nucleotide levels. Pretreatment with 10 mg L^-1 GA prevented an ethanol-induced increase in ATP and ADP levels. No significant difference was found between the AMP levels of the two pretreatment groups. Pretreatment with 10 mg L^-1 GA prevented ethanol-enhanced lipid peroxidation and dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCFH) levels. The higher GA concentration was also shown to positively modulate against ethanol-induced effects on superoxide dismutase (SOD), but not on catalase (CAT). This study demonstrated that GA prevents the inhibitory effect of ethanol on NTPDase activity and oxidative stress parameters, thus consequently modulating nucleotide levels that may contribute to the possible protective effects induced by alcohol and purinergic signaling.

The renoprotective effects of gallic acid on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity through anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammatory effects, and downregulation of lncRNA TUG1

Cisplatin, an antineoplastic drug used in cancer therapy, -induced nephrotoxicity mediated by the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Gallic acid (GA) is identified as an antioxidant substance with free radical scavenging properties. This research was designed to examine the ameliorative impact of GA caused by cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity through apoptosis and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) Taurine-upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) expression. Thirty-two male Sprague Dawley rats (200 - 220 g) were randomly allocated to four groups: (1) control group; (2) rats treated with cisplatin (7.5 mg/kg, i.p.) on the fourth day; and the two other groups include rats pretreated with GA (20 and 40 mg/kg by gavage) for s7 days and cisplatin (7.5 mg/kg, i.p.) at the fourth day. The rats were anesthetized and sacrificed for collecting samples, 72 h after cisplatin administration. The blood samples were used to investigate biochemical factors and kidney tissue was evaluated for measuring oxidative stress and inflammatory factors and the gene expression of molecular parameters. The results indicated that GA administration increased the B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) mRNA and lncRNA TUG1 expression, and reduced Bcl-2-associated x protein (Bax), and caspase-3 expression. Likewise, the TAC level increased, and kidney MDA content decreased by administration of GA. GA also decreased the inflammatory factor levels, including IL-1β and TNF-α. Moreover, GA led to the improvement of kidney dysfunction as evidenced by reducing plasma BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and Cr (creatinine). Taken together, GA could protect the kidney against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptosis properties and reduction of lncRNA TUG1 expression.

Sumac and gallic acid-loaded nanophytosomes ameliorate hippocampal oxidative stress via regulation of Nrf2/Keap1 pathway in autistic rats

Autism spectrum disorders cover a range of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impairments in social interaction and cognitive deficits. Phenolic compound applications have been restricted due to their poor solubility, bioavailability, and low stability. This paper aimed to explore the neuroprotective effects of sumac and gallic acid-loaded nanophytosomes (GNP) on oxidative stress-induced cognitive impairment and Nrf2/Keap1 gene expression in the autism model. Valproic acid (VPA) was administered intraperitoneally at doses of 500 mg/kg to female rats during gestational 12.5 days (E12.5). The prenatal VPA-exposed rats were divided into five groups, including VPA, VPA treated with sumac, gallic acid (GA), sumac-loaded nanophytosome (SNP), and GNP at doses of 20 mg/kg for 4 weeks (n = 6). A novel object test was conducted and antioxidant parameters and Nrf2/Keap1gene expression were evaluated in the hippocampus. According to the obtained results, the rat model of autism exhibited recognition memory impairment. We observed an increase in glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) enzyme activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and glutathione (GSH) levels. Furthermore, sumac and GNP improved recognition memory deficits and increased GPx, GRx, SOD, and CAT activities, GSH and TAC levels, and Nrf2/Keap1gene expression in the hippocampal area. Our results also suggested that SNP and GNP ameliorate VPA-induced learning and memory deficits more efficiently than sumac extract and pure GA by reducing oxidative stress, enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, and Keap1/Nrf2 gene expression. The present study demonstrated that the utilization of SNP and GNP significantly improved recognition memory deficits.

Chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of medicinal plants from Rosa genus

The genus Rosa (Rosaceae family) includes about 200 species spread in the world, and this genus shows unique advantages in medicine and food. To date, several scholars concentrated on compounds belonging to flavonoids, triterpenes, tannins, polysaccharide, phenolic acids, fatty acids, organic acids, carotenoids, and vitamins. Pharmacological effects such as antineoplastic and anti-cancer properties, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, liver protection, regulate blood sugar, antimicrobial activity, antiviral activity, as well as nervous system protection and cardiovascular protection were wildly reported. This article reviews the chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, applications and safety evaluations of Rosa plants, which provides a reference for the comprehensive utilization of medicine and food resources and gives a scientific basis for the development of medicinal plants of the genus Rosa.

Dietary Plant Polyphenols as the Potential Drugs in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Current Evidence, Advances, and Opportunities

Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Huntington's disease (HD), are characterized by the progressive degeneration of neurons. Although the etiology and pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases have been studied intensively, the mechanism is still in its infancy. In general, most neurodegenerative diseases share common molecular mechanisms, and multiple risks interact and promote the pathologic process of neurogenerative diseases. At present, most of the approved drugs only alleviate the clinical symptoms but fail to cure neurodegenerative diseases. Numerous studies indicate that dietary plant polyphenols are safe and exhibit potent neuroprotective effects in various neurodegenerative diseases. However, low bioavailability is the biggest obstacle for polyphenol that largely limits its adoption from evidence into clinical practice. In this review, we summarized the widely recognized mechanisms associated with neurodegenerative diseases, such as misfolded proteins, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative damage, and neuroinflammatory responses. In addition, we summarized the research advances about the neuroprotective effect of the most widely reported dietary plant polyphenols. Moreover, we discussed the current clinical study and application of polyphenols and the factors that result in low bioavailability, such as poor stability and low permeability across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In the future, the improvement of absorption and stability, modification of structure and formulation, and the combination therapy will provide more opportunities from the laboratory into the clinic for polyphenols. Lastly, we hope that the present review will encourage further researches on natural dietary polyphenols in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Anti-Parkinson's evaluation of Brassica juncea leaf extract and underlying mechanism of its phytochemicals

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with progressive neuronal damage and dysfunction. Oxidative stress helps to regulate neurodegenerative and neuronal dysfunction. Natural compounds could attenuate oxidative stress in a variety of neurological disorders. B. juncea is a rich source of antioxidants. The present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of B. juncea leaves for the treatment of PD by applying behavioral, in vivo and in silico studies. For in vivo studies rats were divided into six groups (n = 6). Group-I served as normal control (vehicle control). Group-II was disease control (haloperidol 1 mg/kg). Group-III was kept as a standard group (L-Dopa 100 mg/kg + carbidopa 25 mg/kg). Groups (IV-VI) were the treatment groups, receiving extract at 200-, 400- and 600 mg/kg doses respectively, for 21 days orally. Results: In vivo study results showed that the extract was found to improve muscles strength, motor coordination, and balance in PD. These behavioral outcomes were consistent with the recovery of endogenous antioxidant defence in biochemical analysis which was further corroborated with histopathological ameliorations. Dopamine levels increased and monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) levels decreased dose-dependently in the brain during the study. Herein, we performed molecular docking analysis of the proposed extracted phytochemicals has explained that four putative phytochemicals (sinapic acid, rutin, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid) have presented very good results in terms of protein-ligand binding interactions as well as absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion & toxicity (ADMET) profile estimations. Conclusion: The undertaken study concluded the anti-Parkinson activity of B. juncea and further suggests developments on its isolated compounds in PD therapeutics.

Neuroprotective effect of α-pinene self-emulsifying nanoformulation against 6-OHDA induced neurotoxicity on human SH-SY5Y cells and its in vivo validation for anti-Parkinson's effect

Oxidative stress (OS) is involved in the multifaceted pathogenic paradigm of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease (PD). Monoterpenes like α-pinene (ALP) is considered to be a therapeutically potent antioxidant agent able to attenuate and scavenge various reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species. The present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo neuroprotective effect of α-pinene self-emulsifying nanoformulation (ALP-SENF) for PD. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay was done to evaluate the neurotoxic dose of the ALP-SENF; however, the neuroprotective effect was assessed by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) induced neurotoxicity model on SH-SY5Y taking NAC (N-acetyl-l-cysteine) as standard. The in vivo anti-Parkinson's activity of the ALP-SENF was compared with that of the plain ALP suspension by using reserpine antagonism and haloperidol-induced Parkinsonism model in rats. Various behavioral tests and biochemical antioxidant enzymes were estimated. The in vitro results revealed that treatment with ALP-SENF at a concentration of 100 and 200 µM was found to show significant neuronal SH-SY5Y cell viability against 50 µM 6-OHDA. ALP-SENF treated animals have seen significant neurobehavioral improvement. Furthermore, the levels of antioxidative enzymes in biochemical test reveals a marked enhancement in the expression of antioxidant enzymes that significantly attenuated the OS induced neurodegeneration. Due to the mechanisms of their antioxidant action, it was probably due to the scavenging of free radicals and the expression of antioxidant enzymes. It also improved neurobehavioral changes induced by reserpine and haloperidol.