Neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory effects of ethanolic extract from leaves and stems of Aster glehni

Marine-Derived Polysaccharide Hydrogels as Delivery Platforms for Natural Bioactive Compounds

Marine polysaccharide hydrogels have emerged as an innovative platform for regulating the in vivo release of natural bioactive compounds for medical purposes. These hydrogels, which have exceptional biocompatibility, biodegradability, and high water absorption capacity, create effective matrices for encapsulating different bioactive molecules. In addition, by modifying the physical and chemical properties of marine hydrogels, including cross-linking density, swelling behavior, and response to external stimuli like pH, temperature, or ionic strength, the release profile of encapsulated bioactive compounds is strictly regulated, thus maximizing therapeutic efficacy and minimizing side effects. Finally, by using naturally sourced polysaccharides in hydrogel formulations, sustainability is promoted by reducing dependence on synthetic polymers, meeting the growing demand for eco-friendly materials. This review analyzes the interaction between marine polysaccharide hydrogels and encapsulating compounds and offers examples of how bioactive molecules can be encapsulated, released, and stabilized.

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Phytoconstituents for Addressing Neurodegenerative Disorders

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

Anti-Neuroinflammatory Potential of Natural Products in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related chronic progressive neurodegenerative disease, which is the main cause of dementia in the elderly. Much evidence shows that the onset and late symptoms of AD are caused by multiple factors. Among them, aging is the main factor in the pathogenesis of AD, and the most important risk factor for AD is neuroinflammation. So far, there is no cure for AD, but the relationship between neuroinflammation and AD may provide a new strategy for the treatment of AD. We herein discussed the main etiology hypothesis of AD and the role of neuroinflammation in AD, as well as anti-inflammatory natural products with the potential to prevent and alleviate AD symptoms, including alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids and polyphenols, which are available with great potential for the development of anti-AD drugs.

Evaluation of Subchronic Toxicity and Genotoxicity of Ethanolic Extract of Aster glehni Leaves and Stems

Aster glehni, a traditional plant on Ulleung Island in the Republic of Korea, has been recognized for its multiple medicinal properties. However, potential toxicity and safety analyses of A. glehni have not been previously investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the safety profile of ethanolic extract of A. glehni leaves and stems (EAG) in terms of genotoxicity and subchronic oral animal toxicity under OECD guidelines and GLP conditions. Toxicological assessments were performed at doses of 1,250, 2,500, and 5,000 mg/kg/day in a 13-week oral repeated-dose toxicity study of EAG in male and female SD rats. In addition, an Ames test, an in vitro mammalian chromosomal aberration test, and a micronucleus test were performed. No toxicological changes in clinical signs, body weights, water and food consumption, urinalysis, hematology, clinical biochemistry, gross findings, and histopathological examinations were observed in subchronic oral animal toxicity. In addition, EAG gave negative results when evaluated using in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity tests. In conclusion, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of EAG was considered to be 5,000 mg/kg/day, and no target organs were identified in both sexes of rats. EAG was also classified as nonmutagenic and nonclastogenic in genotoxicity testing. Collectively, these results show a lack of general toxicity and genotoxicity for EAG that supports clinical work for development as a herbal medicine.