Protective effect of fennel, and its major component trans-anethole against social isolation induced behavioral deficits in rats

Anethole via increase in the gene expression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR mitigates the autistic-like behaviors induced by maternal separation stress in mice

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodegenerative disease with increasing incidence in the world. The maternal separation (MS) stress at early life with its own neuroendocrine and neurostructural changes can provide the basis for development of ASD. Previously it has been reported neuroprotective characteristics for anethole. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway has pivotal role in the function of central nervous system (CNS). This study aimed to evaluate the possible effects of anethole on the autistic-like behaviors in the maternally separated (MS) mice focusing on the potential role of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Forty male Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice were assigned to five groups (n = 8) comprising a control group (treated with normal saline) and four groups subjected to MS and treated with normal saline and or anethole at doses of 31.25, 62.5 and 125 mg/kg, respectively. All gents were administrated via intraperitoneal (i.p.) route for 14 constant days. Behavioral tests were conducted, including the three-chamber test, shuttle box and resident-intruder test. The gene expression of the PI3K, AKT and mTOR assessed in the hippocampus by qRT-PCR. Findings indicated that MS is associated with autistic-like behaviors. Anethole increased the sociability and social preference indexes in the three-chamber test, increased duration of secondary latency in the shuttle box test and decreased aggressive behaviors in the resident-intruder test. Also, anethole increased the gene expression of PI3K, AKT and mTOR in the hippocampus of MS mice. We concluded that anethole through increase in the gene expression of PI3K/ AKT/mTOR mitigated autistic-like behaviors induced by MS in mice.

Anethole as a promising antidepressant for maternal separation stress in mice by modulating oxidative stress and nitrite imbalance

The occurrence of major depressive disorder is widespread and can be observed in individuals belonging to all societies. It has been suggested that changes in the NO pathway and heightened oxidative stress may play a role in developing this condition. Anethole is a diterpene aromatic compound found in the Umbelliferae, Apiaceae, and Schisandraceae families. It has potential pharmacological effects like antioxidant, anxiolytic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, gastroprotective, anticancer, estrogenic, and antimicrobial activities. This study aimed to investigate the potential antidepressant properties of Anethole in a mouse model experiencing maternal separation stress while also examining its impact on oxidative stress and nitrite levels. The research involved the participation of 40 male NMRI mice, separated into five distinct groups to conduct the study. The control group was administered 1 ml/kg of normal saline, while the MS groups were given normal saline and Anethole at 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg doses. The study comprised various behavioural tests, including the open field test (OFT), forced swimming test (FST), and splash test, to assess the effects of Anethole on the mice. In addition to the behavioural tests, measurements were taken to evaluate the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitrite levels in the hippocampus of the mice. According to the findings, maternal separation stress (MS) led to depressive-like conduct in mice, including a rise in immobility duration during the FST and a reduction in the duration of grooming behaviour in the splash test. Additionally, the results indicated that MS correlated with an increase in the levels of MDA and nitrite and a reduction in the TAC in the hippocampus. However, the administration of Anethole resulted in an increase in grooming activity time during the splash test and a decrease in immobility time during the FST. Anethole also exhibited antioxidant characteristics, as demonstrated by its ability to lower MDA and nitrite levels while increasing the TAC in the hippocampus. The results suggest that Anethole may have an antidepressant-like impact on mice separated from their mothers, likely partly due to its antioxidant properties in the hippocampus.

Anethole attenuates motor dysfunctions, striatal neuronal activity deficiency and blood brain barrier permeability by decreasing striatal α-synuclein and oxidative stress in rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease of male rats

INTRODUCTION

Anethole is the main compound of the essential oil of anise and several other plants, which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Oxidative stress is considered as an important factor in the pathogenesis of PD. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of anethole against rotenone-induced PD.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups. Control group received DMSO + sunflower oil, model group received rotenone (2 mg/kg, s.c, daily for 35 days), positive control group received L-Dopa, and test groups received anethole (62.5, 125, and 250 mg/kg, i.g, daily for 35 days) 1 hour before each rotenone injection. Body weight changes, rotarod test, stride length test, and extracellular single unit recording were performed after treatment. After behavioral test, Brain water content and blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability were evaluated, and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutases (SOD), alpha-synuclein and MAO-B were measured in the striatum.

RESULTS

Chronic administration of rotenone induced body weight loss and caused significant dysfunction in locomotor activity, neuronl firing rate, and BBB. Rotenone also decreased SOD activity, increased MDA level, and elevated the expression of alpha-synuclein and MAO-B in the striatum. However, treatment with anethole attenuated body weight loss, motor function, neuronal activity, and BBB function. Furthermore, Anethole treatment attenuated oxidative stress and decreased the expression of alpha-synuclein and MAO-B compared to the rotenone group.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that through its antioxidant properties, aethole can improve the cellular, molecular and behavioral characteristics of rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease.

Punicalagin's Protective Effects on Parkinson's Progression in Socially Isolated and Socialized Rats: Insights into Multifaceted Pathway

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a gradual deterioration of dopaminergic neurons, leading to motor impairments. Social isolation (SI), a recognized stressor, has recently gained attention as a potential influencing factor in the progress of neurodegenerative illnesses. We aimed to investigate the intricate relationship between SI and PD progression, both independently and in the presence of manganese chloride (MnCl2), while evaluating the punicalagin (PUN) therapeutic effects, a natural compound established for its cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities. In this five-week experiment, seven groups of male albino rats were organized: G1 (normal control), G2 (SI), G3 (MnCl2), G4 (SI + MnCl2), G5 (SI + PUN), G6 (MnCl2 + PUN), and G7 (SI + PUN + MnCl2). The results revealed significant changes in behavior, biochemistry, and histopathology in rats exposed to SI and/or MnCl2, with the most pronounced effects detected in the SI rats concurrently exposed to MnCl2. These effects were associated with augmented oxidative stress biomarkers and reduced antioxidant activity of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Additionally, inflammatory pathways (HMGB1/RAGE/TLR4/NF-ᴋB/NLRP3/Caspase-1 and JAK-2/STAT-3) were upregulated, while dysregulation of signaling pathways (PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β/CREB), sustained endoplasmic reticulum stress by activation PERK/CHOP/Bcl-2, and impaired autophagy (AMPK/SIRT-1/Beclin-1 axis) were observed. Apoptosis induction and a decrease in monoamine levels were also noted. Remarkably, treatment with PUN effectively alleviated behaviour, histopathological changes, and biochemical alterations induced by SI and/or MnCl2. These findings emphasize the role of SI in PD progress and propose PUN as a potential therapeutic intervention to mitigate PD. PUN's mechanisms of action involve modulation of pathways such as HMGB1/RAGE/TLR4/NF-ᴋB/NLRP3/Caspase-1, JAK-2/STAT-3, PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β/CREB, AMPK/SIRT-1, Nrf2/HO-1, and PERK/CHOP/Bcl-2.

Anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and neuroprotective potentials of anethole in Parkinson's disease-like motor and non-motor symptoms induced by rotenone in rats

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex neurological disorder characterized by a combination of motor and non-motor symptoms (NMS). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds are considered a potential therapeutic strategy against PD. The present study examined the neuroprotective effects of anethole as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent against motor and non-motor deficits induced by rotenone toxicity. Rats were treated with anethole (62.5, 125, and 250 mg/kg, i.g) concomitantly with rotenone (2 mg/kg, s.c) for 5 weeks. After the treatment, behavioral tests were performed to evaluate motor function and depression-/anxiety-like behaviors. After the behavioral tests, rats were decapitated and brains were removed for histological analysis. Striatum samples were also isolated for neurochemical, and molecular analysis. Our data showed that rotenone-induced motor deficit, anxiety-and depression-like behaviors were significantly improved in rats treated with anethole. Furthermore, anethole treatment reduced inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6), and increased anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 in the striatum of rotenone-induced PD rats. Western blot analysis showed that treatment with anethole markedly suppressed caspase-3 activation induced by rotenone. Moreover, histological examination of striatum showed an increase in the number of surviving neurons after treatment with anethole. Anethole also significantly enhanced the striatal levels of dopamine in rotenone-induced PD rats. In addition, treatment with L-Dopa as a positive control group had effects similar to those of anethole on histological, neurochemical, and molecular parameters in rotenone-induced parkinsonian rats. Our results suggested the neuroprotective effects of anethole through anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant mechanisms against rotenone-induced toxicity in rats.

Anethole ameliorates inflammation induced by monosodium urate in an acute gouty arthritis model via inhibiting TLRs/MyD88 pathway

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of anethole on monosodium urate (MSU)-induced inflammatory response, investigate its role in acute gouty arthritis (AGA), and verify its molecular mechanism.

METHODS

Hematoxylin and eosin staining assay and time-dependent detection of degree of ankle swelling were performed to assess the effects of anethole on joint injury in MSU-induced AGA mice. Enzyme-linked-immunosorbent serologic assay was performed to demonstrate the production levels of inflammatory factors (interleukin 1β [IL-1β], interleukin 6 [IL-6], interleukin 8 [IL-8], tumor necrosis factor α [TNF-α], and monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1 [MCP-1]) in MSU-induced AGA mice. Western blot assays were used to confirm the effects of anethole on oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activity and the activation of toll-like receptors (TLRs)-myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) pathway in MSU-induced AGA mice.

RESULTS

We observed that a significant joint injury occurred in MSU-induced AGA mice. Anethole could alleviate the pathological injury of the synovium in MSU-induced AGA mice and suppressed ankle swelling. In addition, we observed that anethole could inhibit MSU-induced inflammatory response and inflammasome activation in MSU-induced AGA mice. Moreover, we discovered that anethole enabled to inhibit the activation of TLRs/MyD88 pathway in MSU-induced AGA mice. Our findings further confirmed that anethole contributed to the inhibitory effects on progression in MSU-induced AGA mice.

CONCLUSION

It confirmed that anethole ameliorated the MSU-induced inflammatory response in AGA mice in vivo via inhibiting TLRs-MyD88 pathway.

Biochemical analysis reveals the systematic response of motion sickness mice to ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract's amelioration effect

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

As a common medicinal and edible plant, Zingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger) is often used for the prevention of motion sickness. However, the mechanism of its anti-motion sickness remains to be elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore novel treatment for motion sickness with less side effects, anti-motion sickness effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract (GE) and the possible molecular mechanisms were investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-motion sickness effect of ginger was evaluated through mice animal experimental models. Components of ginger that might contribute to the anti-motion sickness effect were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Subsequently, biochemical analysis integrated with serum metabolomic profiling were performed to reveal the systematic response of motion sickness mice to ginger extract's amelioration effect.

RESULTS

Exhaustive swimming time of mice in the GE group reached 8.9 min, which was 52.2% longer than that in the model group. Motion sickness index scores and time taken traversing balance beam of mice in the GE group were decreased by 53.2% and 38.5%, respectively. LC-MS/MS analysis suggested that various active ingredients in GE, such as gingerol, ginger oil and terpenoids, might contribute to its appealing anti-motion sickness activity. Biochemical analysis revealed that GE can relieve motion sickness through reducing histamine and acetylcholine release in vestibular system, regulating fatty acid oxidation, sugar metabolism and bile acid metabolism in mice.

CONCLUSION

Gavage of mice with GE can effectively relieve the symptoms of autonomic nervous system dysfunction, improve the balance and coordination ability and ameliorate the ability to complete complex work after rotation stimulation. GE has attractive potential for development and utilization as novel anti-motion sickness food or drugs.

Anticonvulsant Activity of trans-Anethole in Mice

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder affecting 1-2% of world population, and one-third of patients are refractory to pharmacological treatment. This fact has stimulated research for new antiepileptic drugs and natural products have been an important source. trans-Anethole (TAN) is a phenylpropanoid, component of some essential oils, extracted from plants, and its effects have been little studied. Therefore, this study is aimed at investigating the TAN effect in classic seizure models and evaluate the electroencephalographic (EEG) profile of animals treated with this substance. For this, Swiss male mice (Mus musculus) were used, and the lethal dose was evaluated and subsequently submitted to the test maximal electroshock (MES), the pentylenetetrazole- (PTZ) induced seizure test, and the EEG profile. Initially, the LD50 for TAN was estimated in 1000 mg/kg (i.p.) dose and there was no sign of acute toxicity or death. In the MES test, TAN 300, i.p. (12.00 ± 2.9 s) and 400 mg/kg, i.p. (9.00 ± 4.4 s) doses was able to decrease tonic seizures duration induced by electric discharge (0.5 mA, 150 pulses/s, for 0.5 s). In the PTZ test (75 mg/kg, i.p.), TAN 400 mg/kg, i.p. increased the latency to myoclonic jerks (80.0 (56.0-134.0)), the latency totonic-clonic seizures (900.0 (861.0-900.0) and decrease seizure duration (0.0 (0.0-10.0)). No deaths were found in this groups compared to vehicle. EEG analysis showed an amplitude decrease of waves (ratio of baseline) in TAN 300 (1.82 ± 0.23) and 400 mg/kg (1.06 ± 0.16) groups. In this way, TAN at 400 mg/kg was able to inhibit and/or attenuate seizures by increasing the time for the onset of spasms and convulsions, as reducing the duration of seizures. The EEG profile corroborate with this results showing a reduction in the amplitude of waves compared to the PTZ group. Thus, TAN showed an anticonvulsant effect in all experimental models performed, behavioral and electroencephalographic.

Anethole Ameliorates Acetic Acid-Induced Colitis in Mice: Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects

Anethole has possessed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant responses in numerous studies. Oxidative stress has a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of colitis. The current study is designed to determine the effect of anethole on acetic acid-induced colitis in mice in view of its possible anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In this study, 48 mice were grouped into 6 groups (n = 8), and colitis was induced with 0.2 ml of 7% acetic acid. Mice received intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 7 constant days normal saline and/or anethole at doses of 31.25, 62.5, 125, and 250 mg/kg, respectively. After treatments, the colon was dissected out, and histopathological changes, expression of inflammatory genes (IL-1β, TNF-α, and TLR4), and evaluation of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assessed. The results showed that colitis is associated with edema and inflammatory responses in all layers and severe damage to the epithelium of the colon. Colitis causes a decrease in TAC, an increase in MDA levels, and an increase in inflammatory genes in the colon. Findings determined that anethole ameliorated the adverse effects of acetic acid-induced colitis in the colon. It is concluded that anethole, partially at least, possessed protective effects in acetic acid-induced colitis in mice through attenuation of oxidative stress and inflammatory response.

Neuroprotective effect of alpha-pinene is mediated by suppression of the TNF-α/NF-κB pathway in Alzheimer's disease rat model

Monoterpene alpha-pinene possesses antioxidant, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties. We evaluated the effect of alpha-pinene on oxidative/nitrosative stress, neuroinflammation, and molecular and behavioral changes induced by beta-amyloid (Aβ)_1-42 in rats and investigated the possible mechanisms of these outcomes. Male Wistar rats received alpha-pinene (50 mg/kg intraperitoneally) for 14 consecutive days after intrahippocampal injection of Aβ_1-42 . Alpha-pinene decreased malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels, increased glutathione content, and enhanced catalase activity in Aβ-injected rats. Also, messenger RNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, nuclear factor κB, and N-methyl- d-aspartate receptor subunits 2A and 2B reduced in the hippocampus of these animals. Besides this, alpha-pinene repressed the Aβ_1-42 -induced reduction of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α7 subunit and brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression. Treatment with alpha-pinene caused Aβ-receiving rats to spend more time in the target quadrant in the Morris water maze test and led to an increase in percentages of open arm entrance and time spent in the open arm in the elevated plus-maze test. We concluded that alpha-pinene strengthens the antioxidant system and prevents neuroinflammation in the hippocampus of rats receiving Aβ. It improves spatial learning and memory and reduces anxiety-like behavior in these animals. Consequently, alpha-pinene alleviates Aβ-induced oxidative/nitrosative stress, neuroinflammation, and behavioral deficits. It is probably a suitable candidate for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Mechanistic Aspects of Apiaceae Family Spices in Ameliorating Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases worldwide. In an effort to search for new strategies for treating AD, natural products have become candidates of choice. Plants are a rich source of bioactive and effective compounds used in treating numerous diseases. Various plant extracts are known to display neuroprotective activities by targeting different pathophysiological pathways in association with the diseases, such as inhibiting enzymes responsible for degrading neurotransmitters, reducing oxidative stress, neuroprotection, inhibiting amyloid plaque formation, and replenishing mitochondrial function. This review presented a comprehensive evaluation of the available scientific literature (in vivo, in vitro, and in silico) on the neuroprotective mechanisms displayed by the extracts/bioactive compounds from spices belonging to the Apiaceae family in ameliorating AD.

Determination of the Antioxidant Activity of Samples of Tea and Commercial Sources of Vitamin C, Using an Enzymatic Biosensor

Antioxidants are synthetic or natural compounds capable of preventing or delaying oxidative damage caused by chemical species that can oxidize cell biomolecules, such as proteins, membranes, and DNA, leading to the development of various pathologies, such as cancer, atherosclerosis, Parkinson, Alzheimer, and other diseases serious. In this study, an amperometric biosensor was used to determine the antioxidant activity of teas and effervescent products based on vitamin C, available on the market. A sensor composed of three electrodes was used. The performance of the following electrochemical mediators was evaluated: meldola blue combined with Reineck salt (MBRS), Prussian blue (PB), and cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPC), as well as the time of polymerization in the enzymatic immobilization process and the agitation process during chronoamperometric measurements. Prussian blue proved to be more efficient as a mediator for the desired purposes. After optimizing the construction stages of the biosensor, as well as the operational parameters, it presented stability for a period of 7 months. The results clearly indicate that the biosensor can be successfully used to detect fraud in products called "antioxidants" or even in drugs containing less ascorbic acid than indicated on the labels. The detection limit was set at 4.93 µmol·L^-1.