Protective Effects of Cyperus Rotundus Extract on Amyloid β-Peptide (1-40)-Induced Memory Impairment in Male Rats: A Behavioral Study

Natural Products in Cyperus Species (Cyperaceae): Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activities, and Biosynthesis

The review provides an update on the traditional uses, geographical distribution, pharmacological activities, biosynthesis, and mechanisms of action of potent natural products derived from Cyperus species. Cyperus species are widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions across the globe. Cyperus is the second-largest genus in this family with about 950 species. Since 1964, a total of about 403 natural products have been isolated from 43 Cyperus species, including terpenoids (51.61%), flavonoids (17.37%), stilbenoids (6.45%), quinones (5.71%), aromatics (7.69%), coumarins (5.21%), and other compounds (5.96%). The isolated compounds displayed anticancer, antiviral, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antidepressant, and other activities. Terpenoids and flavonoids are the most abundant class of natural products that have been isolated from Cyperus species. The biosynthesis of some terpenoids and flavonoids has been provided in the paper. Natural products isolated from Cyperus species have demonstrated interesting in vitro activities that warrant further scientific investigations.

In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation for Antioxidant and Anti-Diabetic Properties of Cyperus rotundus L. Kombucha

Cyperus rotundus L. exhibits promising potential for the development of functional foods due to its documented pharmacological and biological activities. This study investigated the antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties of C. rotundus kombucha. The results demonstrated potent antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 76.7 ± 9.6 µL/mL for the DPPH assay and 314.2 ± 16.9 µL/mL for the ABTS assay. Additionally, the kombucha demonstrated alpha-glucosidase inhibitory with an IC50 value of 142.7 ± 5.2 µL/mL. This in vitro antioxidant potential was further validated in vivo using Drosophila. Drosophila fed a high-sugar diet and supplemented with pure kombucha revealed significant increases in DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activity. Drosophila on a high-sugar diet supplemented with varying kombucha concentrations manifested enhanced resistance to oxidative stresses induced by H2O2 and paraquat. Concurrently, there was a notable decline in lipid peroxidation levels. Additionally, significant upregulations in CAT, SOD1, and SOD2 activities were observed when the high-sugar diet was supplemented with kombucha. Furthermore, in vivo assessments using Drosophila demonstrated significant reductions in alpha-glucosidase activity when fed with kombucha (reduced by 34.04%, 13.79%, and 11.60% when treated with 100%, 40%, and 10% kombucha, respectively). A comprehensive GC-MS and HPLC analysis of C. rotundus kombucha detected the presence of antioxidative and anti-glucosidase compounds. In conclusion, C. rotundus kombucha exhibits considerable antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties, demonstrating its potential as a beneficial beverage for health promotion.

Phytochemistry, data mining, pharmacology, toxicology and the analytical methods of Cyperus rotundus L. (Cyperaceae): a comprehensive review

Cyperus rotundus L. has been widely used in the treatment and prevention of numerous diseases in traditional systems of medicine around the world, such as nervous, gastrointestinal systems diseases and inflammation. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), its rhizomes are frequently used to treat liver disease, stomach pain, breast tenderness, dysmenorrheal and menstrual irregularities. The review is conducted to summarize comprehensively the plant's vernacular names, distribution, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and analytical methods, along with the data mining for TCM prescriptions containing C. rotundus. Herein, 552 compounds isolated or identified from C. rotundus were systematically collated and classified, concerning monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, phenolics and phenolic glycosides, triterpenoids and steroids, diterpenoids, quinonoids, alkaloids, saccharides and others. Their pharmacological effects on the digestive system, nervous system, gynecological diseases, and other bioactivities like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, insect repellent, anti-microbial activity, etc. were summarized accordingly. Moreover, except for the data mining on the compatibility of C. rotundus in TCM, the separation, identification and analytical methods of C. rotundus compositions were also systematically summarized, and constituents of the essential oils from different regions were re-analyzed using multivariate statistical analysis. In addition, the toxicological study progresses on C. rotundus revealed the safety property of this herb. This review is designed to serve as a scientific basis and theoretical reference for further exploration into the clinical use and scientific research of C. rotundus.

Graphical Abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary materials available at 10.1007/s11101-023-09870-3.

Phytotherapeutic Approaches to the Prevention of Age-Related Changes and the Extension of Active Longevity

Maintaining quality of life with an increase in life expectancy is considered one of the global problems of our time. This review explores the possibility of using natural plant compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-glycation, and anti-neurodegenerative properties to slow down the onset of age-related changes. Age-related changes such as a decrease in mental abilities, the development of inflammatory processes, and increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes have a significant impact on maintaining quality of life. Herbal preparations can play an essential role in preventing and treating neurodegenerative diseases that accompany age-related changes, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Medicinal plants have known sedative, muscle relaxant, neuroprotective, nootropic, and antiparkinsonian properties. The secondary metabolites, mainly polyphenolic compounds, are valuable substances for the development of new anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic agents. Understanding how mixtures of plants and their biologically active substances work together to achieve a specific biological effect can help develop targeted drugs to prevent diseases associated with aging and age-related changes. Understanding the mechanisms of the biological activity of plant complexes and mixtures determines the prospects for using metabolomic and biochemical methods to prolong active longevity.

Inflammasome can Affect Adult Neurogenesis: A Review Article

Adult neurogenesis is the process of producing new neurons in the adult brain and is limited to two major areas: the hippocampal dentate gyrus and the Subventricular Zone (SVZ). Adult neurogenesis is affected by some physiological, pharmacological, and pathological factors. The inflammasome is a major signalling platform that regulates caspase-1 and induces proinflammatory cytokines production such as interleukin-1β (IL1-β) and IL-18.

Inflammasomes may be stimulated through multiple signals, and some of these signaling factors can affect neurogenesis. In the current review, “adult neurogenesis and inflammasome” were searched in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Reviewing various research works showed correlations between inflammasome and neurogenesis by different intermediate factors, such as interferons (IFN), interleukins (IL), α-synuclein, microRNAs, and natural compounds. Concerning the significant role of neurogenesis in the health of the nervous system and memory, understanding factors inducing neurogenesis is crucial for identifying new therapeutic aims. Hence in this review, we will discuss the different mechanisms by which inflammasome influences adult neurogenesis.

The effects of the combination of Cyperus rotundus, Crocus sativus, Piper nigrum, and Boswellia serrata on learning and memory deficit and oxidative damage in brain tissue of hypothyroid rats

In the present study, the impact of a combination of four memory-enhancer herbs on cognitive impairment and brain tissue oxidative damage due to hypothyroidism was evaluated. Propylthiouracil (PTU; 0.05%) was administrated in drinking water. Rats were treated with a combination of four herbal products (Cyperus rotundus, Crocus sativus, Piper nigrum, and Boswellia serrata) mixed with honey at two doses (640 and 1,280 mg/kg) or donepezil (0.5 mg/kg), for 6 weeks. Memory performance on the Morris water maze (MWM) and avoidance behavior in passive avoidance was impaired by hypothyroidism, and brain tissue oxidative damage occurred. Herbal combination and donepezil significantly improved memory impairment, reduced malondialdehyde concentration, and nitric oxide metabolites while increased the thiol contents and catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes activity in the brain. Our findings suggest that the mixture of herbal products improves learning and memory deficits caused by hypothyroidism, probably by reducing the brain tissue oxidative damage. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Learning and memory impairment is a common feature of thyroid hormones deficiency. Several studies are showing that hypothyroidism in juvenile and mature rats induces significant cognitive impairment. Likewise, in humans, a close relationship between thyroid hormone deficiency and cognitive impairment has been reported. We used a mixture of herbal products, including Cyperus rotundus, Crocus sativus, Piper nigrum, and Boswellia serrata, to treat hypothyroidism-induced memory impairment. All these herbs are widely used as a food additive across the world. In Iranian traditional medicine, this herbal combination traditionally used to treat cognitive impairments. Numerous studies have indicated that these herbs show neuroprotective and memory-enhancing properties. Our finding indicated that a traditionally used herbal combination could potentially use as a treatment of cognitive impairment induced by thyroid hormone deficiency.

Effects of Cyperus rotundus Extract on Spatial Memory Impairment and Neuronal Differentiation in Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases in the older population and characterized by progressive memory and cognitive impairment. Cyperus rotundus, a traditional medicinal herb, has analgesic, sedative, and anti-inflammatory effects and also used to increase memory in Islamic traditional medicine. This study was designed to consider the effects of C. rotundus extract on memory impairment and neurogenesis in the Beta-Amyloid rats' model.

Materials and Methods

Forty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 7) for the evaluation of baseline training performance in the Morris water maze test. Then, amyloid-beta (Aβ1-42) was injected in animal hippocampal CA1 bilaterally in four groups. The first probe trial was performed 21 days after Aβ injection. Then, 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg of C. rotundus extract were administered to three Aβ-injected groups for 1 month; after that, the second probe trial was performed, and rats were sacrificed after 28 days of the second probe trial. The neurogenesis was detected in the hippocampus, by immunohistochemical staining.

Results

This study showed that spatial memory increased in the behavioral test in AD treated group with C. rotundus extract, compared with the AD group (P = 0.02). Immunohistochemical staining revealed that neuronal differentiation has been occurred in the hippocampus in the AD-treated group with C. rotundus extract compared with the AD group (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

This study showed that C. rotundus extract, repaired spatial memory impairment in the Aβ rats, through increased neurogenesis in the hippocampus, which could be related to the flavonoid components in the extract.

Therapeutic effects of Cyperus rotundus rhizome extract on memory impairment, neurogenesis and mitochondria in beta-amyloid rat model of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disturbance leading to memory deficit, cognitive decline, and behavioral disturbance. Deposition of Amyloid beta plaques, neurofibrillary tangle and mitochondrial impairment are common neuropathological signs in AD. In this study, the effect of standardized Cyperus rotundus(C. rotundus) extract in three different doses of 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg on memory, neurogenesis and mitochondrial mass in the beta amyloid rat model was assessed. For this purpose, 42 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 7) to evaluate baseline training performance in Morris water maze test. Amyloid beta (Aβ) was injected in animal hippocampal CA1 bilaterally in four groups. After 21 days, a decrease was observed in spending time in target quadrant in the first probe trial in Aβ injected groups. Following that, 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg of C. rotundus extracts were administered to three out of four groups for a period of one month. BrdU (Bromodeoxyuridine) was intraperitoneally injected in all groups on the last 7 days of treatment. Then, 28 days after the last BrdU injection, the second probe trial was run, and rats were sacrificed. The neurogenesis and mitochondrial distribution were detected in hippocampus, by immunohistochemical staining. At last, it was observed that C. rotundus, almost recovered memory impairment, in addition to increasing in mitochondrial mass in CA1 and neurogenesis in dentate gyruse in the beta-amyloid rat model of Alzheimer's disease.

The treatment role of Cyperus rotundus L. to triple-negative breast cancer cells

Cyperus rotundus L. is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and studies have reported its anticancer effect, but its chemical composition and therapy mechanism remains unknown. This research aims to analyze the chemical components of the ethanol extract of Cyperus rotundus L. (EECR), detect its treatment effects on human Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, and elucidate possible therapy mechanisms. The chemical components of EECR were detected by the Waters UPLC combined with Bruker Q-TOF mass spectrometer (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). The phytochemical compounds were identified by comparing the mass fragmentations of each metabolite with databases such as METLIN, HMDB, and NCBI. A total of 21 compounds were identified in EECR. MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells were treated with various concentrations of EECR. Cell proliferation was examined using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry. Apoptosis- and autophagy-related protein expression was detected by Western blot. EECR inhibits the proliferation of TNBC cells (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468) in a dose-dependent manner, which may be related to the arrest of cell cycle in G0/G1 phase. It induces apoptosis by promoting the expression of BAX and inhibiting the expression of BCL-2. In addition, autophagy inhibitor 3-Methyladenine (3-MA) inhibited TNBC cells pro-survival autophagy and increased the sensitivity of EECR. The present results demonstrated that EECR has potential effects on inhibits the proliferation and induction apoptosis in TNBC.

Lentivirus-Mediated HDAC3 Inhibition Attenuates Oxidative Stress in APPswe/PS1dE9 Mice

Amyloid-β (Aβ) induces a burst of oxidative stress and plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our previous results have shown that histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) inhibition ameliorates spatial memory deficits and decreases the Aβ burden in the brains of 9-month-old APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) mice. In this study, we investigated the role of HDAC3 inhibition in oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro models of AD. HDAC3 was detected mainly in the neurons, and HDAC3 inhibition significantly decreased reactive oxygen species generation and improved primary cortical neuron viability. In addition, HDAC3 inhibition attenuated spatial memory dysfunction in 6-month-old APP/PS1 mice, and decreased the apoptotic rate in the hippocampi as demonstrated by TUNEL staining. HDAC3 inhibition also reduced markers of lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and DNA/RNA oxidation in the hippocampi of APP/PS1 mice. Moreover, HDAC3 inhibition inactivated the c-Abl/MST1/YAP signaling pathway in the hippocampi of APP/PS1 mice. In conclusion, our data show that HDAC3 inhibition can attenuate spatial memory deficits and inhibit oxidative stress in APP/PS1 mice; these results indicate a potential strategy for AD treatment.