1
|
Barbalho SM, Leme Boaro B, da Silva Camarinha Oliveira J, Patočka J, Barbalho Lamas C, Tanaka M, Laurindo LF. Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Neuroinflammation Intervention with Medicinal Plants: A Critical and Narrative Review of the Current Literature. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2025; 18:133. [PMID: 39861194 PMCID: PMC11768729 DOI: 10.3390/ph18010133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2024] [Revised: 01/16/2025] [Accepted: 01/17/2025] [Indexed: 01/27/2025] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a key factor in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, driven by the dysregulation of molecular pathways and activation of the brain's immune system, resulting in the release of pro-inflammatory and oxidative molecules. This chronic inflammation is exacerbated by peripheral leukocyte infiltration into the central nervous system. Medicinal plants, with their historical use in traditional medicine, have emerged as promising candidates to mitigate neuroinflammation and offer a sustainable alternative for addressing neurodegenerative conditions in a green healthcare framework. This review evaluates the effects of medicinal plants on neuroinflammation, emphasizing their mechanisms of action, effective dosages, and clinical implications, based on a systematic search of databases such as PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science. The key findings highlight that plants like Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala, Curcuma longa, Cannabis sativa, and Dioscorea nipponica reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β), inhibit enzymes (COX-2 and iNOS), and activate antioxidant pathways, particularly Nrf2. NF-κB emerged as the primary pro-inflammatory pathway inhibited across studies. While the anti-inflammatory potential of these plants is significant, the variability in dosages and phytochemical compositions limits clinical translation. Here, we highlight that medicinal plants are effective modulators of neuroinflammation, underscoring their therapeutic potential. Future research should focus on animal models, standardized protocols, and safety assessments, integrating advanced methodologies, such as genetic studies and nanotechnology, to enhance their applicability in neurodegenerative disease management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Maria Barbalho
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil; (S.M.B.); (L.F.L.)
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Leme Boaro
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina de Marília (FAMEMA), Marília 17519-030, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jéssica da Silva Camarinha Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina de Marília (FAMEMA), Marília 17519-030, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jiří Patočka
- Faculty of Health and Social Studies, Institute of Radiology, Toxicology and Civil Protection, University of South Bohemia Ceske Budejovice, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, 50003 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Caroline Barbalho Lamas
- Department of Gerontology, School of Gerontology, Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos 13565-905, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Masaru Tanaka
- Danube Neuroscience Research Laboratory, HUN-REN-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Hungarian Research Network, University of Szeged (HUN-REN-SZTE), Tisza Lajos Krt. 113, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Lucas Fornari Laurindo
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil; (S.M.B.); (L.F.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sakkaki E, Jafari B, Gharesouran J, Rezazadeh M. Gene expression patterns of CRYM and SIGLEC10 in Alzheimer's disease: potential early diagnostic indicators. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:349. [PMID: 38401023 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09113-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurological condition that may lead to dementia as well as a slow and steady decline in cognitive ability. Finding early signs that may be used in the diagnosis of AD is still a difficult aim to achieve in the field of medical practice. METHODS AND RESULTS The purpose of this research was to investigate to determine any differences in the gene expression patterns of crystallin mu (CRYM) and sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin 10 (SIGLEC10) in whole blood samples obtained from fifty individuals who were diagnosed with AD and fifty individuals as a control group. When compared with controls, it was discovered that the expression of the CRYM gene was substantially decreased in AD patients, but the expression of the SIGLEC10 gene was significantly higher. A positive correlation between CRYM and SIGLEC10 was noticed solely in patients with AD. Furthermore, assessing the diagnostic value of these genes, CRYM and SIGLEC10 transcript levels displayed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.74 and 0.81, respectively. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that alterations in CRYM and SIGLEC10 expression may be implicated in AD pathology and that these genes expression levels can potentially serve as biomarkers for early detection and diagnosis of AD. Nevertheless, further validation of these findings requires the inclusion of more extensive and heterogeneous cohorts. The findings derived from this study possess the capability to offer a significant contribution towards the progression of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Sakkaki
- Department of Genetics, Ahar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahar, Iran
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Tabriz Valiasr Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behboud Jafari
- Department of Microbiology, Ahar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahar, Iran.
| | - Jalal Gharesouran
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maryam Rezazadeh
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Tabriz Valiasr Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|