Natural product-based pharmacological studies for neurological disorders

Unveiling the neuroprotective properties of isoflavones: current evidence, molecular mechanisms and future perspectives

Neurodegenerative diseases encompass a wide range of debilitating and incurable brain disorders characterized by the progressive deterioration of the nervous system's structure and function. Isoflavones, which are naturally occurring polyphenolic phytochemicals, have been found to regulate various cellular signaling pathways associated with the nervous system. The main objective of this comprehensive review is to explore the neuroprotective effects of isoflavones, elucidate the underlying mechanisms, and assess their potential for treating neurodegenerative disorders. Relevant data regarding isoflavones and their impact on neurodegenerative diseases were gathered from multiple library databases and electronic sources, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Science Direct. Numerous isoflavones, including genistein, daidzein, biochanin A, and formononetin, have exhibited potent neuroprotective properties against various neurodegenerative diseases. These compounds have been found to modulate neurotransmitters, which in turn contributes to their ability to protect against neurodegeneration. Both in vitro and in vivo experimental studies have provided evidence of their neuroprotection mechanisms, which involve interactions with estrogenic receptors, antioxidant effects, anti-inflammatory properties, anti-apoptotic activity, and modulation of neural plasticity. This review aims to provide current insights into the neuroprotective characteristics of isoflavones and shed light on their potential therapeutic applications in future clinical scenarios.

Exploiting Natural Niches with Neuroprotective Properties: A Comprehensive Review

Natural products from mushrooms, plants, microalgae, and cyanobacteria have been intensively explored and studied for their preventive or therapeutic potential. Among age-related pathologies, neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases) represent a worldwide health and social problem. Since several pathological mechanisms are associated with neurodegeneration, promising strategies against neurodegenerative diseases are aimed to target multiple processes. These approaches usually avoid premature cell death and the loss of function of damaged neurons. This review focuses attention on the preventive and therapeutic potential of several compounds derived from natural sources, which could be exploited for their neuroprotective effect. Curcumin, resveratrol, ergothioneine, and phycocyanin are presented as examples of successful approaches, with a special focus on possible strategies to improve their delivery to the brain.

Simira cordifolia protects against metal induced-toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans

Simira cordifolia (Hook.f.) Steyerm (Rubiaceae) is a vascular plant used in Northern Colombia as a source of pigments and wood. However, there is a lack of information regarding its pharmacology and toxicity. This research aimed to study the hydroalcoholic extract of Simira cordifolia as a protector against metal-induced toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the hydroalcoholic extract of S. cordifolia (HAE-Sc) was conducted using HPLC-ESI-QTOF. Wild-type N2 C. elegans larvae were exposed to different concentrations of HAE-Sc evaluating lethality (50-5000 μg/mL), growth, lifespan, resistance to heat stress, and its protective effect against Mercury (Hg)-, Lead (Pb)- and Cadmium (Cd)-induced lethality (50-1000 μg/mL). The main metabolites present in the extract were iridoids, β-carboline-alkaloids and polyphenols. Bioassays demonstrated that HAE-Sc exhibited low toxicity, with significant lethality (4.2% and 9.4%) occurring at 2500-5000 μg/mL. Growth inhibition reached up to 23.3%, while reproduction declined 13% and 17% at concentrations 500 and 1000 μg/mL, respectively. HAE-Sc enhanced the survival rate of the nematode under thermal stress by up to 79.8%, and extended the mean lifespan of worms by over 33% compared to control. The average lifespan was prolonged by 15.3% and 18.5% at 50 and 100 μg/mL HAE-Sc, respectively. The extract (1000 μg/mL) was able to reduce the death of C. elegans in the presence of heavy metals up to 65.9, 96.8% and 87% for Pb, Hg, and Cd, respectively. In summary, S. cordifolia shows potential protective effects in C. elegans against toxicity caused by heavy metals and heat.

Demaghi, a polyherbal formulation, mitigates aluminum chloride-induced neurological impairment in mice: Insights from phytochemical analysis and behavioral assessment

Herbal products have been very popular in Pakistan for their curative significance against various disorders. Demaghi (DEMG) is a widely used herbal product claimed to own natural substances having neuroprotective potential. The current study aims to scientifically validate the chemical composition as well as its neuroprotective claims of this widely used herbal tonic. The commercially available Demaghi product was chemically characterized for its phytocomposition. The mice were treated with two doses of Demaghi (DEMG 50 mg and 100 mg/kg/day), and the effects of its prolonged exposure on animal anxiety, memory, and depression were noted through a series of behavioral tests in the AlCl3-induced memory deficient mice model. Besides that, dissected brains were biochemically analyzed for oxidative stress markers and acetylcholinesterase activity, as well as histopathological changes. The study outcomes showed that DEMG (100 mg/kg/day) has prominent anti-anxiety effects, memory-enhancing properties, and anti-depressants effects observed in the AlCl3-induced memory-deficient mice model. Biochemical assays also showed a greater decrease in oxidative stress of tested animals treated with 100 mg/kg/day of DEMG. The histopathological analysis also revealed that administration of DEMG reduced the AlCl3-induced toxicity. UPLC-MS results revealed the presence of many phytoconstituents, which showed to support cholinergic signaling in in-silico studies. The current research validates the neurological benefits of Demaghi for memory-boosting properties. The phytocompounds present in Demaghi exert neuroprotective effects, possibly by enhancing the cholinergic neurotransmission and combating the neurotoxin-induced oxidative stress.

Phytoconstituent-Loaded Nanofibrous Meshes as Wound Dressings: A Concise Review

In the past, wounds were treated with natural materials, but modern wound dressings include functional elements to expedite the process of healing and to improve skin recovery. Due to their exceptional properties, nanofibrous wound dressings are now the most cutting-edge and desirable option. Similar in structure to the skin’s own extracellular matrix (ECM), these dressings can promote tissue regeneration, wound fluid transportation, and air ductility for cellular proliferation and regeneration owing to their nanostructured fibrous meshes or scaffolds. Many academic search engines and databases, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Sciencedirect, were used to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the literature for the purposes of this investigation. Using the term “nanofibrous meshes” as a keyword, this paper focuses on the importance of phytoconstituents. This review article summarizes the most recent developments and conclusions from studies on bioactive nanofibrous wound dressings infused with medicinal plants. Several wound-healing methods, wound-dressing materials, and wound-healing components derived from medicinal plants were also discussed.