Synergistic Neuroprotective Effect of Schisandra chinensis and Ribes fasciculatum on Neuronal Cell Death and Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Impairment in Rats

Neuroprotective potentials of Lead phytochemicals against Alzheimer's disease with focus on oxidative stress-mediated signaling pathways: Pharmacokinetic challenges, target specificity, clinical trials and future perspectives

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's diseases (AD) and dementia are among the highly prevalent neurological disorders characterized by deposition of beta amyloid (Aβ) plaques, dense deposits of highly phosphorylated tau proteins, insufficiency of acetylcholine (ACh) and imbalance in glutamatergic system. Patients typically experience cognitive, behavioral alterations and are unable to perform their routine activities. Evidence also suggests that inflammatory processes including excessive microglia activation, high expression of inflammatory cytokines and release of free radicals. Thus, targeting inflammatory pathways beside other targets might be the key factors to control- disease symptoms and progression.

PURPOSE

This review is aimed to highlight the mechanisms and pathways involved in the neuroprotective potentials of lead phytochemicals. Further to provide updates regarding challenges associated with their use and their progress into clinical trials as potential lead compounds.

METHODS

Most recent scientific literature on pre-clinical and clinical data published in quality journals especially on the lead phytochemicals including curcumin, catechins, quercetin, resveratrol, genistein and apigenin was collected using SciFinder, PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, JSTOR, EBSCO, Scopus and other related web sources.

RESULTS

Literature review indicated that the drug discovery against AD is insufficient and only few drugs are clinically approved which have limited efficacy. Among the therapeutic options, natural products have got tremendous attraction owing to their molecular diversity, their safety and efficacy. Research suggest that natural products can delay the disease onset, reduce its progression and regenerate the damage via their anti-amyloid, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potentials. These agents regulate the pathways involved in the release of neurotrophins which are implicated in neuronal survival and function. Highly potential lead phytochemicals including curcumin, catechins, quercetin, resveratrol, genistein and apigenin regulate neuroprotective signaling pathways implicated in neurotrophins-mediated activation of tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) and p75 neurotrophins receptor (p75NTR) family receptors.

CONCLUSIONS

Phytochemicals especially phenolic compounds were identified as highly potential molecules which ameliorate oxidative stress induced neurodegeneration, reduce Aβ load and inhibit vital enzymes. Yet their clinical efficacy and bioavailability are the major challenges which need further interventions for more effective therapeutic outcomes.

Different ratios of Schisandra chinensis and Evodia rutaecarpa combination for treating Alzheimer's disease

Schisandra chinensis and Evodia rutaecarpa are traditional Chinese herbs that have been used for many years to treat neurodegenerative diseases. In Chinese medicine, multiple herbs are often used in combination to enhance their efficacy, and different combination ratios can produce different therapeutic effects, thus flexibly responding to the needs of various patients. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different ratios of Schisandra and Evodia herbs on learning and memory impairment in rats with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and their specific mechanisms of action. Morris water maze and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of different ratios of Schisandra-Evodia on learning memory in AD model rats. Immunohistochemical experiments were performed to investigate the effects of Schisandra-Evodia on the Aβ1-42 and P-Tau proteins, and protein immunoblotting (WB) was performed to determine the expression of key proteins in two pathways, BDNF/TrkB/CREB and GSK-3β/Tau. Our experimental results show that all Schisandra-Evodia groups showed significant neuroprotective effects, improved learning memory impairment, and reduced levels of Aβ1-42 and P-Tau proteins in AD model rats. Schisandra-Evodia upregulated BDNF, P-TrkB/TrkB, and P-CREB/CREB protein expression and downregulated GSK-3β and P-Tau/Tau protein expression. Among the different Schisandra-Evodia ratio groups, the 2:1 group showed the strongest therapeutic effect on AD. Our research results indicate that Schisandra-Evodia can reduce Aβ1-42 and P-Tau protein content by modulating the activity of two pathways, BDNF/TrkB/CREB and GSK-3β/Tau, thus improving neuronal cell damage and cognitive deficits caused by AD. In addition, we found that a Schisandra-Evodia ratio of 2:1 had the most profound therapeutic effect on AD.

Punica granatum peel supplementation attenuates cognitive deficits and brain injury in rat by targeting the Nrf2-HO-1 pathway

The critical role of nutrition to prevent neurodegenerative disorders is well documented. Punica granatum fruit is identified as a highly nutritional food for alleviating various ailments. The ameliorating properties of P. granatum peel on memory dysfunction and the possible roles of oxidative stress, acetylcholinesterase (AchE), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-heme oxygenase (HO)-1 pathway in the scopolamine-treated rats were assessed. The hydroethanolic extract was standardized using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The animal groups were as follows: Control, scopolamine (2 mg/kg), and treatment groups (the extract at doses of 200-800 mg/kg). The behavioral performance was evaluated using the Morris water maze (MWM) and passive avoidance equipment. Various biochemical parameters were then measured. Rats received the extract properly found on the platform location, indicated by a shorter traveling time and distance during 5 days of learning MWM. Moreover, the extract increased the delay and light time, while decreasing dark time and the frequency of entries to the dark in the passive avoidance test. The extract also exerted a significant increase in superoxide dismutase activity and thiol content, while decreasing AchE activity and lipid peroxidation in the brain of scopolamine-injured rats. Our results demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of P. granatum peel in minimizing scopolamine injury possibly through targeting the Nrf2-HO-1 pathway.

Explore the Therapeutic Composition and Mechanism of Schisandra chinensis-Acorus tatarinowii Schott on Alzheimer’s Disease by Using an Integrated Approach on Chemical Profile, Network Pharmacology, and UPLC-QTOF/MS-Based Metabolomics Analysis

Background. Alzheimer’s disease places a heavy economic burden to healthcare systems around the world. However, the effective treatments are still lacking. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) of Schisandra chinensis and Acorus tatarinowii Schott have the pharmacological effects of sedation and neuroprotection and have been clinically proven to be effective in the treatment of AD. However, their main anti-Alzheimer’s compounds and functional mechanisms remain unclear. Purpose. To elucidate the main therapeutic components and possible mechanisms of Sc-At in AD using a comprehensive strategy combining metabolomics and network pharmacology. Methods. First, the UPLC-QTOF/MS method was used to identify the main chemical constituents of Schisandra chinensis and Acorus tatarinowii Schott alcohol extracts in vitro and in vivo. Secondly, the theoretical active ingredients, targets, and pathways of Sc-At for AD treatment were predicted by network pharmacology methods. Finally, plasma metabolomics were detected by UPLC-QTOF/MS to analyze the differential metabolites and metabolic pathways related to Sc-At. Based on the analyses above, the anti-AD mechanism of Sc-At was explored. Results. A total of 95 chemical components were identified in Sc-At extracts in vitro, and 34 prototype drug components were detected in rat plasma; network pharmacology screening identified 14 drug components in line with the principle of Lipinski, of which 10 were present for in vitro drug composition analysis. For these 10 components, 58 AD disease targets were predicted, and 85 AD-related KEGG signaling pathways were enriched. Six core biomarkers of Sc-At (cis-8,11,14,17-eicosatetraenoic acid, prostaglandin H2, sphingosine 1-phosphate, enol-phenylpyruvate, 3-methoxytyrosine, and pristanoyl-CoA) were regulated to a normal state during the treatment of AD. Conclusion. The mechanism of Sc-At for the treatment of AD can be achieved by the effect of the 10 compounds of Sc-At on TNF, MAPK8, MAPK14, PTGS1, and other targets, thereby affecting arachidonic acid metabolism, neurotransmitters, and sphingolipid metabolism.

Inhibitory Effect of Ulmus davidiana and Cornus officinalis Extracts on Osteoporotic Bone Loss In Vitro and In Vivo

Background and Objectives: Traditional herbal medicines are becoming more popular as a complementary medication as they have the advantages of being mostly harmless and safe, causing fewer side-effects than conventional medications. Here, we demonstrate the inhibitory effects of the combination of Ulmus davidiana (UD) and Cornus officinalis (CO) extracts on osteoporotic bone loss. Materials and Methods: This study presented osteogenic effects in primary cultured osteoblasts, pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cell lines, and osteoclastogenic effects in osteoclasts derived from bone marrow monocytes, and finally, protective effects on bone loss in an ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporotic animal model. Results: A significant increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was observed following treatment with UD and CO mixtures (8:2, 7:3, and 5:5 ratios) and individual UD and CO extracts, with the highest ALP activity being detected for the treatment with UD and CO extracts at a 5:5 ratio. An optimal ratio of UD and CO (UC) extract promoted osteoblast differentiation in both pre-osteoblastic cells and primary osteoblasts by increasing osteoblastic markers such as Alpl, Runx2, and Bglap. However, treatment with the UC extract inhibited osteoclast differentiation with a decreased expression of osteoclastogenesis-related genes, including Ctsk, Acp5, Mmp9, and Nfatc1. In addition, UC treatment prevented osteoporotic bone loss in OVX mice and improved impaired skeletal structure parameters. Conclusions: This study suggests that combined UD and CO extracts may be a beneficial traditional medicine for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

A review of dementia, focusing on the distinct roles of viral protein corona and MMP9 in dementia: Potential pharmacotherapeutic priorities

Dementia, in particular, is a defining feature of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Because of the combination of motor and cognitive impairments, Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) has a greater impact on affected people than Alzheimer's disease dementia (ADD) and others. If one family member develops dementia, the other members will suffer greatly in terms of social and occupational functioning. Currently, no relevant treatment is available based on an examination of the absolute pathophysiology of dementia. As a result, our objective of current review encouraged to look for dementia pharmacotherapy based on their pathogenesis. We systematically searched electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and ESCI for information on the pathophysiology of demetia, as well as their treatment with allopathic and herbal medications. By modulating intermediate proteins, oxidative stress, viral protein corona, and MMP9 are etiological factors that cause dementia. The pathophysiology of ADD was described by two hypotheses: the amyloid cascade hypothesis and the tau and tangle hypothesis. ADD is caused by an increase in amyloid-beta (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles in the cerebrum. The viral protein corona (VPC) is more contagious and helps to form amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the cerebrum. Thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) inside the BBB encourages Aβ to become more engaged. PDD is caused by decreased or absent dopamine secretion from nerve cells in the substantia nigra, as well as PRKN gene deletion/duplication mutations, and shift in the PRKN-PACRG organisation, all of which are linked to ageing. This article discussed the pathophysiology of dementia, as well as a list of herbal medications that can easily cross the BBB and have a therapeutic effect on dementia.

Signature network-based survey of the effects of a traditional Chinese medicine on heart failure

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Heart failure (HF) after myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the most common disabling and painful diseases. A traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, Shengmaisan, is known as a multitarget medicine that is widely used clinically to treat heart failure (HF) in Asian countries. However, its mechanism has not been comprehensively demonstrated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To use a prediction network to figure out which disease link SMZ mainly alleviates in HF and find biomarkers related to myocardial fibrosis in the serum for clinical reference.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this article, we collected a large amount of actual measurement data and our own proteomics data, along with the biomarkers of heart failure staging under study to establish a precise network. Then, we tested and verified the medicinal effect of SMZ in treatment of HF after MI by Measurement of left ventricular wall thickness and ejection fraction by echocardiography. Then we tested the serum level of the potential targets of SMZ predicting by the network we developed using ELISA.

RESULTS

the cardiac ejection fraction and retarding the thinning of the anterior wall of the left ventricle increased after treating with SMZ. The serum level of EGFR and MAPK1 decreased in the groups treated with SMZ.

CONCLUSION

SMZ can improve the cardiac function of rats with MI by increasing the cardiac ejection fraction and retarding the thinning of the anterior wall of the left ventricle. In addition, SMZ could delay heart failure mainly by inhibiting the progression of myocardial fibrosis through decreasing the EGFR and MAPK1 levels.

Sea Cucumber Peptides Attenuated the Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment in Mice and Rats and the Underlying Mechanism

Social stress and unhealthy diets lead to memory impairment, triggering health problems. This study aimed to determine the mitigating effect and regulation mechanism of sea cucumber peptides (SCP) against memory impairment. Here, scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mouse and rat models was used based on behavioral tests, a histological staining technique, Fourier transform infrared microscopy, and gas-chromatographic analysis as well as a Western blotting method. SCP improved the behavioral performance and regulated the disorder of the cholinergic system in mouse models in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, the underlying mechanism was explored in high-dose SCP using mouse and rat models. SCP repaired damaged neuronal cells, enhanced the Nissl body number, increased the unsaturated lipid level, and activated the long-term potentiation (LTP) pathway (p-CaMKII, p-CREB, and BDNF), both in the mouse and rat hippocampus. The results indicated that SCP upregulated the LTP pathway and unsaturated lipid level to combat scopolamine-induced memory impairment, suggesting that SCP was a potential candidate for neurological recovery.

Anti-Obesity Effects of Combined Cornus officinalis and Ribes fasciculatum Extract in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Male Mice

Simple Summary

Obesity is a general health problem representing a high risk factor for a low-quality lifestyle. Various Food and Drug Administration-approved pharmacological medications have been established for the treatment and prevention of obesity. However, some pharmacotherapies present adverse effects and limited long-term use. Natural herbal medicines as alternative cures have shown low side-effects and suitability for long-term treatment. Cornus officinalis and Ribes fasciculatum (CR) are well-known oriental plants used for health dietary supplements and herbal medicine. This study examined the anti-obesity effect of CR in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese male mice. Treatment of CR extract prevented body weight gain through the downregulation of adipogenic inducible genes and recovered the dysregulated energy metabolism in HFD-induced obese male mice. Therefore, CR reduced elevated biochemical obesity parameters in plasma, as well as inhibited hepatic steatosis in the liver and adipocyte size increase in fat tissue. These findings of the study reveal the potential anti-obesity effects of CR as an herbal medicine.

Abstract

Medicinal plants are widely used as supplements for the treatment of various diseases because of their few side-effects. Here, we examined the anti-obesity effects of a mixture extract of Cornus officinalis and Ribes fasciculatum (CR) in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese male mice. Four week old male C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet (ND) or 60% high-fat diet (HFD) with different concentrations of CR extracts (75, 150, and 300 mg/kg/day) by oral administration for 12 weeks. CR extract administration prevented HFD-induced weight gain, hepatic steatosis, and adipocyte enlargement through the downregulation of adipogenesis-associated genes in obese male mice. In addition, CR administration improved the impaired glucose metabolism, insulin action, biochemical obesity parameters, and metabolic profiles in HFD-induced male mice. Consequently, the CR extract exhibited beneficial effects on HFD-induced systemic metabolic challenges. Taken together, our findings suggest that CR extract may be a potent therapeutic supplement for the treatment and prevention of obesity.

Genus Ribes Linn. (Grossulariaceae): A comprehensive review of traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and clinical applications

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Ribes Linn., which belongs to the Grossulariaceae family, contains 160 species distributed mainly in temperate and cold regions of the Northern Hemisphere. There are 59 species in southwest, northwest and northeast China. Some species of Ribes have been used as traditional and local medicines for the treatment of glaucoma, cardiovascular disease, stomachache, hepatitis, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and other ailments. However, the data provided in recent years have not been collated and compared.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review aims to summarize the current status of ethnopharmacological uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, clinical applications, and pharmacokinetics of the genus Ribes to better understand the therapeutic potential of the genus Ribes in the future and hope to provide a relatively novel perspective for further clinical application on the genus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The literature on Ribes was collected through a series of scientific search engines including Elsevier, ACS, Springer, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, Wiley, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and books.

RESULTS

Ribes species have been used for detoxification, glaucoma, cardiovascular disease, stomachache, hepatitis, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and other ailments. These plants mainly contain phenolic glycosides, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, polysaccharides, etc. Most traditional uses are related to biological activity and have been confirmed by modern research. Pharmacological studies in vitro and in vivo revealed that the extracts and pure compounds possessed significant hypolipidemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antibacterial, and antiviral activity, eyesight protection and other effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and clinical applications described in this article explained that the Ribes species has numerous activities, and these findings will promote further action in the area of mechanism research. However, very few preclinical and clinical studies have focused on the toxicology and pharmacokinetics of crude extracts and pure compounds from the genus Ribes. Moreover, several clinical evidence to support the health benefits of Ribes plants. The development of new medicines based on Ribes species as ingredients may be restricted. The pharmacological activity, clinical efficacy and safety of Ribes species need to be verified by systematic and comprehensive preclinical studies and clinical trials.

Synergistic Neuroprotective Effects of Mature Silkworm and Angelica gigas Against Scopolamine-Induced Mild Cognitive Impairment in Mice and H2O2-Induced Cell Death in HT22 Mouse Hippocampal Neuronal Cells

We previously reported that mature Bombyx mori silkworm (SW) ameliorated scopolamine (Sco)-induced amnesia, and Angelica gigas (AG) prevented cognitive impairment. SW is known for its gastroprotective effects such as improving liver function and alleviating the effects of Parkinson's disease. AG is known for its neuroprotective effects and for lowering the effects of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. However, the neuroprotective effect of combined SW and AG (SWA-1) treatment and the underlying molecular mechanism by which SWA-1 regulates neurodegenerative diseases remains unclear. We evaluated the neuroprotective effect of SWA-1 against Sco-induced mild cognitive impairment in mice and H₂O₂-induced cell death in HT22 mouse hippocampal neuronal cells and elucidated the underlying molecular mechanism. Morris water maze and Y-maze tests were performed to examine the learning and memory abilities of mice. The underlying molecular mechanism was investigated by using western blotting. We demonstrated that SWA-1 significantly protects against H₂O₂-induced cell death in HT22 mouse hippocampal neuronal cells. SWA-1 also significantly reversed Sco-induced spatial learning and memory impairment. Specifically, SWA-1 upregulates the protein levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal-related kinase (Erk1/2) and phosphorylated p38 MAP kinase (p38). SWA-1 remarkably decreased the apoptotic index Bax/Bcl2 expression in the hippocampus of Sco-treated mice. Our results suggest that SWA-1 may be administered as alternative therapy for cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases and should be studied further in human trials.

Potential Herb-Drug Interactions in the Management of Age-Related Cognitive Dysfunction

Late-life mild cognitive impairment and dementia represent a significant burden on healthcare systems and a unique challenge to medicine due to the currently limited treatment options. Plant phytochemicals have been considered in alternative, or complementary, prevention and treatment strategies. Herbals are consumed as such, or as food supplements, whose consumption has recently increased. However, these products are not exempt from adverse effects and pharmacological interactions, presenting a special risk in aged, polymedicated individuals. Understanding pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions is warranted to avoid undesirable adverse drug reactions, which may result in unwanted side-effects or therapeutic failure. The present study reviews the potential interactions between selected bioactive compounds (170) used by seniors for cognitive enhancement and representative drugs of 10 pharmacotherapeutic classes commonly prescribed to the middle-aged adults, often multimorbid and polymedicated, to anticipate and prevent risks arising from their co-administration. A literature review was conducted to identify mutual targets affected (inhibition/induction/substrate), the frequency of which was taken as a measure of potential interaction. Although a limited number of drugs were studied, from this work, interaction with other drugs affecting the same targets may be anticipated and prevented, constituting a valuable tool for healthcare professionals in clinical practice.

Antiadipogenic Effects of Mixtures of Cornus officinalis and Ribes fasciculatum Extracts on 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes and High-Fat Diet-Induced Mice

Medicinal plants have been used worldwide as primary alternative healthcare supplements. Cornus officinalis (CO) and Ribes fasciculatum (RF) are traditional medicinal plants applied in East Asia to treat human diseases such as hepatitis, osteoporosis, oxidative stress and allergy. The aim of this study was to examine the anti-obesity effect of CO and RF on preadipocyte 3T3-L1 cells in vitro and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity mice in vivo. Combination treatment of CO and RF in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells inhibited adipocyte differentiation through downregulation of adipogenesis-associated genes such as CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (Cebpa), fatty acid binding protein 4 (Fabp4), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (Pparg) and sterol regulatory element binding protein (Srebp1). In vivo animal models showed that a mixture of CO and RF inhibited HFD-induced weight gain, resulting in decreased abdominal visceral fat tissues and fatty hepatocyte deposition. In addition, CO+RF treatment decreased HFD-induced adipogenesis-associated genes in abdominal white fat tissue. These results suggest that administration of a CO and RF mixture prevented adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation in preadipocyte cells and HFD-induced body weight in obesity mice. Therefore, combined therapy of CO and RF may be a protective therapeutic agent against obesity.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Jiuwei Zhenxin Granules in Treating Depression: An Overview

Depression is known as "Yu Zheng" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Jiuwei Zhenxin granules (JZG) is a type of TCM. According to TCM theory, it nourishes the heart and spleen, tonifies Qi, and tranquilizes the spirit, and may also has effects in the treatment of depression. Here, we systematically reviewed recent basic and clinical experimental studies of JZG and depression, including studies of the pharmacological mechanisms, active ingredients, and clinical applications of JZG in depression treatment. This review will deepen our understanding of the pharmacological mechanisms, drug interactions, and clinical applications of TCM prescriptions and provide a basis for the development of new drugs in the treatment of depression.