Identification of Loliolide with Anti-Aging Properties from Scenedesmus deserticola JD052

Investigating the Neuroprotective and Cognitive-Enhancing Effects of Bacopa monnieri: A Systematic Review Focused on Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Apoptosis

The aging of the global population has increased the prevalence of neurodegenerative conditions. Bacopa monnieri (BM), an herb with active compounds, such as bacosides A and B, betulinic acid, loliolide, asiatic acid, and quercetin, demonstrates the potential for brain health. Limited research has been conducted on the therapeutic applications of BM in neurodegenerative conditions. This systematic review aims to project BM's beneficial role in brain disorders. BM has anti-apoptotic and antioxidant actions and can repair damaged neurons, stimulate kinase activity, restore synaptic function, improve nerve transmission, and increase neuroprotection. The included twenty-two clinical trials demonstrated that BM can reduce Nuclear Factor-κB phosphorylation, improve emotional function, cognitive functions, anhedonia, hyperactivity, sleep routine, depression, attention deficit, learning problems, memory retention, impulsivity, and psychiatric problems. Moreover, BM can reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress. Here, we highlight that BM provides notable therapeutic benefits and can serve as a complementary approach for the care of patients with neurodegenerative conditions associated with brain disorders. This review adds to the growing interest in natural products and their potential therapeutic applications by improving our understanding of the mechanisms underlying cognitive function and neurodegeneration and informing the development of new therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.

Loliolide in Sargassum horneri Alleviates Ultrafine Urban Particulate Matter (PM 0.1)-Induced Inflammation in Human RPE Cells

Owing to increasing air pollution due to industrial development, fine dust has been associated with threatening public health. In particular, ultrafine urban particulate matter (uf-UP, PM 0.1) can easily enter our bodies, causing inflammation-related diseases. Therefore, in the present study, we evaluated the effects of hydrothermal extracts of Sargassum horneri and its bioactive compound, loliolide, on uf-UP-induced inflammation as a potential treatment strategy for retinal disorders. Human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) stimulated with TNF-α or uf-UPs were treated with S. horneri extract and loliolide. S. horneri extracts exhibited anti-inflammatory effects on uf-UP-induced inflammation without cell toxicity through downregulating the mRNA expression of MCP-1, IL-8, IL-6, and TNF-α. UPLC-QTOF/MS analysis confirmed that the hydrothermal extract of S. horneri contained loliolide, which has anti-inflammatory effects. Loliolide effectively reduced the mRNA expression and production of proinflammatory chemokines (IL-8) and cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6) by downregulating the MAPK/NF-ĸB signaling pathway on TNF-α-stimulated inflammatory ARPE-19 cells. These effects were further confirmed in inflammatory ARPE-19 cells after stimulation with uf-UPs. Collectively, these results suggested the application of S. horneri as a functional ingredient for treating ocular disorders caused by particular matters.