Medicinal herbs effective in the treatment of the Alzheimer’s disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder which will gradually damage the memory, reduce learning and reasoning ability, impair judgement and communication and interfere with daily activities. As Alzheimer’s advances, patients may experience changes in their behaviour and personality. Such examples are anxiety, feelings of suspicion, consternation and delusional visions. Currently, there is no available treatment for this illness. Nevertheless, new approaches have extended horizons about the biology of this illness. Alzheimer’s is the most prevalent type of brain deterioration affecting over 20 million people across the world. In this article, we investigated the findings of previous control studies in order to determine whether medicinal herbs could be effective in treating cognitive disorders caused by this illness in the elderly. Furthermore, a few common medicinal herbs for treating Alzheimer’s have been looked into in this article. METHODS: In this study, we conducted investigations into the studies done on Alzheimer’s using databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, SID, Pumbed Central, Pumbed and a number of key words like Alzheimer’s, medicinal herbs, Acetylcholine and antioxidants. FINDINGS: The first neurotransmitter deficiency discovered in Alzheimer’s was Acetylcholine which is a cholinergic neurotransmitter necessary for the short-term memory. Cholinergic deficiency due to Alzheimer’s is mainly responsible for the problems of short-term memory. CONCLUSION: Undoubtedly, cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists are efficacious in treating Alzheimer’s. However, these treatments are unlikely to impede the illness and they tend to lose their effectiveness in the long run. The products of medicinal herbs are mostly used in treating the psychological and behavioural symptoms of Alzheimer’s

Impacts of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on Sleep Pattern

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is the third global crisis after two epidemics of severe acute respiratory syndromes. It has affected general public besides health care systems and governments. Confinements and lock downs have changed waking up time and going to bed time, ultimately affecting circadian clocks that can disturb sleep quality which can lead to anxiety, stress, and depression. This puts the most susceptible group -young adults and females- at risk of psychological disorders and even inflammatory events. Several kinds of sleep disorders due to COVID-19 including insomnia, sleep apnea, sleepiness during daytime, post-traumatic-like sleep dysfunction, abnormal dreams, and restless legs syndrome have been reported. As sleep deprivation can alter circadian clock and weaken immunity which makes human more susceptible to pulmonary inflammatory process of COVID-19 and even enhance its manifestations, it should be considered as an urgent complication that needs to be treated. Furthermore, longstanding effects of sleep disturbances during COVID-19 pandemic need to be elucidated

Association of sleep quality with body fat mass and metabolic factors in Iranian adults in 2020

Background: Poor sleep quality is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for poor health outcomes such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate the association between sleep quality, obesity and glycemic and lipid profiles in Iranian adults in 2020.Methods: 353 adults aged 18-60 years from community centers in Tehran municipality took apart in this cross-sectional study by convenience sampling. Information on anthropometric measurements, physical activity and dietary intake were collected. Sleep quality was assessed through Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Body composition was measured through BIA method. Auto analyzer was used to measure fasting blood sugar (FBS)and lipid profile and ELISA method was used to measure Insulin.Results: The mean age was 42.92±11.34 and 39.16±14.18 for women and men, respectively. Each one score increase in total sleep quality, was related to 0.1 cm increase in waist circumference and 0.3 % increase in body fat percent (P <0.05). BMI had a positive correlation with subscales of “sleep disturbances” and “use of sleep medication” (P <0.001). Physical activity had a significant negative correlation with subscales of “subjective sleep quality” and “sleep latency”. FBS and triglyceride had positive correlation with “sleep latency” and “Subjective sleep quality”, respectively (P <0.05).Conclusion: Some determinants of sleep quality are associated with obesity, disorders of glucose and triglyceride metabolism and low level of physical activity.Keywords: Sleep quality; PSQI questionnaire; Body fat mass; Fasting Blood Sugar; Lipid profil

Effect of Lavender Ethanolic Extract on Infarct Volume in Rats Subjected to Ischemia-Reperfusion

مقدمه: اسطوخدوس متعلق به خانواده Labiatae و با خاصیت آنتی&zwnj;اکسیدانی است. هدف: مطالعه حاضر به منظور بررسی اثر حفاظتی عصاره اسطوخدوس بر حجم سکته مغزی و مکانیسم احتمالی آن در مدل سکته مغزی رت انجام شد. روش بررسی: مطالعه از نوع تجربی بوده و 42 سر موش صحرایی نر به صورت تصادفی در 6 گروه 7 تایی تقسیم&zwnj;بندی شدند. عصاره اسطوخدوس (با دوزهای 100 و 200 میلی&zwnj;گرم بر کیلوگرم وزن بدن موش صحرایی) به مدت 20 روز متوالی به موش&zwnj;های صحرایی به صورت داخل صفاقی تزریق شد. 2 ساعت بعد از آخرین دوز، جراحی بستن شریان مغزی انجام و 24 ساعت بعد از القای ایسکمی میزان حجم سکته مغزی اندازه&zwnj;گیری شد. همچنین میزان نیتریک اکسید (NO) سرم اندازه&zwnj;گیری شد. تحلیل آماری داده&zwnj;ها ازطریق آنالیز واریانس یک طرفه (ANOVA) انجام شد . نتایج: تیمار رت&zwnj;ها با عصاره اسطوخدوس در دوز 200 میلی&zwnj;گرم بر کیلوگرم به مدت 20 روز منجر به یک کاهش معنی&zwnj;داری در حجم آسیب بافتی ناشی از سکته در ناحیه پنومبرا (کورتکس) و کانون (ساب کورتکس) مغز نسبت به کنترل شد (به ترتیب، 044/0P= و 047/0 P=). عصاره اسطوخدوس با دوز 200 میلی&zwnj;گرم به طور معنی&zwnj;داری میزان نیتریک اکساید خون را افزایش داد. نتیجه&zwnj;گیری: نتایج این مطالعه نشان می&zwnj;دهد که عصاره اسطوخدوس فعالیت حفاظت مغزی در برابر ایسکمی مغزی دارد و حجم سکته مغزی را در موش&zwnj;های صحرایی در معرض ایسکمی کاهش می&zwnj;دهد که مکانیسم آن ممکن است در ارتباط با افزایش فعالیت سیستم دفاعی آنتی&zwnj;اکسیدانی دارو باشد. عصاره گیاه اسطوخدوس با افزایش سطح نیتریک اکساید اندوتلیالی، با مهار کاهش جریان خون مغزی باعث کاهش حجم سکته&zwnj;ی مغزی شده است

Antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of protein hydrolysates obtained from enzymatic hydrolysis of Klunzinger’s mullet (Liza klunzingeri) muscle

Today, consumers are looking for functional foods that promote health and prevent certain diseases in addition to provide nutritional requirements. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of Liza klunzingeri protein hydrolysates. Fish protein hydrolysates (FPHs) were prepared from L. klunzingeri muscle using enzymatic hydrolysis with papain at enzyme/substrate ratios of 1:25 and 1:50 for 45, 90 and 180 min. The antioxidant activities of the FPHs were investigated through five antioxidant assays. The cytotoxic effects on 4T1 carcinoma cell line were also evaluated. The amino acid composition and molecular weight distribution of the hydrolysate with the highest antioxidant activity were determined by HPLC. All six FPHs exhibited good scavenging activity on ABTS (IC50=0.60-0.12 mg/mL), DPPH (IC50= 3.18-2.08 mg/mL), and hydroxyl (IC50=4.13-2.07 mg/mL) radicals. They also showed moderate Fe+2 chelating capacity (IC50=2.12-12.60 mg/mL) and relatively poor ferric reducing activity (absorbance at 70 nm= 0.01-0.15, 5 mg/mL). In addition, all hydrolysates showed cytotoxic activities against the 4T1 cells (IC50=1.62-2.61 mg/mL). 94.6% of peptide in hydrolysate with the highest antioxidant activity had molecular weight less than 1,000 Da. L. klunzingeri protein hydrolysates show significant antioxidant and anticancer activities in vitro and are suggested to be used in animal studies

Antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of protein hydrolysates obtained from enzymatic hydrolysis of Klunzinger’s mullet (Liza klunzingeri) muscle

Today, consumers are looking for functional foods that promote health and prevent certain diseases in addition to provide nutritional requirements. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of Liza klunzingeri protein hydrolysates. Fish protein hydrolysates (FPHs) were prepared from L. klunzingeri muscle using enzymatic hydrolysis with papain at enzyme/substrate ratios of 1:25 and 1:50 for 45, 90 and 180 min. The antioxidant activities of the FPHs were investigated through five antioxidant assays. The cytotoxic effects on 4T1 carcinoma cell line were also evaluated. The amino acid composition and molecular weight distribution of the hydrolysate with the highest antioxidant activity were determined by HPLC. All six FPHs exhibited good scavenging activity on ABTS (IC50=0.60-0.12 mg/mL), DPPH (IC50= 3.18-2.08 mg/mL), and hydroxyl (IC50=4.13-2.07 mg/mL) radicals. They also showed moderate Fe+2 chelating capacity (IC50=2.12-12.60 mg/mL) and relatively poor ferric reducing activity (absorbance at 70 nm= 0.01-0.15, 5 mg/mL). In addition, all hydrolysates showed cytotoxic activities against the 4T1 cells (IC50=1.62-2.61 mg/mL). 94.6% of peptide in hydrolysate with the highest antioxidant activity had molecular weight less than 1,000 Da. L. klunzingeri protein hydrolysates show significant antioxidant and anticancer activities in vitro and are suggested to be used in animal studies. Keywords: Antioxidant activity; Cytotoxic effect; Protein hydrolysate; Liza klunzinger

Hydroalcoholic extract of anchusa italica protects global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury via a nitrergic mechanism

Introduction: In stroke models, Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) expression initiates cellular toxicity due to excessive Nitric Oxide (NO) generation. Anchusa italica is a medicinal herb with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. This study evaluated the antioxidant activity and NOS mRNA expression of the Hydroalcoholic Extract Of Anchusa Italica (HEAI) in an experimental stroke model in rats. Methods: The stroke model was induced by bilateral occlusion of both common carotid arteries for 60 min. Twenty-four hours after surgery, HEAI (50 and 100 mg/kg i.p.) was injected daily for 10 consecutive days. mRNA expression levels of NOS subtypes and hippocampal Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) were studied using real-time PCR. Besides, hippocampal tissue plus serum concentrations of NO and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. Results: HEAI decreased MDA in both serum and hippocampal tissue and also reduced serum NO levels. Additionally, in the HEAI-treated groups, a down-regulation of iNOS mRNA expression, and an up-regulation of BDNF mRNA expression were observed. Conclusion: The results indicated that the administration of HEAI even after the onset of ischemia protects the brain from free radical injury and inflammation via a down-regulation of iNOS expression inhibiting NO production and an up-regulation of BDNF mRNA

The effect of pretreatment with hydroalcoholic extract of Alpinia officinarum rhizome on seizure severity and memory impairment in pentylenetetrazol-induced kindling model of seizure in rat

The aim of present study is to investigate pretreatment with hydroalcoholic extract of Alpinia officinarum rhizome on the severity of epilepsy and memory impairment in rat. In this experimental study, rats were randomly assigned to seven groups. Control group and negative control group were intraperitoneally injected with normal saline and PTZ, respectively, for 10 days. The intervention groups received A. officinarum extract at different doses (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg) 30 minutes before PTZ injection. A. officinarum extract treatment in rats with PTZ-induced kindling exerted significant increase in seizure latency and significant decrease in the frequency of total body seizure, frequent spinning, and jumping. Flumazenil significantly inhibited the antiepileptic effects of A. officinarum extract in the rat receiving the extract at 150 mg/kg. A. officinarum extract can inhibit PTZ-induced seizure and memory impairment, and therefore can be considered as a potent agent which warranted further research to clarify its effects. Keywords Author Keywords:Alpinia officinarum; seizure; pentylentetrazol; memory KeyWords Plus:OXIDATIVE STRESS; EPILEPS

Therapeutic effects of oleuropein in improving seizure, oxidative stress and cognitive disorder in pentylenetetrazole kindling model of epilepsy in mice

Prolonged epileptic seizures are the cause of neuronal death and brain damage. Lesions in different regions of the brain can lead to memory loss and cognitive disorders. It is therefore essential to seek out new neuroprotective drugs. Our aim was to investigate the therapeutic effects of oleuropein in improving seizure, oxidative stress, and cognitive disorder in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) kindling model of epilepsy in mice. Mice were randomized to four groups; negative control group intraperitoneally receiving PTZ for 10 days, oleuropein group receiving oleuropein (20 mg/kg) 30 min before PTZ administration, positive control group receiving diazepam 30 min before PTZ administration and flumazenil group receiving flumazenil and then oleuropein 30 min before PTZ administration. Epilepsy severity was investigated after final administration of PTZ. Then hippocampal tissues were removed and stored at-70 °C until measurements of the interleukin-1 (IL-1) and glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1) gene expression were conducted. Oleuropein treatment caused a significant increase in seizure latency and a significant decrease in total frequencies of head ticks, head and upper limbs seizures, the whole body seizures, frequent spinning and jumping and tonic seizures in PTZ receiving mice. IL-1 expression decreased in oleuropein group and GLT-1 levels did not change significantly in this group. Oleuropein treatment caused significant improvement of passive avoidance memory in PTZ receiving mice in shuttle box. Oleuropein can decrease PTZ-induced seizures and memory disorders due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is thus recommended to be used for production of anti-epileptic drugs. © 2020, Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. All rights reserved