1,721,043 research outputs found
Natural products, micronutrients, and nutraceuticals for the treatment of depression: A short review
No full textDepression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders, and the fourth leading cause of long-term disability throughout the world. Despite the availability of different classes of antidepressant drugs, most of them are not completely effective and above all are associated with many serious adverse effects. Recently, accumulating evidence suggests that dietary supplements rich in important phytochemicals possess beneficial therapeutic roles in depression. In this review, we will first consider what is known about the pathogenesis of depression and discuss the need for more safe and efficacious treatment. We will then review the potential clinical relevance of natural plant-derived products based on data derived from pre-clinical animal studies, randomized controlled studies and placebo-controlled trials published on this topic within the last decade. Among the natural compounds that show antidepressive-like activity, green tea catechins have been shown to decrease depressive symptoms in experimental animals, possibly in part through the inhibition of monoamine oxidase (MAO). Anthocyanins and their aglycons, responsible for the typical color of berries, inhibit MAO isoforms A or B with IC50 values corresponding to the micromolar range. Other studies suggest that cocoa extracts, whose main components are procyanidins, attenuate depressive symptoms in rats. Resveratrol, one of the most important natural stilbenoid, inhibits noradrenaline and serotonin reuptake in rats, and significantly decreases anxiety/depressive behaviours while increasing hippocampal serotonin and noradrenaline levels. Trans-resveratrol possesses MAO-A inhibitory effects in different brain areas, particularly in the frontal cortex and hippocampus, as already reported for tea catechins. Although these effects have been documented in rodent models, further randomized controlled trials in this area are warranted. However, so far, there is only correlative evidence between certain nutrients, such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and B vitamins, and depression in human population studies. Growing evidence suggests that consumption of these compounds may represent an alternative strategy to delay the onset and progression of depression, and depressive-like symptoms. However, further randomized and placebo-controlled trials are necessary to confirm the potential of these compounds as a possible remedy for this debilitating disorder
Natural products, micronutrients, and nutraceuticals for the treatment of depression: A short review
No full textDepression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders, and the fourth leading cause of long-term disability throughout the world. Despite the availability of different classes of antidepressant drugs, most of them are not completely effective and above all are associated with many serious adverse effects. Recently, accumulating evidence suggests that dietary supplements rich in important phytochemicals possess beneficial therapeutic roles in depression. In this review, we will first consider what is known about the pathogenesis of depression and discuss the need for more safe and efficacious treatment. We will then review the potential clinical relevance of natural plant-derived products based on data derived from pre-clinical animal studies, randomized controlled studies and placebo-controlled trials published on this topic within the last decade. Among the natural compounds that show antidepressive-like activity, green tea catechins have been shown to decrease depressive symptoms in experimental animals, possibly in part through the inhibition of monoamine oxidase (MAO). Anthocyanins and their aglycons, responsible for the typical color of berries, inhibit MAO isoforms A or B with IC50 values corresponding to the micromolar range. Other studies suggest that cocoa extracts, whose main components are procyanidins, attenuate depressive symptoms in rats. Resveratrol, one of the most important natural stilbenoid, inhibits noradrenaline and serotonin reuptake in rats, and significantly decreases anxiety/depressive behaviours while increasing hippocampal serotonin and noradrenaline levels. Trans-resveratrol possesses MAO-A inhibitory effects in different brain areas, particularly in the frontal cortex and hippocampus, as already reported for tea catechins. Although these effects have been documented in rodent models, further randomized controlled trials in this area are warranted. However, so far, there is only correlative evidence between certain nutrients, such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and B vitamins, and depression in human population studies. Growing evidence suggests that consumption of these compounds may represent an alternative strategy to delay the onset and progression of depression, and depressive-like symptoms. However, further randomized and placebo-controlled trials are necessary to confirm the potential of these compounds as a possible remedy for this debilitating disorder
Editorial: NAD+ metabolism as a novel target against infection–Volume II
Full text linkFundamental discoveries in the history of science, including research from four Nobel laureates, have identified the pyrimidine nucleotide, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) as an essential metabolite and the most important cross-kingdom electron carrier. While a wealth of scientific studies in the last century have highlighted the important role of NAD+ in cellular energy generation and redox biology, recent studies have provided evidence for the paramount importance of the non-redox functions of NAD+. Alteration in intracellular NAD+ concentrations is critical in several pathological conditions, including but not limited to neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, diabetes, ischemia injury, dysmetabolic diseases, and inflammatory disorders. Recent advances in our understanding of the biological functions of NAD+-consuming enzymes and the role of NAD+ biosynthetic routes have shown that targeting NAD+ metabolism has very promising potential for therapeutic treatment of infectious diseases. Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is considered one of the greatest threats to human health. Cases of antibiotic resistance are constantly emerging, and the time needed for bacteria to become resistant to newly introduced antibiotics, is getting shorter. Therefore, it is crucial to identify antimicrobials with new mechanism of action to use as therapeutic tools. In this context, modulation of host NAD+ metabolism by the activation or inhibition of key enzymes could influence NAD+ signaling pathways in pathogens and their ability to colonize host cells. Further, the discovery of the enzymes involved in NAD+ turnover in the host during infection could increase our knowledge of bacterial pathogenesis and may be relevant for the development of targeted drug therapies against antibiotic resistant bacteria. However, detailed mechanisms by which NAD+ acts as a regulator and how we can target NAD+ metabolism during microbial infections is still poorly understood
Rhodiola rosea L. and Alzheimer's Disease: From Farm to Pharmacy
No full textRhodiola rosea L. (roseroot) is a common member of the family Crassulaceae, known as one of the most important popular medicinal plants in the northern region of Europe. The roots of R. rosea possess a wide range of pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antiinflammatory, anticancer, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective effects that are because of the presence of different phytochemicals such as phenols and flavonoids. In addition, the presence of salidroside, rosavins, and p-tyrosol are responsible for its beneficial effects for the treatment of on depression, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction. A plethora of studies report that R. rosea has potent neuroprotective effects through the suppression of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and excitotoxicity in brain tissues and antagonism of oncogenic p21-activated kinase. However, to our knowledge, no review articles have been published addressing the neuroprotective effects of R. rosea. Therefore, the present article aims at critically reviewing the available literature on the beneficial effects of R. rosea on as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases where oxidative stress plays a major role in disease development and progression. We also discuss the cultivation, phytochemistry, clinical impacts, and adverse effects of R. rosea to provide a broader insight on the therapeutic potential for this plant
Plant polyphenols as natural drugs for the management of Down syndrome and related disorders
No full textPolyphenols are secondary metabolites of plants largely found in fruits, vegetables, cereals and beverages, and therefore represent important constituents of the human diet. Increasing studies have demonstrated the potential beneficial effects of polyphenols on human health. Extensive reviews have discussed the protective effects of polyphenols against a series of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. Limited studies have investigated the potential therapeutic effects of these natural compounds on neurodevelopmental disorders associated with intellectual disability, such as Down syndrome (DS), for which mitochondrial dysfunctions and oxidative stress are hallmarks and contribute to the deleterious symptoms and cognitive decline. This review, starting from the structure, source, bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of relevant polyphenols, highlights recent studies on the effect and potential molecular mechanism(s) of action of the phenolic compounds epigallocatechin-3-gallate, resveratrol and hydroxytyrosol in restoring mitochondrial energy deficit and in reversing phenotypical alteration in DS. The clinical implications of plant polyphenol dietary supplements as therapeutic tools in managing DS and other intellectual disability-related diseases, is also discussed.13 page(s
Luteolin as an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agent: A brief review
No full textAccording to the World Health Organization, two billion people will be aged 60 years or older by 2050. Aging is a major risk factor for a number of neurodegenerative disorders. These age-related disorders currently represent one of the most important and challenging health problems worldwide. Therefore, much attention has been directed towards the design and development of neuroprotective agents derived from natural sources. These phytochemicals have demonstrated high efficacy and low adverse effects in multiple in vitro and in vivo studies. Among these phytochemicals, dietary flavonoids are an important and common chemical class of bioactive products, found in several fruits and vegetables. Luteolin is an important flavone, which is found in several plant products, including broccoli, pepper, thyme, and celery. Numerous studies have shown that luteolin possesses beneficial neuroprotective effects both in vitro and in vivo. Despite this, an overview of the neuroprotective effects of luteolin has not yet been accomplished. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to provide a review of the available literature regarding the neuroprotective effects of luteolin and its molecular mechanisms of action. Herein, we also review the available literature regarding the chemistry of luteolin, its herbal sources, and bioavailability as a pharmacological agent for the treatment and management of age-related neurodegenerative disorders
Neuroprotective effects of Ellagitannins: A brief review
No full textNeurodegenerative diseases are growing inexorably as the population ages, with enormous economic and social costs. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that by 2040, neurodegenerative diseases will overtake cancer to become the second leading cause of natural death, after cardiovascular diseases. Recent investigations suggest that the combination of genes and environmental toxins may contribute to the risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders. Thus, intervention strategies aimed at reducing exposure to risk factors such as life style, smoking, diet, vitamin deficiencies, chemical exposure and pollution are warranted. Modulation of dietary components as a therapeutic strategy to slow down or attenuate the progression of neuronal degeneration has become a focus of interest in the last few decades. Polyphenolic plant phytochemicals contain an array of properties useful to improve human health and protect against neurodegeneration. Herein, this review outlines the neuroprotective effect and clinical implications of ellagitannins, a class of hydrolysable tannins, for the management and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders
Neuroprotective effects of ginkgolide B against ischemic stroke: A review of current literature
No full textExtensive evidences has shown the promising effects of Ginkgo biloba consumption on several diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s diseases, and ischemic stroke, etc. Several studies also have reported its beneficial role on motor activity and cognitive functions. This species contain a unique class of diterpenes, namely Ginkgolide B, which possess several pharmacological activities such as protective effect against cardiovascular disease; the most important causes of death worldwide. The promising effects of Ginkgolide B on stroke, both ischemic and hemorrhagic, are suggested by an overwhelming body of scientific evidences. Many studies have shown that the increase of sirt1 expression, the suppression of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kB), the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-kB, the up-regulation of heme oxygenase 1, erythropoietin secretion and anti-apoptotic protein expression, the inhibition of pro-apoptotic proteins expression, and the improvement of endothelial NO synthesis are the main molecular mechanisms involved in the protective effect of Ginkgolide B on ischemic stroke. In this review, all the available data on the chemistry, mechanisms of neuroprotection and clinical impacts of Ginkgolide B are critically discussed
Luteolin as an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agent: A brief review
No full textAccording to the World Health Organization, two billion people will be aged 60 years or older by 2050. Aging is a major risk factor for a number of neurodegenerative disorders. These age-related disorders currently represent one of the most important and challenging health problems worldwide. Therefore, much attention has been directed towards the design and development of neuroprotective agents derived from natural sources. These phytochemicals have demonstrated high efficacy and low adverse effects in multiple in vitro and in vivo studies. Among these phytochemicals, dietary flavonoids are an important and common chemical class of bioactive products, found in several fruits and vegetables. Luteolin is an important flavone, which is found in several plant products, including broccoli, pepper, thyme, and celery. Numerous studies have shown that luteolin possesses beneficial neuroprotective effects both in vitro and in vivo. Despite this, an overview of the neuroprotective effects of luteolin has not yet been accomplished. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to provide a review of the available literature regarding the neuroprotective effects of luteolin and its molecular mechanisms of action. Herein, we also review the available literature regarding the chemistry of luteolin, its herbal sources, and bioavailability as a pharmacological agent for the treatment and management of age-related neurodegenerative disorders
Improvement of antioxidant defences and mood status by oral GABA tea administration in a mouse model of post-stroke depression
No full textGreen GABA (GGABA) and Oolong GABA (OGABA) teas are relatively new varieties of tea, whose chemical composition and functional properties are largely under-studied, despite their promising health capacities. Post stroke depression (PSD) is a complication of stroke with high clinical relevance, yielding increasing mortality and morbidity rates, and a lower response to common therapies and rehabilitation. Methods: Two chemically characterized commercial samples of GGABA and OGABA were investigated for effects on mood following oral administration using a mouse model of PSD, through common validated tests including the Despair Swimming Test and Tail Suspension Test. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of GGABA and OGABA was evaluated by determining the levels of lipid peroxidation products and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the mouse brain in vivo. Results: GGABA and OGABA attenuated depressed mood by influencing behavioral parameters linked to depression. GGABA was more active than OGABA in this study, and this effect may be likely due to a higher content of polyphenolic substances and amino acids in GGABA compared to OGABA. GGABA also exerted a greater antioxidant activity. Conclusions: Our data suggests that GABA tea is a promising candidate that can be used as an adjuvant in the management of PSD
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