29 research outputs found
Effect of Yakae-Prajamduen-Jamod Traditional Thai Remedy on Cognitive Impairment in an Ovariectomized Mouse Model and Its Mechanism of Action
No full textCognitive impairment is a neurological symptom caused by reduced estrogen levels in menopausal women. The Thai traditional medicine, Yakae-Prajamduen-Jamod (YPJ), is a formula consisting of 23 medicinal herbs and has long been used to treat menopausal symptoms in Thailand. In the present study, we investigated the effects of YPJ on cognitive deficits and its underlying mechanisms of action in ovariectomized (OVX) mice, an animal model of menopause. OVX mice showed cognitive deficits in the Y-maze, the novel object recognition test, and the Morris water maze. The serum corticosterone (CORT) level was significantly increased in OVX mice. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were reduced, while the mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α inflammatory cytokines were up-regulated in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of OVX mice. These alterations were attenuated by daily treatment with either YPJ or 17β-estradiol. HPLC analysis revealed that YPJ contained antioxidant and phytoestrogen constituents including gallic acid, myricetin, quercetin, luteolin, genistein, and coumestrol. These results suggest that YPJ exerts its ameliorative effects on OVX-induced cognitive deficits in part by mitigating HPA axis overactivation, neuroinflammation, and oxidative brain damage. Therefore, YPJ may be a novel alternative therapeutic medicine suitable for the treatment of cognitive deficits during the menopausal transition
Potential of Alternanthera philoxeroides on Improvement of Anxiety-Like Behavior Induced By Ovariectomized Mice Model
No full textA Systematic Review of Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Oroxylum indicum and Its Functional Food Potential
No full textOroxylum indicum is a traditional food in Asia rich in flavonoids and health-related effects. However, research into the use of O. indicum as a functional food ingredient is overlooked. This review synthesized literature from 2010 to 2025 using the PRISMA framework, bibliometric mapping, and the Antecedents–Decisions–Outcomes (ADO) model. In total, 185 articles were included, covering in vitro, in vivo, in silico, and limited human investigations. Bibliometric analysis shows a growing global interest, with recent focuses on molecular docking, cancer, and conservation. Phytochemical investigations consistently report key flavonoids, including baicalein, baicalin, oroxylin A, chrysin, oroxin A, and oroxin B. Studies have linked these compounds to different health benefits, including antioxidants, cardiovascular, and neurological protection. Application of the ADO framework organized research into motives, methods, and outcomes, and highlighted scientifically validated ethnomedicinal uses, such as diabetes and liver protection. Meanwhile, gaps, including obesity-related studies, long-term safety, and clinical trials, remain. More importantly, although young fruits are locally consumed as vegetables or beverages, translation into functional foods is limited by bitterness, lack of standardized preparations, and insufficient dose–response data at dietary intakes. This review discusses the bioactive potential of O. indicum and outlines research priorities for its development in functional food
Comparative Study of Lycopene-Loaded Niosomes Prepared by Microfluidic and Thin-Film Hydration Techniques for UVB Protection and Anti-Hyperpigmentation Activity
No full textNiosomes are employed for their improved physical properties and stability and as a controlled delivery system. However, their large-scale production and different preparation methods affect their physical properties. The microfluidic method represents a novel approach to the preparation of niosomes that enables precise control and decreases the preparation time and steps compared to alternative methods. The UVB protection and anti-hyperpigmentation activities of lycopene-loaded niosomes prepared by microfluidic (MF) and novel conventional thin-film hydration (THF) methods were compared. Extract powders from tomatoes (T), carrots (C), and mixed red vegetables (MR) were utilized to prepare lycopene-rich extract-entrapped niosomes. The resulting niosome formulations were characterized by particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, FT-IR spectra, entrapment efficiency, lycopene-release profile, permeation, and stability. The lycopene extract–niosome formulations were evaluated for their potential to provide UVB protection to human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and for their anti-melanogenesis effects on B16F10 melanoma cells. The results indicated that niosomes prepared by the MF method exhibited high uniformity and homogeneity (reflected by a low PDI value) and maintained smaller sizes when processed through a chip utilizing a hydrodynamic flow-focusing (HFF) platform compared to THF niosomes. The release kinetics of all lycopene–niosome formulations followed the Korsmeyer–Peppas model. The FT-IR spectra indicated that lycopene was incorporated into the niosome bilaminar membrane. Moreover, niosomes obtained from MF demonstrated enhanced stability during heating–cooling cycles, along with high UVB protection and anti-melanogenesis effects. Therefore, these developed niosome preparation methods could be effectively applied to topical products
Pharmacological Evaluation of a Traditional Thai Polyherbal Formula for Alzheimer’s Disease: Evidence from In Vitro and In Silico Studies
No full textAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder characterized by multifactorial pathogenesis, including oxidative stress, cholinergic dysfunction, β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation, and neuroinflammation. In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective potential of the Pheka capsule (PC) formula, a traditional Thai polyherbal medicine comprising Oroxylum indicum (OI), Zingiber officinale (ZO), and Boesenbergia rotunda (BR). Phytochemical analysis by HPLC confirmed the presence of key bioactive compounds including baicalein, baicalin, oroxylin A, 6-gingerol, 6-shogaol, pinocembrin, and pinostrobin. The PC formula exhibited strong antioxidant activity, highly selective butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibition with a selectivity index (SI) of BChE > 20, suppression of Aβ aggregation, and protection against H2O2-induced neuronal damage in vitro. Network pharmacology analysis identified multiple AD-relevant targets and pathways, including APP, GSK3B, CASP3, GAPDH, PTGS2, and PPARG, implicating the PC formula in modulating oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation. Notably, OI emerged as the primary contributor to the formula’s multitargeted actions. These findings support the therapeutic potential of the PC formula as a multitarget agent for AD, aligning with the growing interest in polypharmacological strategies for complex neurodegenerative diseases. Further in vivo and clinical studies are warranted to confirm its efficacy and safety
Effect of Diacetylcurcumin Manganese Complex on Rotenone-Induced Oxidative Stress, Mitochondria Dysfunction, and Inflammation in the SH-SY5Y Parkinson’s Disease Cell Model
No full textDiacetylcurcumin manganese complex (DiAc-Cp-Mn) is a diacetylcurcumin (DiAc-Cp) derivative synthesized with Mn (II) to mimic superoxide dismutase (SOD). It exhibited superior reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging efficacy, particularly for the superoxide radical. The present study investigated the ROS scavenging activity, neuroprotective effects, and underlying mechanism of action of DiAc-Cp-Mn in a cellular model of Parkinson’s disease. This study utilized rotenone-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells to assess the activities of DiAc-Cp-Mn by measuring cell viability, intracellular ROS, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), SOD, and catalase (CAT) activities. The mRNA expression of the nuclear factor erythroid 2 p45-related factor (Nrf2), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and Interleukin 1β (IL-1β), which are oxidative and inflammatory genes, were also evaluated to clarify the molecular mechanism. The results of the in vitro assays showed that DiAc-Cp-Mn exhibited greater scavenging activity against superoxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radicals compared to DiAc-Cp. In cell-based assays, DiAc-Cp-Mn demonstrated greater neuroprotective effects against rotenone-induced neurotoxicity when compared to its parent compound, DiAc-Cp. DiAc-Cp-Mn maintained MMP levels, reduced intracellular ROS levels, and increased the activities of SOD and CAT by activating the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway. In addition, DiAc-Cp-Mn exerted its anti-inflammatory impact by down-regulating the mRNA expression of iNOS and IL-1β that provoked neuro-inflammation. The current study indicates that DiAc-Cp-Mn protects against rotenone-induced neuronal damage by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation
Effects of the Bark Resin Extract of Garcinia nigrolineata on Chronic Stress-Induced Memory Deficit in Mice Model and the In Vitro Monoamine Oxidases and β-Amyloid Aggregation Inhibitory Activities of Its Prenylated Xanthone Constituents
No full textThe present study describes investigation of the effects of the bark resin extract of Garcinia nigrolineata (Clusiaceae) on the cognitive function and the induction of oxidative stress in both frontal cortex and hippocampus by unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS). By using behavioral mouse models, i.e., the Y-maze test, the Novel Object Recognition Test (NORT), and the Morris Water Maze Test (MWMT), it was found that the negative impact of repeated mild stress-induced learning and memory deficit through brain oxidative stress in the UCMS mice was reversed by treatment with the bark resin extract G. nigrolineata. Moreover, the prenylated xanthones viz. cowagarcinone C, cowaxanthone, α-mangostin, cowaxanthone B, cowanin, fuscaxanthone A, fuscaxanthone B, xanthochymusxanthones A, 7-O-methylgarcinone E, and cowagarcinone A, isolated from the bark resin of G. nigrolineata, were assayed for their inhibitory activities against β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation and monoamine oxidase enzymes (MAOs)
Optimized Extraction Method for Kleeb Bua Daeng Formula with the Aid of the Experimental Design
No full textKleeb Bua Daeng formula is one of the popular remedies sold in Chao Phya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital, Thailand. This formula contains Piper nigrum L., Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., and Centella asiatica L. as active components. Owing to getting the highest content of its phytochemical compounds, the conditions of solvent extraction for this formula were optimized. The type of solvent, number of extraction times, and ratio between the material and solvent were varied in this study using the Box–Behnken design. The important phytochemical constituents (total phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, and anthocyanins) were also determined. From the result of this study, it was found that the highest content of each total active compound was obtained from different conditions such as the optimal extraction condition of phenolic content was obtained using methanol as solvent, one time of extraction, and the ratio of powder and solvent was 1 : 6. Thus, the variation of solvent extraction condition could affect the phytochemical content. Further studies about the herbal formula involving the extraction process should concern the variation of extraction conditions to get the highest content of the active compound
Effects of <i>Pueraria candollei</i> var <i>mirifica</i> (Airy Shaw and Suvat.) Niyomdham on Ovariectomy-Induced Cognitive Impairment and Oxidative Stress in the Mouse Brain
No full textThe effects of the phytoestrogen-enriched plant Pueraria mirifica (PM) extract on ovari-ectomy (OVX)-induced cognitive impairment and hippocampal oxidative stress in mice were investigated. Daily treatment with PM and 17β-estradiol (E2) significantly elevated cognitive behavior as evaluated by using the Y maze test, the novel object recognition test (NORT), and the Morris water maze test (MWM), attenuated atrophic changes in the uterus and decreased serum 17β-estradiol levels. The treatments significantly ameliorated ovariectomy-induced oxidative stress in the hippocampus and serum by a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA), an enhancement of superoxide dismutase, and catalase activity, including significantly down-regulated expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α proinflammatory cytokines, while up-regulating expression of PI3K. The present results suggest that PM extract suppresses oxidative brain damage and dysfunctions in the hippocampal antioxidant system, including the neuroinflammatory system in OVX animals, thereby preventing OVX-induced cognitive impairment. The present results indicate that PM exerts beneficial effects on cognitive deficits for which menopause/ovariectomy have been implicated as risk factors
Merging the Multi-Target Effects of Kleeb Bua Daeng, a Thai Traditional Herbal Formula in Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress-Induced Depression
No full textMajor depressive disorder (MDD) is a common and debilitating psychiatric disease characterized by persistent low mood, lack of energy, hypoactivity, anhedonia, decreased libido, and impaired cognitive and social functions. However, the multifactorial etiology of MDD remains largely unknown due the complex interaction between genetics and environment involved. Kleeb Bua Daeng (KBD) is a Thai traditional herbal formula that has been used to promote brain health. It consists of a 1:1:1 ratio of the aerial part of Centella asiatica, Piper nigrum fruit, and the petals of Nelumbo nucifera. According to the pharmacological activities of the individual medicinal plants, KBD has good potential as a treatment for MDD. The present study investigated the antidepressant activity of KBD in an unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) mouse model. Daily administration of KBD to UCMS mice ameliorated both anhedonia, by increasing 2% sucrose intake, and hopeless behavior, by reducing immobility times in the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) without any effect on locomotor activity. The mechanism of KBD activity was multi-modal. KBD promoted neurogenesis by upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cyclic AMP-responsive element binding (CREB) mRNA expression in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. Daily treatment with KBD significantly reversed UCMS-induced HPA axis dysregulation by upregulating the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) while downregulating serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1) and FK506 binding protein 5 (FKBP5) mRNA expression. KBD treatment also normalized proinflammatory cytokine expression including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6. KBD and its component extracts also exhibited an inhibitory effect in vitro on monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B. The multiple antidepressant actions of KBD emphasize its potential as an effective, novel treatment for MDD
