Decreased GABA receptor in the striatum and spatial recognition memory deficit in epileptic rats: Effect of Bacopa monnieri and bacoside-A

Aim of the study

Gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptors are the principal mediators of synaptic inhibition in striatal neurons and play an important role in preventing the spreading of seizures through the striatum. In the present study, effect of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennel and its active component bacoside-A on spatial recognition memory deficit and alterations of GABA receptor in the striatum of epileptic rats were investigated.

Materials and methods

Total GABA and GABA_A receptor numbers in the control and epileptic rats were evaluated using [³H]GABA and [³H]bicuculline binding. GABA_Aα1, GABA_Aα5, GABA_Aγ3 and GABA_Aδ gene expressions were studied. Behavioral performance was assed using Y-maze.

Results

Scatchard analysis of [³H]GABA and [³H]bicuculline in the striatum of epileptic rats showed significant decrease in B_max compared to control. Real-Time PCR amplification of GABA_A receptor subunits such as GABA_Aα1, GABA_Aα5 and GABA_Aδ, were down regulated (p < 0.001) in the striatum of epileptic rats compared to control. Epileptic rats have deficit in Y-maze performance. Bacopa monnieri and bacoside-A treatment reversed these changes to near control.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that decreased GABA receptors in the striatum have an important role in epilepsy associated motor learning deficits and Bacopa monnieri and bacoside-A has a beneficial effect in the management of epilepsy.     

Valeriana amurensis improves Amyloid-beta 1-42 induced cognitive deficit by enhancing cerebral cholinergic function and protecting the brain neurons from apoptosis in mice

Ethnophamacological relevance

Valeriana amurensis, a perennial medicinal herb, has been widely used as anxiolytic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, and sedative in traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). Moreover, it has been used to treat dementia in Mongolia preparations. In our previous study, we reported that AD-effective fraction of Valeriana amurensis (AD-EFV) has protective effect on Aβ-induced toxicity in PC12 cells. Up to now, however, the therapeutic effect of Valeriana amurensis on Alzheimer disease (AD) has not been explored. This study was designed to determine whether the AD-EFV could improve the Amyloid-beta (Aβ)-induced cognitive deficit and to explore the mechanism of AD-EFV improves cognitive deficit in intact animals.

Materials and methods

The constituents of AD-EFV were isolated with silica gel, octadecyl silica gel (ODS) column chromatography (CC) and preparative HPLC. The structures of compounds were determined by detailed NMR and ESI–MS data analyses. AD mice model was established by injecting Aβ_1-42 (1 μL, 200 μmol) into the bilateral ventricle. Cognitive performance was evaluated by the Morris water maze (MWM) test. The level of cerebral acetylcholine (ACh), the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) were investigated using Enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) kits. Brain sections were processed and neuronal apoptosis in hippocampus were evaluated by Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE), Nissl, and Tunel stainings. The analyses of p-ERK/ERK and Bcl-2/Bax protein expression by western blot assay were used to explore the anti-neuronal apoptosis mechanism of AD-EFV.

Results

Seventeen compounds (15 lignans and two iridoids) were isolated from AD-EFV. A significant improvement in cognitive function was observed in administrated AD-EFV AD model mice. AD-EFV increased the ACh level by enhancing the ChAT activity but has no effect on AChE activity in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus in mice. Moreover, the histological injury in hippocampus CA1 induced by Aβ_1-42 was inhibited following administration of the AD-EFV. As well as the expression ratios of Bcl-2 to Bax and p-ERK to ERK were increased significantly in the mice which were administrated AD-EFV.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that AD-EFV could ameliorate Aβ induced cognitive dysfunction through two underlying mechanisms: AD-EFV enhances the cerebral cholinergic function by increasing the secretion of ACh and enhancing the ChAT activity, and AD-EFV protects the brain neurons from Aβ induced apoptosis via activating the p-ERK and Bcl-2 signaling and suppressing the Bax pathways. Besides, the main constituents of AD-EFV are lignans which might be responsible for the AD-activity of Valeriana amurensis.     

蛇床子中的细胞毒活性香豆素

研究植物蛇床Cnidium monnieri干燥成熟果实中的香豆素类成分及其细胞毒活性,为进一步开发利用蛇床子提供依据。采用大孔树脂、硅胶和Sephadex LH-20、C₁₈柱色谱等方法分离纯化,并运用波谱方法对所分离的化合物进行结构鉴定。采用MTT法对所分离得到的化合物进行L1210癌细胞毒活性实验。从蛇床子中分离鉴定了11个香豆素类化合物,分别为蛇床子素(1)、佛手柑内酯(2)、花椒毒酚(3)、花椒毒素(4)、欧前胡素(5)、异虎耳草素(6)、欧前胡素酚(7)、补骨脂素(8)、5,7-二甲氧基香豆素(9)、水合羟基前胡内酯(10)、swietenocoumarin F(11)。化合物 7,9~11 为首次从蛇床属植物中分离得到。在样品溶液浓度为1×10^-5 mol·L^-1的条件下,化合物 1,5,10, 11 对小鼠白血病L1210细胞体外生长的抑制率分别是70.13%,63.10%,55.77%,75.08%,表明上述化合物对L1210细胞具有较明显的体外细胞毒活性。     

Protective effects of ginsenoside Rg2 against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells

We investigated the effect of ginsenoside Rg₂ on neurotoxic activities induced by glutamate in PC12 cells. The cells were incubated with glutamate (1 mmol/L), glutamate and ginsenoside Rg₂ (0.05, 0.1, 0.2 mmol/L) or nimodipine (5 μmol/L) for 24 h. The cellular viability was assessed by MTT assay. The lipid peroxidation products malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrogen oxide (NO) were measured by a spectrophotometric method. Fura-2/AM, as a cell permeable fluorescent probe for Ca²⁺, was used to detect intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) using a monespectrofluorometer. Immunocytochemical techniques were employed to check the protein expression levels of calpain II, caspase-3 and β-amyloid (Aβ)1–40 in PC12 cells. The results showed that glutamate decreased the cell viability, increased [Ca²⁺]_i, lipid peroxidation (the excessive production of MDA, NO) and the protein expression levels of calpain II, caspase-3 and Aβ1–40 in PC12 cells. Ginsenoside Rg₂ significantly attenuated glutamate-induced neurotoxic effects upon these parameters at all doses tested. Our study suggests that ginsenoside Rg₂ has a neuroprotective effect against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity through mechanisms related to anti-oxidation and anti-apoptosis. In addition, the inhibitory effect of ginsenoside Rg₂ against the formation of Aβ1–40 suggests that ginsenoside Rg₂ may also represent a potential treatment strategy for Alzheimer's disease.     

黑水缬草抗老年痴呆活性成分研究

该实验基于前期黑水缬草抗老年痴呆(AD)的作用,对其有效部位进行化学成分研究,采用75%乙醇加热回流的方法对黑水缬草药材进行提取,提取物经萃取和大孔吸附树脂柱色谱分离得到其抗AD的有效部位,采用硅胶、ODS柱色谱以及制备型HPLC等色谱法分离该有效部位并得到9个化合物(1~9),结合质谱及核磁等波谱技术,分别鉴定为6-hydroxy-7-(hydroxymethyl)-4-methy-lenehexahydrocyclopenta[c]pyran-1(3H)-one(1),suspensolide F(2),马钱子苷(3),α-莫诺苷(4),β-莫诺苷(5),patrinovalerosidate(6),野花椒苷A(7),(-)-angelicoidenol-2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(8)和citroside A(9),其中化合物6~9为首次从缬草属植物中分离得到,进一步对化合物1~9进行体外抗AD活性研究发现化合物2和6对PC12神经元细胞损伤具有显著的保护作用。     

Withania somnifera root extract improves catecholamines and physiological abnormalities seen in a Parkinson's disease model mouse

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Withania somnifera root extract (Ws)/Ashwagandha/Indian ginseng is a traditional herbal medicine, used over 4000 years in India, shown to have effect on neural growth and locomotor function. Although catecholamines and oxidative stress resulting in neurodegeneration and locomotor disorder are the main events in Parkinson's disease (PD), efficacy of the drug on these molecules and physiological abnormality are not clear.

Aim of the study

The objective of the study was to examine effect of Ws on catecholamines and physiological abnormalities seen in PD using PD model mouse.

Materials and methods

Mouse were treated with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) for 4 days to show biochemical and physiological abnormalities similar to patients with PD. PD mice were treated with Ws 100 mg/kg body weight for 7 or 28 days. Catecholamines: dopamine (DA), 3,4-dihydroxy-phenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA); antioxidants: glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx); and lipid peroxidation marker (TBARS) were analyzed in the Ws treated and untreated PD mouse striatum.

Results

Mouse treated with MPTP showed reduced levels of DA, DOPAC, HVA, GSH and GPx and induced thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) level compared to the control. Physiological abnormalities were seen in the mouse as determined by hang test and rotarod test. Oral treatment of PD mouse Ws root extract (100 mg/kg body weight) for 7 days or 28 days increased DA, DOPAC and HVA levels and normalized TBARS levels in the corpus striatum of the PD mouse. The 7 days Ws treated mice showed improved motor function as determined by hang test and rotarod test. Treatment with Ws for 28 days increased GSH and GPx levels in the striatum compared to the Ws untreated PD mouse striatum.

Conclusion

These data suggest that Ws is a potential drug in treating catecholamines, oxidative damage and physiological abnormalities seen in the PD mouse.     

Ameliorative effects of yokukansan, a traditional Japanese medicine,on learning and non-cognitive disturbances in the Tg2576 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Aim of this study

Aim of the present study is to clarify the effects of yokukansan (TJ-54) on learning and non-cognitive disturbances in the Tg2576 mouse expressing the human form of the APP695SWE (APP-Tg mice), which is considered to be an animal model of Alzheimer's disease.

Materials and methods

Powdered diets containing 0.5 and 1.0% TJ-54 were given to the mice for 10 months (from 5 to 15 months old). The Morris water-maze test, elevated plus-maze test, and open-field test were performed for evaluation of learning and non-cognitive disturbances.

Results

Treatment with 1.0% TJ-54 for 5 months shortened the time it took for APP-Tg positive (+) mice to reach the platform in the Morris water-maze test. In the elevated plus-maze test, treatment with 1.0% TJ-54 for 2 months significantly reduced the increased number of entries and the time spent in open arms observed in APP-Tg(+) mice. In an open-field test, treatment of 1.0% TJ-54 for 9 months significantly suppressed the increase in locomotion observed in APP-Tg(+) mice.

Conclusion

These results suggest the possibility that TJ-54 ameliorates learning deficits and non-cognitive defects including a decrease in the anxiety (or disinhibition) and an increase in locomotor activity (hyperactivity) observed in APP-Tg(+) mice.     

Bacopa monnieri and its constituents is hypotensive in anaesthetized rats and vasodilator in various artery types

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) provides traditional cognitive treatments possibly reflecting improved cerebral hemodynamics. Little is known about the cardiovascular actions of Brahmi. We sought to assess its effects on blood pressure and on isolated arteries, thus providing insights to clinical applications.

Materials and methods

Intravenous Brahmi (20-60 mg/kg) was tested on arterial blood pressure and heart rate of anaesthetized rats. In vitro vasorelaxation was assessed in arteries, with and without blockers of nitric oxide synthase (L-NAME), cyclooxygenase (indomethacin), and mechanical de-endothelialisation. The effects of Brahmi on Ca²⁺ influx and release from stores were investigated.

Results

Intravenous Brahmi extract (20-60 mg/kg) decreased systolic and diastolic pressures without affecting heart rate. Brahmi evoked relaxation in isolated arteries in order of potency: basilar (IC50 = 102 ± 16 μg/ml) > mesenteric (171 ± 31) > aortae (213 ± 68) > renal (IC50 = 375 ± 51) > tail artery (494 ± 93) > femoral arteries (>1000 μg/ml). Two saponins, bacoside A3 and bacopaside II, had similar vasodilator actions (IC50 = 8.3 ± 1.7 and 19.5 ± 6.3 μM). In aortae, without endothelium or in L-NAME (10-4 M), Brahmi was less potent (IC50 = 213 ± 68 to 2170 ± 664 and 1192 ± 167 μg/ml, respectively); indomethacin (10-5 M) was ineffective. In tail artery, Brahmi inhibited K⁺-depolarization induced Ca²⁺ influx and Ca²⁺ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum by phenylephrine (10-5 M) or caffeine (20 mM).

Conclusions

Brahmi reduces blood pressure partly via releasing nitric oxide from the endothelium, with additional actions on vascular smooth muscle Ca²⁺ homeostasis. Some Brahmi ingredients could be efficacious antihypertensives and the vasodilation could account for some medicinal actions.     

阿尔茨海默病中医证型与焦虑抑郁情绪及认知功能障碍的关系

目的：探讨阿尔茨海默病（AD）中医证型与焦虑抑郁情绪及认知功能障碍的关系。方法：选择2018年3月至2022年3月南阳市中心医院收治的AD患者100例。参照中医证型诊断标准分为肾精亏虚证、瘀血阻窍证、痰浊阻窍证。采用简易智力状态检查量表（MMSE）、日常生活自理能力量表（ADE）、Hamilton焦虑量表（HAMA）、Hamilton抑郁量表（HAMD）和匹兹堡睡眠指数量表（PSQI）对患者进行行为学评估。结果：纳入的100例AD患者中,以肾精亏虚证为主,共计48例（48.00%）;其次为瘀血阻窍证34例（34.00%）和痰浊阻窍证18例（18.00%）。肾精亏虚证组认知功能障碍患者比例明显高于痰浊阻窍证组和瘀血阻窍证组,差异均有统计学意义（P <0.05）。痰浊阻窍证组焦虑状态患者和睡眠障碍患者的比例显著高于瘀血阻窍证和肾精亏虚证,差异均有统计学意义（P <0.05）;瘀血阻窍证组焦虑状态患者的比例高于肾精亏虚证组,差异有统计学意义（P <0.05）。结论：肾精亏虚证易出现认知功能障碍,痰浊阻窍证和瘀血阻窍证易出现焦虑状态,临床借助精神心理评估辅助AD患者的中医辨证...     

Effects of the hook of Uncaria rhynchophylla on neurotoxicity in the 6-hydroxydopamine model of Parkinson's disease

Ethnopharmacological relevance

While the hook of Uncaria rhynchophylla (URH) is a traditional herb used in northeast Asia for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD)-like symptoms such as tremor, it has not been experimentally evaluated in a PD model.

Aim of the study

We investigated the effects of URH on 6-hydroxydapamine (6-OHDA)-induced neurotoxicity in in vitro and in vivo models of PD.

Materials and methods

The cell viability, anti-oxidative activity, and anti-apoptotic activity of a water extract of URH (URE) were assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide, reactive oxygen species (ROS), total glutathione (GSH), and caspase-3 assays in PC12 cells stressed by 6-OHDA. We also investigated the behavioral recovery and dopaminergic neuron protection of URE using an apomorphine-induced rotation test and tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry in the hemi-parkinsonian rat model of the unilateral 6-OHDA lesion of the medial forebrain bundle.

Results

In PC12 cells, URE significantly reduced cell death and the generation of ROS, increased GSH levels, and inhibited caspase-3 activity induced by 6-OHDA. In 6-OHDA-lesioned rats, posttreatment with URE (5 mg/kg/day for 14 days) significantly reduced apomorphine-induced rotation, and it lowered dopaminergic neuronal loss in substantia nigra pars compacta.

Conclusions

URE possesses neuroprotective activity against 6-OHDA-induced toxicity through anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic activities in PD models.     

Rhubarb ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease through regulation of the intestinal microbiome

ObjectiveTo determine the mechanism whereby rhubarb (Rheum tanguticum MAXIM. Ex BALF.) may ameliorate cognitive dysfunction through regulation of the intestinal microbiome.MethodsWe used a rat model of human microbiome-associated (HMA)-AD to characterize the therapeutic effect of rhubarb on cognitive dysfunction by assessing learning and spatial memory, tissue pathology, and neurotransmitter expression in brain tissue. Then, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to analyze the intestinal microbial composition of the rats before and after rhubarb intervention, to determine whether changes in the intestinal microbiome might underpin the beneficial effect of rhubarb on cognitive dysfunction.ResultsMorris water maze experiments showed that the learning and spatial memory of HMA-AD rats were improved after rhubarb administration. Examination of brain sections showed that rhubarb had a protective effect on neurons in the brain tissue of HMA-AD rats. Brain tissue neurotransmitter analysis showed that rhubarb significantly reduces the 5-hydorxytryptamine concentration in the hippocampus of HMA-AD rats (P = .0013). Furthermore, rhubarb affected the abundance of the Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Lactobacillus in the large intestine.ConclusionThis study suggests that rhubarb ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in rats with HMA-AD by regulating the abundance of beneficial bacteria, which likely affects the concentration of 5-hydorxytryptamine in the hippocampus.     

Synergistic vasorelaxant and antihypertensive effects of Ligusticum wallichii and Angelica gigas

Aim of the study

The synergistic vasorelaxant and antihypertensive effects of Ligusticum wallichii and Angelica gigas were examined in isolated rat aorta rings and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs).

Materials and methods

The ethanol extract of Ligusticum wallichii (LwEx) or Angelica gigas (AgEx) or their combinations at ratios Ligusticum wallichii:Angelica gigas = 1:1 (MxEx11), 1:3 (MxEx13), and 3:1 (and MxEx31), and their successive water soluble (LwDw, AgDw, MxDw11, MxDw13 and MxDw31) or n-butanol soluble fractions (LwBt, AgBt, MxBt11, MxBt13, and MxBt31) were examined for their vasorelaxant effects. In an antihypertensive study, LwEx, AgEx, or MxEx11 (100 mg/kg) was orally administered to SHRs, and the systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure were measured using the tail-cuff method before and 1, 3, 5, 7, and 24 h after oral administration.

Results

Each of the ethanol extracts caused long-term relaxation in endothelium-intact or endothelium-denuded rat aorta preconstricted with norepinephrine (NE, 300 nM). All of the water phases of the ethanol extracts elicited an endothelium-dependent acute relaxation, and the water phase of MxDw11 (EC₅₀ values: 1.08 mg/mL, P < 0.05) had the highest activity. MxDw11-induced acute relaxation was abolished by pretreatment with N^G-nitro-l-arginine (10 μM), methylene blue (1.0 μM), or atropine (0.1 μM), indicating that the response to MxDw involves the enhancement of the nitric oxide-cGMP system. On the other hand, all of the butanol phases showed an endothelium-independent long-term relaxation, and MxBt11 (85 ± 7% relaxation of NE-preconstricted active tone at 20 min after the addition, P < 0.05) displayed the highest activity. MxBt11-induced gradual relaxation was significantly attenuated by an inward rectifier potassium-channel inhibitor, but not by an ATP-sensitive or a large conductance Ca²⁺-activated potassium-channel blocker. Calcium concentration-dependent contraction curves in high-potassium, depolarizing medium were shifted significantly to the right and downward after incubation with MxBt11 (0.03, 0.1, and 0.3 mg/mL), implying that MxBt11 is also involved in the inhibition of extracellular calcium influx to vascular smooth muscle. MxEx11 (100 mg/kg) significantly reduced systolic blood pressure of SHRs at 3, 5, and 7 h after oral administration, but this effect was not induced by Ligusticum wallichii or Angelica gigas alone.

Conclusions

The combination of Ligusticum wallichii and Angelica gigas elicits a synergistic effect on vasorelaxation in isolated rat aortas and antihypertension in SHRs. The ratio of Ligusticum wallichii:Angelica gigas = 1:1 was the most effective of all combinations tested.     

Acorus gramineus inhibits microglia mediated neuroinflammation and prevents neurotoxicity in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Acorus gramineus Solander (Acoraceae, AG), is a widely distributed plant in Asian countries. Rhizome part of this plant has long been used as a traditional medicine for treating various symptoms including central nervous system (CNS) disorders.

Aim of study

The anti-neuroinflammatory effect of AG aqueous extract was investigated using in vitro cellular and in vivo Parkinson's disease (PD) mouse model.

Materials and methods

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is used to stimulate BV-2 microglial cells in vitro and the changes in neuroinflammatory expressional levels were measured using ELISA, Western blotting, RT-PCR and immunofluorescence techniques. In in vivo experiments, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-intoxicated mouse model of PD was developed followed by immunohistochemical analysis of specific brain tissues.

Results

LPS-stimulation to BV-2 cells increased the production of nitric oxide (NO) and proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β. Pretreatment with AG extract inhibited the increased levels of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells. Mechanistic study revealed that AG acts via the regulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and TRIF-dependent signaling pathways. Further, AG protected MPTP-induced neuronal cell death and inhibited neuroinflammation in vivo.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that AG extract exerted anti-neuroinflammatory effects against activated microglia mediated insults through multiple signaling pathways and prevented in vivo neuronal cell death in mouse model of PD substantiating the traditional claims for its use in CNS disorders.     

Appraisal of scopolamine-induced antiamnesic effect in mice and in vitro antiacetylcholinesterase and antioxidant activities of some traditionally used Lamiaceae plants

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Salvia species and Melissa officinalis are used for their memory-enhancing effects in European folk medicine. Teucrium polium was reported to be used in Anatolia for memory-enhancement in a very old book written by an Ottoman herbalist–physician.

Aim of the study

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disorder mostly affecting the elder population. Currently, there is no cure for the treatment of severe type of AD. Therefore, in this study, the hydroalcoholic extracts of three traditionally used Lamiaceae species for memory-enhancement; Salvia triloba L., Melissa officinalis L., and Teucrium polium L., were assessed for their in vivo antiamnesic activity along with in vitro anticholinesterase and antioxidant activities.

Materials and methods

Scopolamine-induced antiamnesic activity was determined in mice by passive avoidance test, while anticholinesterase effect was measured by spectrophotometric Ellman method at 0.25, 0.50, 1.0, and 2.0 mg ml⁻¹ and antioxidant activity was assessed by scavenging effect against 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Total phenol contents of the extracts were determined by Folin-Ciocalteau method.

Results

Salvia triloba was the most effective in antiamnesic experiment at 100, 200, and 400 mg kg⁻¹ doses having 22.7, 57.1, and 71.4% of relative effects, respectively. Teucrium polium was also active dose-dependently, whereas Melissa officinalis was completely inactive. In the anticholinesterase assay, the extracts showed similar inhibitions against acetylcholinesterase and Teucrium polium had the highest inhibition (65.8% at 1.0 mg ml⁻¹). Concerning the antioxidant effect, all the extracts exerted the highest activity among all having IC₅₀ values between 0.227 and 0.428 mg/ml.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that Teucrium polium among the screened plants deserves to be examined further as a herbal alternative for AD treatment.     

针刺对比西药改善阿尔茨海默病患者认知功能障碍和精神行为症状的临床研究现状与分析＊

阿尔茨海默病（Alzheimer''s disease,AD）是一种起病隐匿且呈进行性发展的神经系统退行性疾病。临床上AD患者主要表现为认知功能障碍（Cognitive Impairment,CI）和精神行为症状（Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms,BPS）,并可能伴有日常功能活动障碍等症状。目前,西药疗法为AD患者的主要治疗方法,但此法只可延缓患者病情,且副作用较多。最新研究认为,针刺疗法对于AD患者CI和BPS等症状具有改善作用。因此,本文对近二十五年针刺对比西药改善AD患者CI和BPS的文献进行梳理,将从针刺方法、针刺选穴、治疗时间以及针刺效果等方面进行分析,发现针刺对轻中度AD患者的CI和BPS治疗效果显著,并探讨分析了相应的治疗方案,为针刺治疗AD提供理论指导。     

Neuroprotective effects of Dioscorea opposita on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in in vivo behavioral tests and in vitro assays

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Plants belong to the genus Dioscorea have long been used as edible tuber crops in many tropical and subtropical areas and as a traditional herbal medicine in oriental countries including China, Japan and Korea.

Aim of the study

In this study, in vivo and in vitro tests were carried out to evaluate the cognitive enhancing effects of CHCl₃-soluble extract from Dioscorea opposita against scopolamine-induced amnesic mice and glutamate- and H₂O₂-treated cortical neurons of rats.

Materials, methods and results

Acute treatment (200 mg/kg body weight, p.o.) and 10 days’ daily administration (50 mg/kg body weight, p.o.) of CHCl₃-soluble extract showed significant spatial learning and memory improvement on mice. Furthermore, the neuroprotective effects on glutamate- and H₂O₂-induced neurotoxicity in primary cultured cortical neurons of rats were assessed. Pretreatment with the extract was found to impart significant protection against neurotoxicity.

Conclusions

These in vivo and in vitro results suggest that the Dioscorea opposita has neuroprotective effects on memory impairment related neurodegenerative diseases.     

Ameliorative and neuroprotective effect in MPTP model of Parkinson's disease by Zhen-Wu-Tang (ZWT), a traditional Chinese medicine

Aim of the study

Traditional Chinese medicine Zhen-Wu-Tang (ZWT) is a well-known PentaHerbs formula from “Treatise on Febrile Disease”. This study is to elucidate its neuroprotective effect and mechanism of ameliorative effect of the syndrome of Parkinson's disease (PD).

Materials and methods

The ameliorative effect of ZWT on symptom of PD through behavior tests including: swimming test, the tail suspension test and open-field test was investigated. The neuroprotective effect of dopaminergic neurons from the striatum and frontal cortex of brain was detected by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD).

Results

This study proved that ZWT could ameliorate the typical symptom of PD and protect dopaminergic system.

Conclusion

These results suggested that ZWT possessed protective and ameliorative properties of dopaminergic neurons.     

黄蜀葵花制剂治疗慢性肾脏病的机制和疗效

黄蜀葵花Abelmoschus manihot(AM)中分离出20余种生物活性成分,包括黄酮类、多糖类、鞣酸类以及长链烃类等化合物。其中,主要化学成分是AM总黄酮(total flavones of A.manihot,TFA)。AM制剂——"黄葵胶囊"治疗慢性肾脏病(chronic kidney disease,CKD)的机制主要包括抑制免疫反应、减轻炎症反应、改善肾纤维化、保护肾小管上皮细胞等。在临床上,黄葵胶囊可以治疗肾病综合征、糖尿病肾病、紫癜性肾炎、IgA肾病、膜性肾病等常见CKD。其临床疗效主要表现在改善CKD患者临床症状,减少蛋白尿和血尿,提高肾功能等方面。     

我国南方薏苡种质资源对黑粉病的抗病性鉴定

目的:通过常规田间鉴定方法,从不同来源的薏苡种质资源中筛选优良抗病种质,同时探讨室内快速生化鉴定方法的可行性。方法:采用田间人工接种试验,对来自云南、浙江、福建等7个省市的19份南方生态型栽培及野生薏苡种质进行黑粉病的抗性鉴定,并通过室内种苗接种试验,观察田间表现抗性不同的种质在接种病原菌后苯丙氨酸解氨酶(PAL)活性的动态变化。结果:田间接种的19份薏苡种质中,有1份免疫种质,发病率在20%以下的抗病种质1份,发病率在20%~40%的6份,40%以上的感病种质11份;表现不同抗性的种质其种苗接种黑粉菌孢子后12~48 h,PAL的变化有明显差异,抗病性强的种质PAL活性高峰出现较早,酶活相对较强。结论:所收集的大部分薏苡种质抗病性较弱;室内接种黑粉菌孢子后,薏苡种苗的PAL活性高峰期出现的时间及活性高低,可以作为薏苡种质资源抗病性鉴定的辅助手段。