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Potential Neuromodulatory Profile of Phytocompounds in Brain Disorders

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A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural Products Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2016) | Viewed by 119492

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Dr. Luigia Trabace

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Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy

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Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is dedicated to the neuromodulatory effects of phytocompounds in brain pathologies. Nowadays, natural and chemical compounds, derived from plants, algae, vegetables, and fruits, are used as dietary supplements, as well as alternative medicines. Several studies have evidenced that herbal preparations have been used to treat brain disorders because of their chemical properties and abilities to pass the blood brain barriers and by influencing the brain’s neurochemical and functional pathways. In particular, several plants have been reported to treat cognitive, psychiatric and mood disorders, although the mechanisms of these actions remain to be elucidated. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated a key role of medicinal plants in maintaining the brain’s function by influencing the expression of different receptors, signal transduction pathways, transcription factors, and neurotransmitter release. Moreover, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress have been proposed to be crucially involved in central nervous system dysfunctions, and recent investigations are elucidating novel therapeutic targets based on the neuroprotective properties of different phytoderivates. Thus, the aim of the present Special Issue is to highlight the neuromodulatory effects of different natural and chemical phyto-derivates in order to identify novel mechanisms and signaling molecules that, in the future, could provide a potential and promising class of therapeutics for the treatment of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.

Dr. Luigia Trabace
Guest Editor

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Keywords

phytocompounds
central nervous system
neurotransmitters
cognitive
psychiatric disorders
neuroinflammation
neuroimaging

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

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154 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue “Potential Neuromodulatory Profile of Phytocompounds in Brain Disorders”

by Luigia Trabace and Maria Grazia Morgese

Molecules 2017, 22(1), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22010040 - 28 Dec 2016

Viewed by 3551

Abstract

Several lines of evidence have highlighted that herbal preparations hold great potential for the treating of brain disorders, ranging from neurodegenerative to neuropsychiatric diseases.[...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Neuromodulatory Profile of Phytocompounds in Brain Disorders)

Research

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1628 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chlorella sorokiniana Extract Improves Short-Term Memory in Rats

by Maria Grazia Morgese, Emanuela Mhillaj, Matteo Francavilla, Maria Bove, Lucia Morgano, Paolo Tucci, Luigia Trabace and Stefania Schiavone

Molecules 2016, 21(10), 1311; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21101311 - 29 Sep 2016

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 6896

Abstract

Increasing evidence shows that eukaryotic microalgae and, in particular, the green microalga Chlorella, can be used as natural sources to obtain a whole variety of compounds, such as omega (ω)-3 and ω-6 polyunsatured fatty acids (PUFAs). Although either beneficial or toxic effects of Chlorella sorokiniana have been mainly attributed to its specific ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs content, the underlying molecular pathways remain to be elucidated yet. Here, we investigate the effects of an acute oral administration of a lipid extract of Chlorella sorokiniana, containing mainly ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs, on cognitive, emotional and social behaviour in rats, analysing possible underlying neurochemical alterations. Our results showed improved short-term memory in Chlorella sorokiniana-treated rats compared to controls, without any differences in exploratory performance, locomotor activity, anxiety profile and depressive-like behaviour. On the other hand, while the social behaviour of Chlorella sorokiniana-treated animals was significantly decreased, no effects on aggressivity were observed. Neurochemical investigations showed region-specific effects, consisting in an elevation of noradrenaline (NA) and serotonin (5-HT) content in hippocampus, but not in the prefrontal cortex and striatum. In conclusion, our results point towards a beneficial effect of Chlorella sorokiniana extract on short-term memory, but also highlight the need of caution in the use of this natural supplement due to its possible masked toxic effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Neuromodulatory Profile of Phytocompounds in Brain Disorders)

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1870 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Anticonvulsant Activity of a Flavonoid-Rich Extract from Orange Juice Involves both NMDA and GABA-Benzodiazepine Receptor Complexes

by Rita Citraro, Michele Navarra, Antonio Leo, Eugenio Donato Di Paola, Ermenegildo Santangelo, Pellegrino Lippiello, Rossana Aiello, Emilio Russo and Giovambattista De Sarro

Molecules 2016, 21(9), 1261; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21091261 - 21 Sep 2016

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 8259

Abstract

The usage of dietary supplements and other natural products to treat neurological diseases has been growing over time, and accumulating evidence suggests that flavonoids possess anticonvulsant properties. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a flavonoid-rich extract from orange juice (OJe) in some rodent models of epilepsy and to explore its possible mechanism of action. The genetically audiogenic seizures (AGS)-susceptible DBA/2 mouse, the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures in ICR-CD1 mice and the WAG/Rij rat as a genetic model of absence epilepsy with comorbidity of depression were used. Our results demonstrate that OJe was able to exert anticonvulsant effects on AGS-sensible DBA/2 mice and to inhibit PTZ-induced tonic seizures, increasing their latency. Conversely, it did not have anti-absence effects on WAG/Rij rats. Our experimental findings suggest that the anti-convulsant effects of OJe are likely mediated by both an inhibition of NMDA receptors at the glycine-binding site and an agonistic activity on benzodiazepine-binding site at GABA_A receptors. This study provides evidences for the antiepileptic activity of OJe, and its results could be used as scientific basis for further researches aimed to develop novel complementary therapy for the treatment of epilepsy in a context of a multitarget pharmacological strategy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Neuromodulatory Profile of Phytocompounds in Brain Disorders)

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3348 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Suppressive Effects of Cinnamomi Cortex and Its Phytocompound Coumarin on Oxaliplatin-Induced Neuropathic Cold Allodynia in Rats

by Changmin Kim, Ji Hwan Lee, Woojin Kim, Dongxing Li, Yangseok Kim, Kyungjin Lee and Sun Kwang Kim

Molecules 2016, 21(9), 1253; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21091253 - 20 Sep 2016

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 6953

Abstract

Oxaliplatin, a chemotherapy drug, induces acute peripheral neuropathy characterized by cold allodynia, spinal glial activation and increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Herein, we determined whether Cinnamomi Cortex (C. Cortex), a widely used medicinal herb in East Asia for cold-related diseases, could attenuate oxaliplatin-induced cold allodynia in rats and the mechanisms involved. A single oxaliplatin injection (6 mg/kg, i.p.) induced significant cold allodynia signs based on tail immersion tests using cold water (4 °C). Daily oral administration of water extract of C. Cortex (WECC) (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) for five consecutive days following an oxaliplatin injection dose-dependently alleviated cold allodynia with only a slight difference in efficacies between the middle dose at 200 mg/kg and the highest dose at 400 mg/kg. WECC at 200 mg/kg significantly suppressed the activation of astrocytes and microglia and decreased the expression levels of IL-1β and TNF in the spinal cord after injection with oxaliplatin. Furthermore, oral administration of coumarin (10 mg/kg), a major phytocompound of C. Cortex, markedly reduced cold allodynia. These results indicate that C. Cortex has a potent anti-allodynic effect in oxaliplatin-injected rats through inhibiting spinal glial cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines. We also suggest that coumarin might play a role in the anti-allodynic effect of C. Cortex. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Neuromodulatory Profile of Phytocompounds in Brain Disorders)

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847 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Extracts from Traditional Chinese Medicinal Plants Inhibit Acetylcholinesterase, a Known Alzheimer’s Disease Target

by Dorothea Kaufmann, Anudeep Kaur Dogra, Ahmad Tahrani, Florian Herrmann and Michael Wink

Molecules 2016, 21(9), 1161; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21091161 - 31 Aug 2016

Cited by 82 | Viewed by 10796

Abstract

Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a common treatment for early stages of the most general form of dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). In this study, methanol, dichloromethane and aqueous crude extracts from 80 Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) plants were tested for their in vitro anti-acetylcholinesterase activity based on Ellman’s colorimetric assay. All three extracts of Berberis bealei (formerly Mahonia bealei), Coptis chinensis and Phellodendron chinense, which contain numerous isoquinoline alkaloids, substantially inhibited AChE. The methanol and aqueous extracts of Coptis chinensis showed IC₅₀ values of 0.031 µg/mL and 2.5 µg/mL, therefore having an up to 100-fold stronger AChE inhibitory activity than the already known AChE inhibitor galantamine (IC₅₀ = 4.33 µg/mL). Combinations of individual alkaloids berberine, coptisine and palmatine resulted in a synergistic enhancement of ACh inhibition. Therefore, the mode of AChE inhibition of crude extracts of Coptis chinensis, Berberis bealei and Phellodendron chinense is probably due to of this synergism of isoquinoline alkaloids. All extracts were also tested for their cytotoxicity in COS7 cells and none of the most active extracts was cytotoxic at the concentrations which inhibit AChE. Based on these results it can be stated that some TCM plants inhibit AChE via synergistic interaction of their secondary metabolites. The possibility to isolate pure lead compounds from the crude extracts or to administer these as nutraceuticals or as cheap alternative to drugs in third world countries make TCM plants a versatile source of natural inhibitors of AChE. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Neuromodulatory Profile of Phytocompounds in Brain Disorders)

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1991 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Protective Effects of Costunolide against Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Injury in PC12 Cells

by Chong-Un Cheong, Ching-Sheng Yeh, Yi-Wen Hsieh, Ying-Ray Lee, Mei-Ying Lin, Chung-Yi Chen and Chien-Hsing Lee

Molecules 2016, 21(7), 898; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21070898 - 9 Jul 2016

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 8896

Abstract

Oxidative stress-mediated cellular injury has been considered as a major cause of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated by antioxidants may be a potential strategy for retarding the diseases’ progression. Costunolide (CS) is a well-known sesquiterpene lactone, used as a popular herbal remedy, which possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. This study aimed to investigate the protective role of CS against the cytotoxicity induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and to elucidate potential protective mechanisms in PC12 cells. The results showed that the treatment of PC12 cells with CS prior to H₂O₂ exposure effectively increased the cell viability. Furthermore, it decreased the intracellular ROS, stabilized the mitochondria membrane potential (MMP), and reduced apoptosis-related protein such as caspase 3. In addition, CS treatment attenuated the cell injury by H₂O₂ through the inhibition of phosphorylation of p38 and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). These results demonstrated that CS is promising as a potential therapeutic candidate for neurodegenerative diseases resulting from oxidative damage and further research on this topic should be encouraged. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Neuromodulatory Profile of Phytocompounds in Brain Disorders)

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2275 KiB

Open AccessArticle

3,5,6,7,8,3′,4′-Heptamethoxyflavone, a Citrus Flavonoid, Ameliorates Corticosterone-Induced Depression-like Behavior and Restores Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Expression, Neurogenesis, and Neuroplasticity in the Hippocampus

by Atsushi Sawamoto, Satoshi Okuyama, Kana Yamamoto, Yoshiaki Amakura, Morio Yoshimura, Mitsunari Nakajima and Yoshiko Furukawa

Molecules 2016, 21(4), 541; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21040541 - 23 Apr 2016

Cited by 56 | Viewed by 8940

Abstract

We previously reported that the citrus flavonoid 3,5,6,7,8,3′,4′-heptamethoxyflavone (HMF) increased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus of a transient global ischemia mouse model. Since the BDNF hypothesis of depression postulates that a reduction in BDNF is directly involved in the pathophysiology of depression, we evaluated the anti-depressive effects of HMF in mice with subcutaneously administered corticosterone at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day for 25 days. We demonstrated that the HMF treatment ameliorated (1) corticosterone-induced body weight loss, (2) corticosterone-induced depression-like behavior, and (3) corticosterone-induced reductions in BDNF production in the hippocampus. We also showed that the HMF treatment restored (4) corticosterone-induced reductions in neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus subgranular zone and (5) corticosterone-induced reductions in the expression levels of phosphorylated calcium-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II and extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2. These results suggest that HMF exerts its effects as an anti-depressant drug by inducing the expression of BDNF. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Neuromodulatory Profile of Phytocompounds in Brain Disorders)

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3863 KiB

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Antidepressant Potential of Chlorogenic Acid-Enriched Extract from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver Bark with Neuron Protection and Promotion of Serotonin Release through Enhancing Synapsin I Expression

by Jianming Wu, Haixia Chen, Hua Li, Yong Tang, Le Yang, Shousong Cao and Dalian Qin

Molecules 2016, 21(3), 260; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21030260 - 25 Feb 2016

Cited by 70 | Viewed by 8725

Abstract

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (E. ulmoides) is a traditional Chinese medicine with many beneficial effects, used as a tonic medicine in China and other countries. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is an important compound in E. ulmoides with neuroprotective, cognition improvement and other pharmacological effects. However, it is unknown whether chlorogenic acid-enriched Eucommia ulmoides Oliver bark has antidepressant potential through neuron protection, serotonin release promotion and penetration of blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier. In the present study, we demonstrated that CGA could stimulate axon and dendrite growth and promote serotonin release through enhancing synapsin I expression in the cells of fetal rat raphe neurons in vitro. More importantly, CGA-enriched extract of E. ulmoides (EUWE) at 200 and 400 mg/kg/day orally administered for 7 days showed antidepressant-like effects in the tail suspension test of KM mice. Furthermore, we also found CGA could be detected in the the cerebrospinal fluid of the rats orally treated with EUWE and reach the level of pharmacological effect for neuroprotection by UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS. The findings indicate CGA is able to cross the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier to exhibit its neuron protection and promotion of serotonin release through enhancing synapsin I expression. This is the first report of the effect of CGA on promoting 5-HT release through enhancing synapsin I expression and CGA-enriched EUWE has antidepressant-like effect in vivo. EUWE may be developed as the natural drugs for the treatment of depression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Neuromodulatory Profile of Phytocompounds in Brain Disorders)

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Review

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737 KiB

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Neurodegenerative Diseases: Might Citrus Flavonoids Play a Protective Role?

by Santa Cirmi, Nadia Ferlazzo, Giovanni E. Lombardo, Elvira Ventura-Spagnolo, Sebastiano Gangemi, Gioacchino Calapai and Michele Navarra

Molecules 2016, 21(10), 1312; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21101312 - 30 Sep 2016

Cited by 104 | Viewed by 11750

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases (ND) result from the gradual and progressive degeneration of the structure and function of the central nervous system or the peripheral nervous system or both. They are characterized by deterioration of neurons and/or myelin sheath, disruption of sensory information transmission and loss of movement control. There is no effective treatment for ND, and the drugs currently marketed are symptom-oriented, albeit with several side effects. Within the past decades, several natural remedies have gained attention as potential neuroprotective drugs. Moreover, an increasing number of studies have suggested that dietary intake of vegetables and fruits can prevent or delay the onset of ND. These properties are mainly due to the presence of polyphenols, an important group of phytochemicals that are abundantly present in fruits, vegetables, cereals and beverages. The main class of polyphenols is flavonoids, abundant in Citrus fruits. Our review is an overview on the scientific literature concerning the neuroprotective effects of the Citrus flavonoids in the prevention or treatment of ND. This review may be used as scientific basis for the development of nutraceuticals, food supplements or complementary and alternative drugs to maintain and improve the neurophysiological status. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Neuromodulatory Profile of Phytocompounds in Brain Disorders)

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1715 KiB

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Therapeutic Effects of Phytochemicals and Medicinal Herbs on Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

by Gihyun Lee and Sun Kwang Kim

Molecules 2016, 21(9), 1252; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21091252 - 20 Sep 2016

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 8563

Abstract

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a frequent adverse effect of neurotoxic anticancer medicines. It leads to autonomic and somatic system dysfunction and decreases the patient’s quality of life. This side effect eventually causes chemotherapy non-compliance. Patients are prompted to seek alternative treatment options since there is no conventional remedy for CIPN. A range of medicinal herbs have multifarious effects, and they have shown some evidence of efficacy in various neurological and immunological diseases. While CIPN has multiple mechanisms of neurotoxicity, these phytomedicines might offer neuronal protection or regeneration with the multiple targets in CIPN. Thus far, researchers have investigated the therapeutic benefits of several herbs, herbal formulas, and phytochemicals in preventing the onset and progress of CIPN in animals and humans. Here, we summarize current knowledge regarding the role of phytochemicals, herb extracts, and herbal formulas in alleviating CIPN. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Neuromodulatory Profile of Phytocompounds in Brain Disorders)

495 KiB

Open AccessReview

Curcumin and Resveratrol in the Management of Cognitive Disorders: What is the Clinical Evidence?

by Gabriela Mazzanti and Silvia Di Giacomo

Molecules 2016, 21(9), 1243; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21091243 - 17 Sep 2016

Cited by 75 | Viewed by 16160

Abstract

A growing body of in vitro and in vivo evidences shows a possible role of polyphenols in counteracting neurodegeneration: curcumin and resveratrol are attractive substances in this regard. In fact, epidemiological studies highlight a neuroprotective effect of turmeric (rhizome of Curcuma longa L.), the main source of curcumin. Moreover, the consumption of red wine, the main source of resveratrol, has been related to a lower risk of developing dementia. In this review, we analyzed the published clinical trials investigating curcumin and resveratrol in the prevention or treatment of cognitive disorders. The ongoing studies were also described, in order to give an overview of the current search on this topic. The results of published trials (five for curcumin, six for resveratrol) are disappointing and do not allow to draw conclusions about the therapeutic or neuroprotective potential of curcumin and resveratrol. These compounds, being capable of interfering with several processes implicated in the early stages of dementia, could be useful in preventing or in slowing down the pathology. To this aim, an early diagnosis using peripheral biomarkers becomes necessary. Furthermore, the potential preventive activity of curcumin and resveratrol should be evaluated in long-term exposure clinical trials, using preparations with high bioavailability and that are well standardized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Neuromodulatory Profile of Phytocompounds in Brain Disorders)

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1664 KiB

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Natural Phytochemicals in the Treatment and Prevention of Dementia: An Overview

by Rosaliana Libro, Sabrina Giacoppo, Thangavelu Soundara Rajan, Placido Bramanti and Emanuela Mazzon

Molecules 2016, 21(4), 518; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21040518 - 21 Apr 2016

Cited by 78 | Viewed by 18877

Abstract

The word dementia describes a class of heterogeneous diseases which etiopathogenetic mechanisms are not well understood. There are different types of dementia, among which, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are the more common. Currently approved pharmacological treatments for most forms of dementia seem to act only on symptoms without having profound disease-modifying effects. Thus, alternative strategies capable of preventing the progressive loss of specific neuronal populations are urgently required. In particular, the attention of researchers has been focused on phytochemical compounds that have shown antioxidative, anti-amyloidogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties and that could represent important resources in the discovery of drug candidates against dementia. In this review, we summarize the neuroprotective effects of the main phytochemicals belonging to the polyphenol, isothiocyanate, alkaloid and cannabinoid families in the prevention and treatment of the most common kinds of dementia. We believe that natural phytochemicals may represent a promising sources of alternative medicine, at least in association with therapies approved to date for dementia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Neuromodulatory Profile of Phytocompounds in Brain Disorders)

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