Natural Products for Potential Use of Neuroprotective and Neurorestorative Effects

A special issue of Pharmaceuticals (ISSN 1424-8247). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural Products".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 July 2024) | Viewed by 6445

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Section of Pharmacology, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Interests: neurodegenerative disease; natural compounds; nutraceuticals; nutritional interventions; cognitive impairment

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Interests: neuroinflammation; neurodegeneration; nutraceuticals; cognitive impairment; natural compounds
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Neurodegenerative diseases result from a variety of pathological conditions characterized by significant cellular damage, abnormal protein presence and altered connections of the nervous system that can impair the patient's life quality. It is estimated that neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of individuals worldwide and the likelihood of developing neurodegenerative disease increases dramatically with age. The presence of abnormal proteins and increased oxidative stress contribute to accelerating neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative processes. To date, considerable progress has been made in identifying the molecular mechanisms and pathways underlying neurodegenerative diseases; however, identifying safe and effective drug therapies for treating these disorders is very arduous. Pharmacological therapies in use for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease are still ineffective in modifying pathological changes and neurological disorders, and they provide only symptomatic relief; therefore, it is essential to seek new therapeutic strategies to treat these diseases. Natural compounds have aroused considerable interest in this field, also proving to be a possible alternative to the synthetic drugs used. Natural compounds may exert positive effects on aging-related changes in the brain and are capable of modulating neurological processes, given their ability to interact with neuronal–glial signaling pathways that are implicated in neuronal survival and function. In this Special Issue, we aim to bring together research from experts in the field highlighting the neuroprotective capabilities of natural compounds to identify future directions that will lead to discoveries and alternative therapies for neurological disorders.

Dr. Lorenza Guarnieri
Dr. Francesca Bosco
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • neurodegenerative disease
  • neurodegeneration
  • neuroinflammation
  • nutritional interventions
  • brain damage
  • neurological diseases
  • natural compounds

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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28 pages, 8210 KiB  
Article
Molecular Docking, Bioinformatic Analysis, and Experimental Verification for the Effect of Naringin on ADHD: Possible Inhibition of GSK-3β and HSP90
by Hatem I. Mokhtar, Sawsan A. Zaitone, Karima El-Sayed, Rehab M. Lashine, Nada Ahmed, Suzan M. M. Moursi, Shaimaa A. Shehata, Afaf A. Aldahish, Mohamed A. Helal, Mohamed K. El-Kherbetawy, Manal S. Fawzy and Noha M. Abd El-Fadeal
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(11), 1436; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17111436 - 26 Oct 2024
Viewed by 865
Abstract
Background/Objectives: One of the most abundant and growing neurodevelopmental disorders in recent decades is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Many trials have been performed on using drugs for the improvement of ADHD signs. This study aimed to detect the possible interaction of naringin [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: One of the most abundant and growing neurodevelopmental disorders in recent decades is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Many trials have been performed on using drugs for the improvement of ADHD signs. This study aimed to detect the possible interaction of naringin with Wnt/β-catenin signaling and its putative anti-inflammatory and protective effects in the mouse ADHD model based on bioinformatic, behavioral, and molecular investigations. Furthermore, molecular docking was applied to investigate possible interactions with the GSK-3β and HSP90 proteins. Methods: Male Swiss albino mice were divided into four groups, a normal control group, monosodium glutamate (SGL) control, SGL + naringin 50 mg/kg, and SGL + naringin 100 mg/kg. The psychomotor activity of the mice was assessed using the self-grooming test, rope crawling test, and attentional set-shifting task (ASST). In addition, biochemical analyses were performed using brain samples. Results: The results of the SGL group showed prolonged grooming time (2.47-folds), a lower percentage of mice with successful crawling on the rope (only 16.6%), and a higher number of trials for compound discrimination testing in the ASST (12.83 ± 2.04 trials versus 5.5 ± 1.88 trials in the normal group). Treatment with naringin (50 or 100 mg per kg) produced significant shortening in the grooming time (31% and 27% reductions), as well as a higher percentage of mice succeeding in crawling with the rope (50% and 83%, respectively). Moreover, the ELISA assays indicated decreased dopamine levels (0.36-fold) and increased TNF-α (2.85-fold) in the SGL control group compared to the normal mice, but an improvement in dopamine level was observed in the naringin (50 or 100 mg per kg)-treated groups (1.58-fold and 1.97-fold). Similarly, the PCR test showed significant declines in the expression of the Wnt (0.36), and β-catenin (0.33) genes, but increased caspase-3 (3.54-fold) and BAX (5.36-fold) genes in the SGL group; all these parameters were improved in the naringin 50 or 100 mg/kg groups. Furthermore, molecular docking indicated possible inhibition for HSP90 and GSK-3β. Conclusions: Overall, we can conclude that naringin is a promising agent for alleviating ADHD symptoms, and further investigations are required to elucidate its mechanism of action. Full article
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18 pages, 9544 KiB  
Article
Rubia cordifolia L. Attenuates Diabetic Neuropathy by Inhibiting Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress in Rats
by Sweeti Bana, Nitin Kumar, Ali Sartaj, Abdulsalam Alhalmi, Ashraf Ahmed Qurtam, Fahd A. Nasr, Mohammed Al-Zharani, Neelam Singh, Praveen Gaur, Rosaline Mishra, Snigdha Bhardwaj, Hasan Ali and Radha Goel
Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16(11), 1586; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16111586 - 9 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1693
Abstract
Background: Diabetic neuropathy is a debilitating manifestation of long-term diabetes mellitus. The present study explored the effects of the roots of Rubia cordifolia L. (R. cordifolia L.) in the Wistar rat model for diabetic neuropathy and possible neuroprotective, antidiabetic, and analgesic mechanisms [...] Read more.
Background: Diabetic neuropathy is a debilitating manifestation of long-term diabetes mellitus. The present study explored the effects of the roots of Rubia cordifolia L. (R. cordifolia L.) in the Wistar rat model for diabetic neuropathy and possible neuroprotective, antidiabetic, and analgesic mechanisms underlying this effect. Materials and Methods: Rats were divided into five experimental groups. An amount of 0.25% carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) in saline and streptozotocin (STZ) (60 mg/kg) was given to group 1 and group 2, respectively. Group 3 was treated with STZ and glibenclamide simultaneously while groups 4 and 5 were simultaneously treated with STZ and hydroalcoholic extract of the root of R. cordifolia, respectively. Hot plate and cold allodynias were used to evaluate the pain threshold. The antioxidant effects of R. cordifolia were assessed by measuring Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). At the end of the study, sciatic nerve and brain tissues were collected for histopathological study. Bcl-2 proteins, cleaved caspase-3, and Bax were assessed through the Western blot method. Results: R. cordifolia significantly attenuated paw withdrawal and tail flick latency in diabetic neuropathic rats. R. cordifolia significantly (p < 0.01) improved the levels of oxidative stress. It was found to decrease blood glucose levels and to increase animal weight in R. cordifolia-treated groups. Treatment with R. cordifolia suppressed the cleaved caspase-3 and reduced the Bax:Bcl2 ratio in sciatic nerve and brain tissue compared to the diabetic group. Histopathological analysis also revealed a marked improvement in architecture and loss of axons in brain and sciatic nerve tissues at a higher dose of R. cordifolia (400 mg/kg). Conclusion: R. cordifolia attenuated diabetic neuropathy through its antidiabetic and analgesic properties by ameliorating apoptosis and oxidative stress. Full article
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Review

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20 pages, 1743 KiB  
Review
The Therapeutic Potential of Harpagophytum procumbens and Turnera subulata and Advances in Nutraceutical Delivery Systems in Neurodegenerative Diseases
by Antonio Carlos Vital Júnior, Mikaelly Batista da Silva, Shênia Santos Monteiro and Matheus Augusto de Bittencourt Pasquali
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(5), 660; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17050660 - 20 May 2024
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Abstract
This review article covers the therapeutic potential of the plants Harpagophytum procumbens and Turnera subulata in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Despite the recognition of their beneficial properties, there is notable shortage of specific clinical and in vitro studies on these species regarding [...] Read more.
This review article covers the therapeutic potential of the plants Harpagophytum procumbens and Turnera subulata in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Despite the recognition of their beneficial properties, there is notable shortage of specific clinical and in vitro studies on these species regarding neurodegenerative diseases. Compounds such as harpagosides and vite-xin-2-O-rhamnoside, found in Harpagophytum procumbens and Turnera subulata, respectively, as well as other antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, are associated with mechanisms of action that involve reducing oxidative stress and modulating the inflammatory response, indicating their therapeutic potential in these pathologies. Additionally, the use of nutraceuticals derived from medicinal plants has emerged as a promising approach, offering natural therapeutic alternatives. However, the pressing need for studies focusing on the pharmacokinetics, safety, and pharmacological interactions of these extracts for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases is emphasized. This review also evaluated advances in nutraceutical delivery systems, highlighting technological innovations that can optimize the precise delivery of these compounds to patients. Such findings highlight the gaps in the study of these plants for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and, at the same time, the potential for opening new perspectives in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, providing expectations for innovative solutions in this critical domain of medicine. Full article
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Other

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9 pages, 791 KiB  
Brief Report
Using Nutraceuticals to Help Manage Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury
by Paul Stacey, Arun Mensinkai, Pankaj Bansal, Seyed-Hossein Hosseini, Andrew Lavigne, Basia Gwardjan, Sayna Leylachian, Zhihui (Joy) Deng, Vinjamuri Chari, Sandra Giles and Shanker Nesathurai
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(1), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17010071 - 4 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1375
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) is a significant public health challenge that has an adverse impact on functional independence, quality of life, and life expectancy. Management of people’s chronic conditions is a key aspect of contemporary medical practice. Our study was an open [...] Read more.
Traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) is a significant public health challenge that has an adverse impact on functional independence, quality of life, and life expectancy. Management of people’s chronic conditions is a key aspect of contemporary medical practice. Our study was an open label, single arm, prospective pilot study to evaluate the feasibility of treating people with TSCI. The study intervention was treatment with oral selenium and vitamin E. Participants were 18 years or older and experienced a TSCI at least one year prior to enrollment. Daily doses of 50 mcg of selenium and 400 IU of vitamin E were administered. Participants had radiologic (MRI tractography) and clinical (ASIA) assessments prior to initiating treatment, and these assessments were repeated after one year of treatment. Four subjects completed the full twelve-month study. Adherence, based on pill counts, was approximately 75% in all subjects. There were no adverse events related to study medications. During the treatment period, subjects reported improvement in certain symptoms. There was no significant difference in ASIA scores before and after the intervention. Combination treatment with vitamin E and selenium has been demonstrated as safe for TSCI patients. It is possible to use DTI values to locate the epicenter of a lesion as well as gauge the extent of injury. MRI tractography may serve as a meaningful surrogate endpoint. The results of this study suggest that it is feasible to conduct a larger long-term clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of combination treatment of TSCI. Full article
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