Future Natural Products
Volume:9 Issue: 1, Winter-Spring 2023

As we all know, medicinal plants and natural compounds have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, and recent research has shed light on their potential for treating a wide range of neurological disorders. From Alzheimer’s to Parkinson’s to depression and anxiety, there is growing evidence that natural compounds can play a crucial role in promoting brain health and preventing or mitigating the effects of neurological disease. Over the last few decades, a growing interest has been in using natural compounds to treat neurological disorders. This is partly due to traditional pharmaceuticals’ limitations and side effects and partially because research has shown that many natural compounds have potent neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties. One example of a natural compound extensively studied for its potential in treating neurological disorders is curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric. Curcumin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and has been studied for its potential in treating Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, depression, and other neurological conditions. Other examples of natural compounds that have been studied for their potential in treating neurological disorders include resveratrol (found in red wine), omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil), and cannabidiol (found in cannabis).

There is limited information on the chemical nature of the edible fruits of the mangrove Sonneratia apetala, which is utilized in traditional medicine in coastal areas. The goal of the current research was to identify the biologically active substances behind their therapeutic effects, particularly blood sugar regulation.  To determine the chemical fingerprint of S. apetala fruit extract, reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) profiling were used. The antioxidant properties were thoroughly examined. α-Amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes were also used to evaluate the impact of S. apetala fruit extract on the regulatory mechanism for the metabolism of carbohydrates.  S. apetala fruit extract showed high concentrations of phenolics, flavonoids, and water-soluble vitamins (C, B2, B5, and B6). Quercetin, catechin, rutin, myricetin, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, sinapic acid, and ascorbic acid were among the recognized therapeutically active substances found in RP-HPLC. The presence of β-amyrin and lupeol in S. apetala fruit extract was determined by the GC-MS profile. The carbohydrate-slitting enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase were also strongly inhibited by S. apetala fruit extract.  The fruit of S. apetala contains therapeutically useful polyphenolics, triterpenoids, phytosterols, and vitamins. It can lower blood sugar absorption by blocking enzymes that break down carbohydrates and has potent antioxidant qualities.

Migraine is known as one of the most debilitating diseases with high prevalence worldwide. This study aimed to compare between combined administration of ginger and Depakene (sodium valproate) capsules (intervention group) and the use of Depakene (control group) alone to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of ginger in the treatment of migraine.  This randomized one-blind clinical trial was conducted with 80 patients suffering from migraine headaches. A total of 40 patients in the intervention group received two ginger capsules of 250mg manufactured by Zintoma (Gol Darou Co.) along with 500 mg Depakene orally daily for sixteen weeks, and 40 patients in the control group received Depakene (500 mg/d) alone. The variables included the severity of the headache, the number of headaches per month, and the sleep quality of patients. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics: frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation, and analytical statistics: χ2, independent t test, and pair t tests.  For pain intensity, the mean score of pain after the intervention in the intervention group was significant so that it was lower than the mean score in the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, there were significant differences in disability severity induced by migraine headaches between the two groups after the intervention so that it was lower in the intervention group than in the control group (P < 0.05).  Administration of the ginger capsule (500 mg) with Depakene (500 mg) was considered to improve pain severity, disability, and sleep pattern in patients with migraine compared to administration of Depakene alone. Therefore, this combination therapy can be considered a choice in the treatment of these patients.

The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of thiamine on the toxicity of lead acetate (PbAc) in the liver and kidneys of diabetic rats. To evaluate the effect of thiamine, stereological criteria, and biochemical processes were used.  Forty-eight female rats were used and divided into eight groups of six animals. G I: served as the control group; G II: diabetic group; G III: PbAc group; G IV: thiamine group; G V: diabetes + thiamine group; G VI: PbAc + thiamine group; G VII: diabetes + PbAc + thiamine group; G VIII: diabetes + PbAc group.  The total volume of hepatocytes in the liver and the volume of cortex, medulla, and glomerulus in the kidney were significantly increased in the both diabetic and PbAc groups compared to control animals. Moreover, the sinusoids and central vein volumes showed a significant decrease in both the diabetic and PbAc groups compared with the controls. The PbAc and diabetic groups showed higher total cholesterol (TC), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), malondialdehyde (MDA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine (Cr), and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations than the control group. It was discovered that thiamine significantly alters the levels of the desired parameters, bringing them closer to the control group.  Thiamine is a potent antidiabetic agent, and this compound supplementation possesses hypoglycemic properties and has an effect on the hepatorenal structure in diabetes rats.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease with (an) unknown cause(s) that affects the central nervous system, the brain, and the spinal cord and causes loss of control, vision, balance, and sensation. Ataxia and spasm are commonly observed in patients with MS and cause a significant decrease in functioning and quality of life. Pharmacotherapy, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation are usually used to deal with ataxia and spasms. Given the World Health Organization’s emphasis on using herbal medicines with fewer side effects and the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of lavender extract, the present study aims to investigate the effect of hydroalcoholic lavender extract on ataxia and spasm in MS patients.  The present study is a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Eighty-four patients with MS referred to Imam Ali Clinic and Hajar Hospital of Shahrekord were enrolled in the study and randomly divided into two groups of intervention and control. Patients in the intervention group were given lavender tea, and those in the placebo group received the placebo for 60 days. Before and after the intervention, spasticity was assessed using the Ashworth Scale and the spasm repetition scale. International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were used to evaluate ataxia. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16.  The results showed the mean Ashworth and spasm index before and after intervention did not differ significantly between the two groups of control and placebo (P < 0.05), but lavender tea could increase BBS and decrease ICARS significantly in the group receiving it (P < 0.05).  Due to phenolic and flavonoid compounds and high antioxidant properties, lavender can decrease spasticity and ataxia and improve the functioning of other chemicals and drugs used to treat MS in patients.

Cashew is an evergreen tropical tree native to South America. It has spread to several locations around the globe, including Africa. The plant’s various parts have been effective in treating a variety of diseases. This study aims to assess the nephroprotective effect of aqueous Anacardium occidentale cashew apple juice on the kidney of paracetamol (PCM)-induced injury in albino rats.  Wistar rats were used to conduct this study. Group 1 was given saline as usual. While groups 3, 4, and 5 were administered 1, 2, and 4 ml/kg of the aqueous extract, group 2 received normal saline. In groups 2-5, animals received oral PCM 2000 mg/kg body weight on the eighth day. All animals were weighed again and sacrificed under a light diethyl ether vapor 20 hours after the last dose administration.  The extract significantly (P < 0.05) raised packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), and platelet values compared to group 2. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the weight-to-body size ratio of rats in none of the groups given extracts (P < 0.05) when compared to group 2. Creatinine and urea level were considerably lower in the groups who received extract. Additionally, histological research supports biochemical parameters.  The study shows that A. occidentale cashew apple may help manage renal disorders and protect the kidney against hazardous substances.

This study aimed to determine the effects of Astragalus fasciculifolius hydroalcoholic extract on rat ileum contractions: The role of adrenergic, opioid, and nitric oxide (NO) receptors.  A. fasciculifolius extract was prepared using 70% alcohol by maceration extraction. 2 cm pieces from the end of the rat ileum were placed in a tissue bath containing Tyrode’s solution. The tissue bath solution is constantly oxygenated. Potassium chloride (KCl), naloxone, Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), propranolol, and different concentrations of calcium chloride were used to stimulate the ileum. Ileum contractions were recorded isotonically under 1 g of initial tension. The results were calculated as the amount of shortening (in millimeters).  This study showed that A. fasciculifolius extract caused a significant increase in ileum contraction compared to the control group (P < 0.001). This increase in contraction was amplified in combination with opioid or NO receptor antagonists (P < 0.001). Also, this effect was not significantly different in association with beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists.  The results of this study showed that A. fasciculifolius extract enhances the contractile function of the ileum in rats. This function is reinforced by opioid receptor antagonists and NO.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint and common skeletal disease around the world. We aimed to review silymarin and its major active constituent effects and underlying mechanisms for relieving OA. 

The study protocol was designed according to the PRISMA statement. An extensive search was performed in several main databases including PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Scopus. Considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study, finally, 11 studies were included. The desired data were extracted from the studies and registered into an Excel form and the consequences and mechanisms were surveyed. 

Silymarin, inhibits or downregulates IL (interleukin)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-3, MMP-13, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iONS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). In terms of antioxidant capacity, it decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and lipid peroxidation in serum and synovial fluid. In addition, it reduced alkaline phosphatase (ALP), leukocytes (Th17), and HB levels. Silymarin increases superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Moreover, it can up-regulate and increases the anabolism of sirtuin1 (Sirt1), SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9), IL-10, IL-4, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1), Collagen type II and extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis. 

Because silymarin is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant polyphenolic flavonoid, it can be effectively used as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of OA; however, more clinical trial studies are still needed to determine its side and analgesic effects.