The American journal of Chinese medicine
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Although growing evidence has shown that ginsenosides from stems and leaves of Panax ginseng (GSLS) exercise a protective impact on the central nervous system, in the model of memory damage induced by scopolamine, it is still rarely reported. Thus, the mechanism of action needs to be further explored. This study was to investigate the effect of GSLS on scopolamine (SCOP)-induced memory damage and the underlying mechanism. ⋯ Meanwhile, immunohistochemical assay suggested that GSLS increased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and Tyrosine Kinase receptor B (TrkB). Further mechanism research indicated that GSLS inhibited the Tau hyperphosphorylation and cell apoptosis by regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway and inhibited neuroinflammation by regulating the NF-κB pathway, thereby exerting a cognitive impairment improvement effect. This work suggested that GSLS could protect against SCOP-induced memory defects possibly through inhibiting oxidative stress, inhibiting neuroinflammation and cell apoptosis.
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Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) root is a medicinal herbal widely used in traditional medicine in Korea. AGN root ethanolic extract dietary supplements are marketed in the United States for memory health and pain management. We comprehensively reviewed the anticancer, analgesic, pro-memory and other bio-activities of AGN extract and its signature phytochemicals decursin, decursinol angelate, and decursinol a decade ago in 2012 and updated their anticancer activities in 2015. ⋯ Knowledge gaps include whether human pyranocoumarin PK metrics are AGN dose dependent and subjected to metabolic ceiling, or metabolic adaptation after repeated use. Critical clinical translation challenges include sourcing of AGN extracts, product consistency and quality control, and AGN dose optimization for different health conditions and disease indications. Future research directions are articulated to fill knowledge gaps and address these challenges.
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Pain is the most frequently encountered symptom by patients with fibromyalgia (FM). Dietary supplements (DSs) in particular have a proven impact as a possible adjunctive therapy for symptom management in FM. However, there is currently no conclusive review outlining the evidence for DSs in pain management in FM. ⋯ Adverse events of DSs varied from mild to severe, with the most common being gastrointestinal symptoms and androgenic side effects in 5.7% and 3.9% of patients, respectively. More well-designed RCTs are required in the future. The protocol for this review has been published on PROSPERO (CRD42020149941).
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As a versatile Chinese herb, Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss. ex Fr.) Karst (G. lucidum) has been applied to treat multiple diseases in clinics and improve the quality of life of patients. Among all of its extracts, the main bioactive components are G. lucidum polysaccharides (GLPs), which possess many therapeutic effects, such as antitumor, immunoregulatory, anti-oxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and antifungal effects and neuroprotection activities. This review briefly summarized the recent studies of the pharmacological rationales of GLPs and their underlying molecular signaling transmission mechanisms in treating diseases. ⋯ Besides, we summarized the effects of GLPs and the models and methods used in the research of GLPs. In conclusion, GLPs have been studied extensively, but more in-depth research is still needed to determine the exact mechanisms and pathways. Therefore, this review might provide new insights into the vital targets and pathways for researchers to study the pharmacological mechanisms of GLPs for the treatment of diseases.
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Salidroside, an active ingredient in Rhodiola rosea, has potent protective activity against cerebral ischemia. However, the mechanisms underlying its pharmacological actions are poorly understood. In this study, we employed a mouse middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and cellular oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) models to test the hypothesis that salidroside may restore mitochondrial quality control in neurons by modulating the relevant signaling. ⋯ Moreover, salidroside alleviated 50% the OGD-promoted mitochondrial calcium fluorescence intensity and 5% mitochondria-associated membrane (MAM) area by down-regulating GRP75 expression independent of the AMPK signaling. Finally, similar findings were achieved in primary mouse neurons. Collectively, these data indicate that salidroside effectively restores the mitochondria dynamics, facilitates mitochondrial biogenesis by attenuating the AMPK signaling, and maintains calcium homeostasis in neurons independent of the AMPK activity.