We investigated the effects of a standardized extract of Caralluma fimbriata Wall (CFE) on learning and memory in mice using various behavioural models. Unusually, CFE exerts both nootropic and anxiolytic effects.
Neurodegenerative diseases(NDDs)such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease are increasing globally and represent a significant cause of age-related death in the population.Recent studies emphasize the strong associ...Neurodegenerative diseases(NDDs)such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease are increasing globally and represent a significant cause of age-related death in the population.Recent studies emphasize the strong association between environmental stressors,particularly dietary factors,and brain health and neurodegeneration unsatisfactory outcomes.Despite ongoing efforts,the efficiency of current treatments for NDDs remains wanting.Considering this,nootropic foods with neuroprotective effects are of high interest as part of a possible long-term therapeutic strategy to improve brain health and alleviate NDDs.However,since it is a new and emerging area in food and neuroscience,there is limited information on mechanisms and challenges to consider for this to be a successful intervention.Here,we seek to address these gaps by presenting a comprehensive review of possible pathways or mechanisms including mutual interactions governing nootropic food metabolism,linkages of the pathways with NDDs,intake,and neuroprotective properties of nootropic foods.We also discuss in-depth intervention with nootropic compounds and dietary patterns in NDDs,providing a detailed exploration of their mechanisms of action.Additionally,we analyze the demand,challenges,and future directions for successful development of nootropic foods targeting NDDs.展开更多
Objective:To clarify the neuropharmacological profile of the Mongolian vetch,Astragalus mongholicus(Astragalus membranaceous var.mongholicus;synonym:A.mongholicus),extracts were evaluated for behavioral effects in rat...Objective:To clarify the neuropharmacological profile of the Mongolian vetch,Astragalus mongholicus(Astragalus membranaceous var.mongholicus;synonym:A.mongholicus),extracts were evaluated for behavioral effects in rats and mice.Methods:An aqueous extract of A.mongholicus was made by boiling roots from freshlycollected plants in 2.5 volumes(w/v)of water for 60 minutes.An ethanol extract was made by incubating in 70%ethanol for 5 days at 25C.Effects of the aqueous extracts were evaluated in a forced swimming assessment of antidepressant effects,a hole-board test of exploratory behavior,an analysis of inhibition of aggression following electrical stimulation and influences on amnesia resulting from electroshock.Furthermore,effects of ethanol extracts of A.mongholicus were assessed on L-tryptophan induced twitches(indicating serotonin-mediated effects)and on hypothermia induced by apomorphine(indicating dopamine-mediated interactions)in mice.Results:Per os(PO)administration of the aqueous decoction of the vetch to rats increased the response in a forced swimming test as reflected in wheel rotations.However,the decoction had no significant effect on the exploratory behavior of rats in the hole-board test.Acute PO administration of the aqueous extract of A.mongholicus decreased the threshold for aggressive behavior and this effect persisted with subchronic administration.Chronic administration of the plant extract suppressed aggression of rats.An ethanol extract of A.mongholicus showed an antiserotoninergic action and had a significant influence on the hypothermia induced by apomorphine.Conclusion:A.mongholicus has a variety of potent psychotropic actions,suggesting influences on diverse neurotransmitter systems.展开更多
Oxidative stress is intensely linked with neurodegenerative disorders, especially Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Searching for medicinal plant with the nootropic activity for controling the development and progression of ...Oxidative stress is intensely linked with neurodegenerative disorders, especially Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Searching for medicinal plant with the nootropic activity for controling the development and progression of AD has received extensive consideration. The plant Phyllanthus reticulatus (PR) Poir. is known in Bengali as Panjuli belongs to family Euphorbiaceae. Previous studies have shown the antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, etc. activities of this plant. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the nootropic effect of ethanolic extracts of Phyllanthus reticulatus (EEPR) on cognitive functions, brain antioxidatant enzymes and acetylcholinesterase activity in aluminium-induced rats of cognitive impairment and oxidative stress. The effects of EEPR fruit (i.e., 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) were examined for 30 days and its nootropic effect was determined in aluminium treated Swiss albino male rats by behavioral studies such as Passive Avoidance (PA) test, Rewarded Alternation (RA) test and biochemical studies such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), contents of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in rats brain tissue homogenates. In PA test, administration of EEPR fruit (i.e., 100 and 200 mg/kg, b.w.) significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) increased step-through latency (STL) in rats on 30th day with respect to disease control group. The percentage of memory retention (MR) for this test was pointedly (P < 0.05) increased in rats treated with EEPR fruit (i.e., 200 mg/kg b.w.) as compared with disease control group. For RA test, EEPR fruit (i.e., 200 mg/kg b.w.) markedly (P < 0.01) increased the correct responses (CR) in rats on 30th day related to disease control group. In case of this test the percentage of MR was significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) increased in rats treated with EEPR fruit (i.e., 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) with respect to disease control group. Administration of EEPR fruit (i.e., 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) considerably (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) increased the level of SOD, CAT and expressively (P < 0.05) decreased TBARS level compared to disease control group. Treatment with EEPR fruit (i.e., 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) markedly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) decreased the level of AChE activity to that of disease control group. The present study shows that EEPR fruit has excellent nootropic effect on cognitive performance and brain antioxidant markers in aluminium-induced rats of cognitive impairment and oxidative stress which could be developed in the management of neurodegenerative diseases especially AD.展开更多
Natural regulatory peptides are biologically active compounds that are produced by various cells and provide a link among the main regulatory systems of the body. The field of research into the biologic activity of en...Natural regulatory peptides are biologically active compounds that are produced by various cells and provide a link among the main regulatory systems of the body. The field of research into the biologic activity of endogenous regulatory peptides is extremely vast. These peptides affect the cardiovascular, immune, reproductive, endocrine, digestive, and other systems, alter energy metabolism, and are especially effective in the regulation of the central nervous system. Despite of the wide range of preventive and therapeutic effects of natural regulatory peptides and proteins, their application in clinical practice is difficult. This is primarily because of their extreme instability, as they are rapidly degraded by proteases of the gastrointestinal tract, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and other biologic media. Compounds with higher stability (i.e., a considerably longer half-life compared with that of natural molecules) and the ability to provide a directional effect on the various body systems were obtained from modifications of endogenous regulatory peptides. Synthetic analogs of regulatory peptides, as a rule, contain only natural amino acids in their composition, and their biodegradation does not lead to the formation of toxic products;thus, they have fewer side effects. This review focuses on the consideration of two synthetic regulatory peptides, Semax and Selank, which were the bases for the creation of new drugs that are used effectively in the treatment of various diseases of the nervous system. The synthetic analog of an adrenocorticotropic hormone 4-10 fragment (ACTH4-10) Semax is a powerful neuroprotective agent that is particularly effective as a therapy for stroke. Selank was synthesized on the basis of the natural immunomodulator tuftsin. Selank is a powerful anxiolytic that is used as a therapy for generalized anxiety disorder and neurasthenia without sedative and muscle-relaxant effects. This review presents the results of research aimed at studying the influence of these peptides on the transcriptome of brain cells. The problems of drugs developed based on the clinical activities of Semax and Selank are discussed separately.展开更多
To assess the efficacy and safety of L-oxiracetam,a novel nootropic agent,in improving cognition in patients with TBI,we performed a multicentre,double-blind,randomized controlled trial in China.Participants aged 18 t...To assess the efficacy and safety of L-oxiracetam,a novel nootropic agent,in improving cognition in patients with TBI,we performed a multicentre,double-blind,randomized controlled trial in China.Participants aged 18 to 75 years with TBI(Glasgow Coma Scale score of 10 to 15)were recruited from 51 hospitals from 2019 to 2024.Patients were randomly assigned to Loxiracetam,4 g/day,oxiracetam 6 g/day,or placebo in 2:2:1.The primary outcome was the change in the Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment(LOTCA)score from baseline to 90 days post treatment.Secondary outcomes included changes in additional cognitive evaluations,neurological function,activities of daily living(ADL),and adverse events(AEs).The trial was approved by the China National Medical Products Administration(2016L03521),and registered at Clinicaltrials.gov(NCT04205565)and Chinadrugtrials.org.cn(CTR20192539).Five hundred and ninety patients were included(mean age(SD),50.9(14.5);421 males).The least squares(LS)mean of LOTCA change from baseline to 90 days post treatment was 20.45(95%confidence interval[CI]17.23,23.66)in the L-oxiracetam group,15.90(95%CI 12.71,19.10)in the oxiracetam group,and 11.47(95%CI 7.75,15.20)in the placebo group(P value<0.05 for all groups).The LS mean difference of the L-oxiracetam was significantly higher than the placebo group(8.97,95%CI 5.69,12.26;P<0.001;Cohen’s d=0.48[95%CI:0.26,0.69])and the oxiracetam group(4.54,95%CI 1.85,7.23).Secondary efficacy outcomes did not differ between the L-oxiracetam and oxiracetam groups.The proportion of serious AEs did not differ among the three groups.L-oxiracetam could improve cognitive function in patients with mild-to-moderate TBI.L-oxiracetam might be more efficacious than oxiracetam.No significant safety concerns were reported.Despite limitations such as loss to followup,the findings of this study provide important evidence for the clinical management of cognitive dysfunction following TBI.Future studies in real-world clinical settings are warranted to further substantiate the efficacy of L-oxiracetam and oxiracetam.展开更多
In recent decades,scientists in Asian and Western countries have been paying great attention to ginseng research.Today,more than 200 ginsenosides and non-saponin constituents have been isolated and identified.Ginsenos...In recent decades,scientists in Asian and Western countries have been paying great attention to ginseng research.Today,more than 200 ginsenosides and non-saponin constituents have been isolated and identified.Ginsenosides show biological activities only after being deglycosylated by intestinal bacteria.Aglycone protopanaxadiol and protopanaxatriol show the highest bioactivities.According to literature,the noticeable action of ginseng is that of delaying aging and especially increasing the nootropic effect,a...展开更多
文摘We investigated the effects of a standardized extract of Caralluma fimbriata Wall (CFE) on learning and memory in mice using various behavioural models. Unusually, CFE exerts both nootropic and anxiolytic effects.
基金supported by grants from the NSERC Discovery grant,the Western Research Chairs programa Start-up Funding for Establishing the Nootropic Foods Innovation,Lipid Bioinformatics and Brain Health Research Program at Western UniversityLAMN was supported by a student fellowship from the Department of Biology,Western University,Canada.
文摘Neurodegenerative diseases(NDDs)such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease are increasing globally and represent a significant cause of age-related death in the population.Recent studies emphasize the strong association between environmental stressors,particularly dietary factors,and brain health and neurodegeneration unsatisfactory outcomes.Despite ongoing efforts,the efficiency of current treatments for NDDs remains wanting.Considering this,nootropic foods with neuroprotective effects are of high interest as part of a possible long-term therapeutic strategy to improve brain health and alleviate NDDs.However,since it is a new and emerging area in food and neuroscience,there is limited information on mechanisms and challenges to consider for this to be a successful intervention.Here,we seek to address these gaps by presenting a comprehensive review of possible pathways or mechanisms including mutual interactions governing nootropic food metabolism,linkages of the pathways with NDDs,intake,and neuroprotective properties of nootropic foods.We also discuss in-depth intervention with nootropic compounds and dietary patterns in NDDs,providing a detailed exploration of their mechanisms of action.Additionally,we analyze the demand,challenges,and future directions for successful development of nootropic foods targeting NDDs.
基金The project was funded by the Mongolian Foundation of Science and Technology of Mongolia(17AT05IN324,AJ).Parts of the work were supported by the National Science Foundation(IOS-0724962(JVM)and DBI-0421079(JVM)).
文摘Objective:To clarify the neuropharmacological profile of the Mongolian vetch,Astragalus mongholicus(Astragalus membranaceous var.mongholicus;synonym:A.mongholicus),extracts were evaluated for behavioral effects in rats and mice.Methods:An aqueous extract of A.mongholicus was made by boiling roots from freshlycollected plants in 2.5 volumes(w/v)of water for 60 minutes.An ethanol extract was made by incubating in 70%ethanol for 5 days at 25C.Effects of the aqueous extracts were evaluated in a forced swimming assessment of antidepressant effects,a hole-board test of exploratory behavior,an analysis of inhibition of aggression following electrical stimulation and influences on amnesia resulting from electroshock.Furthermore,effects of ethanol extracts of A.mongholicus were assessed on L-tryptophan induced twitches(indicating serotonin-mediated effects)and on hypothermia induced by apomorphine(indicating dopamine-mediated interactions)in mice.Results:Per os(PO)administration of the aqueous decoction of the vetch to rats increased the response in a forced swimming test as reflected in wheel rotations.However,the decoction had no significant effect on the exploratory behavior of rats in the hole-board test.Acute PO administration of the aqueous extract of A.mongholicus decreased the threshold for aggressive behavior and this effect persisted with subchronic administration.Chronic administration of the plant extract suppressed aggression of rats.An ethanol extract of A.mongholicus showed an antiserotoninergic action and had a significant influence on the hypothermia induced by apomorphine.Conclusion:A.mongholicus has a variety of potent psychotropic actions,suggesting influences on diverse neurotransmitter systems.
文摘Oxidative stress is intensely linked with neurodegenerative disorders, especially Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Searching for medicinal plant with the nootropic activity for controling the development and progression of AD has received extensive consideration. The plant Phyllanthus reticulatus (PR) Poir. is known in Bengali as Panjuli belongs to family Euphorbiaceae. Previous studies have shown the antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, etc. activities of this plant. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the nootropic effect of ethanolic extracts of Phyllanthus reticulatus (EEPR) on cognitive functions, brain antioxidatant enzymes and acetylcholinesterase activity in aluminium-induced rats of cognitive impairment and oxidative stress. The effects of EEPR fruit (i.e., 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) were examined for 30 days and its nootropic effect was determined in aluminium treated Swiss albino male rats by behavioral studies such as Passive Avoidance (PA) test, Rewarded Alternation (RA) test and biochemical studies such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), contents of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in rats brain tissue homogenates. In PA test, administration of EEPR fruit (i.e., 100 and 200 mg/kg, b.w.) significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) increased step-through latency (STL) in rats on 30th day with respect to disease control group. The percentage of memory retention (MR) for this test was pointedly (P < 0.05) increased in rats treated with EEPR fruit (i.e., 200 mg/kg b.w.) as compared with disease control group. For RA test, EEPR fruit (i.e., 200 mg/kg b.w.) markedly (P < 0.01) increased the correct responses (CR) in rats on 30th day related to disease control group. In case of this test the percentage of MR was significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) increased in rats treated with EEPR fruit (i.e., 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) with respect to disease control group. Administration of EEPR fruit (i.e., 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) considerably (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) increased the level of SOD, CAT and expressively (P < 0.05) decreased TBARS level compared to disease control group. Treatment with EEPR fruit (i.e., 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) markedly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) decreased the level of AChE activity to that of disease control group. The present study shows that EEPR fruit has excellent nootropic effect on cognitive performance and brain antioxidant markers in aluminium-induced rats of cognitive impairment and oxidative stress which could be developed in the management of neurodegenerative diseases especially AD.
文摘Natural regulatory peptides are biologically active compounds that are produced by various cells and provide a link among the main regulatory systems of the body. The field of research into the biologic activity of endogenous regulatory peptides is extremely vast. These peptides affect the cardiovascular, immune, reproductive, endocrine, digestive, and other systems, alter energy metabolism, and are especially effective in the regulation of the central nervous system. Despite of the wide range of preventive and therapeutic effects of natural regulatory peptides and proteins, their application in clinical practice is difficult. This is primarily because of their extreme instability, as they are rapidly degraded by proteases of the gastrointestinal tract, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and other biologic media. Compounds with higher stability (i.e., a considerably longer half-life compared with that of natural molecules) and the ability to provide a directional effect on the various body systems were obtained from modifications of endogenous regulatory peptides. Synthetic analogs of regulatory peptides, as a rule, contain only natural amino acids in their composition, and their biodegradation does not lead to the formation of toxic products;thus, they have fewer side effects. This review focuses on the consideration of two synthetic regulatory peptides, Semax and Selank, which were the bases for the creation of new drugs that are used effectively in the treatment of various diseases of the nervous system. The synthetic analog of an adrenocorticotropic hormone 4-10 fragment (ACTH4-10) Semax is a powerful neuroprotective agent that is particularly effective as a therapy for stroke. Selank was synthesized on the basis of the natural immunomodulator tuftsin. Selank is a powerful anxiolytic that is used as a therapy for generalized anxiety disorder and neurasthenia without sedative and muscle-relaxant effects. This review presents the results of research aimed at studying the influence of these peptides on the transcriptome of brain cells. The problems of drugs developed based on the clinical activities of Semax and Selank are discussed separately.
文摘To assess the efficacy and safety of L-oxiracetam,a novel nootropic agent,in improving cognition in patients with TBI,we performed a multicentre,double-blind,randomized controlled trial in China.Participants aged 18 to 75 years with TBI(Glasgow Coma Scale score of 10 to 15)were recruited from 51 hospitals from 2019 to 2024.Patients were randomly assigned to Loxiracetam,4 g/day,oxiracetam 6 g/day,or placebo in 2:2:1.The primary outcome was the change in the Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment(LOTCA)score from baseline to 90 days post treatment.Secondary outcomes included changes in additional cognitive evaluations,neurological function,activities of daily living(ADL),and adverse events(AEs).The trial was approved by the China National Medical Products Administration(2016L03521),and registered at Clinicaltrials.gov(NCT04205565)and Chinadrugtrials.org.cn(CTR20192539).Five hundred and ninety patients were included(mean age(SD),50.9(14.5);421 males).The least squares(LS)mean of LOTCA change from baseline to 90 days post treatment was 20.45(95%confidence interval[CI]17.23,23.66)in the L-oxiracetam group,15.90(95%CI 12.71,19.10)in the oxiracetam group,and 11.47(95%CI 7.75,15.20)in the placebo group(P value<0.05 for all groups).The LS mean difference of the L-oxiracetam was significantly higher than the placebo group(8.97,95%CI 5.69,12.26;P<0.001;Cohen’s d=0.48[95%CI:0.26,0.69])and the oxiracetam group(4.54,95%CI 1.85,7.23).Secondary efficacy outcomes did not differ between the L-oxiracetam and oxiracetam groups.The proportion of serious AEs did not differ among the three groups.L-oxiracetam could improve cognitive function in patients with mild-to-moderate TBI.L-oxiracetam might be more efficacious than oxiracetam.No significant safety concerns were reported.Despite limitations such as loss to followup,the findings of this study provide important evidence for the clinical management of cognitive dysfunction following TBI.Future studies in real-world clinical settings are warranted to further substantiate the efficacy of L-oxiracetam and oxiracetam.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.C03030703)
文摘In recent decades,scientists in Asian and Western countries have been paying great attention to ginseng research.Today,more than 200 ginsenosides and non-saponin constituents have been isolated and identified.Ginsenosides show biological activities only after being deglycosylated by intestinal bacteria.Aglycone protopanaxadiol and protopanaxatriol show the highest bioactivities.According to literature,the noticeable action of ginseng is that of delaying aging and especially increasing the nootropic effect,a...
