scholarly journals Pharmacological Effects of Active Compounds on Neurodegenerative Disease with Gastrodia and Uncaria Decoction, a Commonly Used Poststroke Decoction

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stanley C. C. Chik ◽  
Terry C. T. Or ◽  
D. Luo ◽  
Cindy L. H. Yang ◽  
Allan S. Y. Lau
Keyword(s):  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Pharmacological Effects ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Slowing Down ◽  
Herbal Decoction ◽  
New Treatment ◽  
Neuronal Systems ◽  
Alternative Remedies

Neurodegenerative diseases refer to the selective loss of neuronal systems in patients. The diseases cause high morbidity and mortality to approximately 22 million people worldwide and the number is expected to be tripled by 2050. Up to now, there is no effective prevention and treatment for the neurodegenerative diseases. Although some of the clinical therapies target at slowing down the progression of symptoms of the diseases, the general effectiveness of the drugs has been far from satisfactory. Traditional Chinese medicine becomes popular alternative remedies as it has been practiced clinically for more than thousands of years in China. As neurodegenerative diseases are mediated through different pathways, herbal decoction with multiple herbs is used as an effective therapeutic approach to work on multiple targets. Gastrodia and Uncaria Decoction, a popular TCM decoction, has been used to treat stroke in China. The decoction contains compounds including alkaloids, flavonoids, iridoids, carotenoids, and natural phenols, which have been found to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antiapoptotic effects. In this review, we will summarize the recent publications of the pharmacological effects of these five groups of compounds. Understanding the mechanisms of action of these compounds may provide new treatment opportunities for the patients with neurodegenerative diseases.

scholarly journals Propolis Extract and Its Bioactive Compounds—From Traditional to Modern Extraction Technologies

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 2930
Author(s):  
Jelena Šuran ◽  
Ivica Cepanec ◽  
Tomislav Mašek ◽  
Božo Radić ◽  
Saša Radić ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Activity ◽  
Geographical Origin ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Erk Pathway ◽  
Pharmacological Effects ◽  
Propolis Extract ◽  
Open Research ◽  
Antioxidant Mechanisms

Propolis is a honeybee product known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial effects. It is rich in bioactive molecules whose content varies depending on the botanical and geographical origin of propolis. These bioactive molecules have been studied individually and as a part of propolis extracts, as they can be used as representative markers for propolis standardization. Here, we compare the pharmacological effects of representative polyphenols and whole propolis extracts. Based on the literature data, polyphenols and extracts act by suppressing similar targets, from pro-inflammatory TNF/NF-κB to the pro-proliferative MAPK/ERK pathway. In addition, they activate similar antioxidant mechanisms of action, like Nrf2-ARE intracellular antioxidant pathway, and they all have antimicrobial activity. These similarities do not imply that we should attribute the action of propolis solely to the most representative compounds. Moreover, its pharmacological effects will depend on the efficacy of these compounds’ extraction. Thus, we also give an overview of different propolis extraction technologies, from traditional to modern ones, which are environmentally friendlier. These technologies belong to an open research area that needs further effective solutions in terms of well-standardized liquid and solid extracts, which would be reliable in their pharmacological effects, environmentally friendly, and sustainable for production.

scholarly journals Cancer Vaccines for Genitourinary Tumors: Recent Progresses and Future Possibilities

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 623
Author(s):  
Brigida Anna Maiorano ◽  
Giovanni Schinzari ◽  
Davide Ciardiello ◽  
Maria Grazia Rodriquenz ◽  
Antonio Cisternino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Vaccines ◽  
Viral Vectors ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Tumor Development ◽  
Resistance Mechanisms ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Therapeutic Vaccines ◽  
Combination Strategies ◽  
New Treatment

Background: In the last years, many new treatment options have widened the therapeutic scenario of genitourinary malignancies. Immunotherapy has shown efficacy, especially in the urothelial and renal cell carcinomas, with no particular relevance in prostate cancer. However, despite the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, there is still high morbidity and mortality among these neoplasms. Cancer vaccines represent another way to activate the immune system. We sought to summarize the most recent advances in vaccine therapy for genitourinary malignancies with this review. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Database for clinical trials conducted in the last ten years, focusing on cancer vaccines in the prostate, urothelial and renal cancer. Results: Various therapeutic vaccines, including DNA-based, RNA-based, peptide-based, dendritic cells, viral vectors and modified tumor cells, have been demonstrated to induce specific immune responses in a variable percentage of patients. However, these responses rarely corresponded to significant survival improvements. Conclusions: Further preclinical and clinical studies will improve the knowledge about cancer vaccines in genitourinary malignancies to optimize dosage, select targets with a driver role for tumor development and growth, and finally overcome resistance mechanisms. Combination strategies represent possibly more effective and long-lasting treatments.

scholarly journals Pipeline embolization device retraction and foreshortening after internal carotid artery blister aneurysm treatment

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 614-619 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy J Heit ◽  
Nicholas A Telischak ◽  
Huy M Do ◽  
Robert L Dodd ◽  
Gary K Steinberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Internal Carotid Artery ◽  
Internal Carotid ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Case Description ◽  
Digital Subtraction ◽  
Pipeline Embolization Device ◽  
Aneurysm Occlusion ◽  
New Treatment

Background Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) secondary to rupture of a blister aneurysm (BA) results in high morbidity and mortality. Endovascular treatment with the pipeline embolization device (PED) has been described as a new treatment strategy for these lesions. We present the first reported case of PED retraction and foreshortening after treatment of a ruptured internal carotid artery (ICA) BA. Case description A middle-aged patient presented with SAH secondary to ICA BA rupture. The patient was treated with telescoping PED placement across the BA. After 5 days from treatment, the patient developed a new SAH due to re-rupture of the BA. Digital subtraction angiography revealed an increase in caliber of the supraclinoid ICA with associated retraction and foreshortening of the PED that resulted in aneurysm uncovering and growth. Conclusions PED should be oversized during ruptured BA treatment to prevent device retraction and aneurysm regrowth. Frequent imaging follow up after BA treatment with PED is warranted to ensure aneurysm occlusion.

scholarly journals Natural products with therapeutic potential in melanoma metastasis

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 1170-1182 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. AlQathama ◽  
J. M. Prieto
Keyword(s):  
Natural Products ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Melanoma Cells ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Melanoma Metastasis ◽  
Pharmacological Effects ◽  
Cytotoxic Compounds

Natural products continue to provide lead cytotoxic compounds for cancer treatment but less attention has been given to antimigratory compounds. We here systematically and critically survey more than 30 natural products with direct in vitro and in vivo pharmacological effects on migration and/or metastasis of melanoma cells and chart the mechanisms of action for this underexploited property.

scholarly journals Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) Pathways in Age-Related Cardiovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1574
Author(s):  
Ciprian N. Silaghi ◽  
Marius Farcaș ◽  
Alexandra M. Crăciun
Keyword(s):  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Metabolic Adaptation ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Sirtuin 3 ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Genetic Interventions ◽  
Induced Changes

Age-associated cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases lead to high morbidity and mortality around the world. Sirtuins are vital enzymes for metabolic adaptation and provide protective effects against a wide spectrum of pathologies. Among sirtuins, mitochondrial sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is an essential player in preserving the habitual metabolic profile. SIRT3 activity declines as a result of aging-induced changes in cellular metabolism, leading to increased susceptibility to endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, heart failure and neurodegenerative diseases. Stimulating SIRT3 activity via lifestyle, pharmacological or genetic interventions could protect against a plethora of pathologies and could improve health and lifespan. Thus, understanding how SIRT3 operates and how its protective effects could be amplified, will aid in treating age-associated diseases and ultimately, in enhancing the quality of life in elders.

scholarly journals Advances in Biosynthesis, Pharmacology, and Pharmacokinetics of Pinocembrin, a Promising Natural Small-Molecule Drug

Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (12) ◽  
pp. 2323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoling Shen ◽  
Yeju Liu ◽  
Xiaoya Luo ◽  
Zhihong Yang
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
The Body ◽  
Pharmacological Activities ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Phase Ii Clinical Trials ◽  
Significant Efficacy ◽  
Engineering Strategy ◽  
Fermentation Strategy ◽  
New Treatment

Pinocembrin is one of the most abundant flavonoids in propolis, and it may also be widely found in a variety of plants. In addition to natural extraction, pinocembrin can be obtained by biosynthesis. Biosynthesis efficiency can be improved by a metabolic engineering strategy and a two-phase pH fermentation strategy. Pinocembrin poses an interest for its remarkable pharmacological activities, such as neuroprotection, anti-oxidation, and anti-inflammation. Studies have shown that pinocembrin works excellently in treating ischemic stroke. Pinocembrin can reduce nerve damage in the ischemic area and reduce mitochondrial dysfunction and the degree of oxidative stress. Given its significant efficacy in cerebral ischemia, pinocembrin has been approved by China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) as a new treatment drug for ischemic stroke and is currently in progress in phase II clinical trials. Research has shown that pinocembrin can be absorbed rapidly in the body and easily cross the blood–brain barrier. In addition, the absorption/elimination process of pinocembrin occurs rapidly and shows no serious accumulation in the body. Pinocembrin has also been found to play a role in Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and specific solid tumors, but its mechanisms of action require in-depth studies. In this review, we summarized the latest 10 years of studies on the biosynthesis, pharmacological activities, and pharmacokinetics of pinocembrin, focusing on its effects on certain diseases, aiming to explore its targets, explaining possible mechanisms of action, and finding potential therapeutic applications.

Pharmacological Properties of Curcumin

2020 ◽  
pp. 235-248
Author(s):  
Anuradha Singh
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Natural Product ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Pharmacological Properties ◽  
Pharmacological Effects ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Cellular Factors

Curcumin, the polyphenol natural product, is a constituent of the traditional medicine known as turmeric. Extensive research over the last 50 years has indicated that this polyphenol displays potent pharmacological effects by targeting many critical cellular factors through a diverse array of mechanisms of action. However, there are some obstacles that prevent this wonder molecule to be effective in clinical settings and limit its use to topical applications only. Curcumin has recently been classified as both PAINS (panassay interference compounds) and an IMPS (invalid metabolic panaceas) candidate. Due to likely false activity of curcumin in vitro and in vivo has resulted unsuccessful clinical trial of curcumin against several disease. The chapter will review the essential medicinal chemistry of curcumin as well as envisage a compilation and discussion on the poor bioavailability of curcumin.

scholarly journals The Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis Heart Shunt Part I: The French Paradox, Heart Disease and the Microbiota

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Obrenovich ◽  
Bushra Siddiqui ◽  
Benjamin McCloskey ◽  
V. Prakash Reddy
Keyword(s):  
Heart Disease ◽  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Redox Reactions ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Cerebrovascular Diseases ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Whole Grains ◽  
Redox Properties ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
French Paradox

It has been well established that a vegetarian and polyphenol-rich diet, including fruits, vegetables, teas, juices, wine, indigestible fiber and whole grains, provide health-promoting phytochemicals and phytonutrients that are beneficial for the heart and brain. What is not well-characterized is the affect these foods have when co-metabolized within our dynamic gut and its colonizing flora. The concept of a heart shunt within the microbiota-gut-brain axis underscores the close association between brain and heart health and the so-called “French paradox” offers clues for understanding neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases. Moreover, oxidation-redox reactions and redox properties of so-called brain and heart-protective foods are underappreciated as to their enhanced or deleterious mechanisms of action. Focusing on prodromal stages, and common mechanisms underlying heart, cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, we may unmask and understanding the means to better treat these related diseases.

scholarly journals An Overview of Crucial Dietary Substances and Their Modes of Action for Prevention of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lea Pogačnik ◽  
Ajda Ota ◽  
Nataša Poklar Ulrih
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Biological Mechanisms ◽  
Health Concerns ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Protein Fibrillation ◽  
Endogenous Substances ◽  
Therapeutic Considerations ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

Neurodegenerative diseases, namely Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, and multiple sclerosis are becoming one of the main health concerns due to the increasing aging of the world’s population. These diseases often share the same biological mechanisms, including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and/or protein fibrillation. Recently, there have been many studies published pointing out the possibilities to reduce and postpone the clinical manifestation of these deadly diseases through lifelong consumption of some crucial dietary substances, among which phytochemicals (e.g., polyphenols) and endogenous substances (e.g., acetyl-L-carnitine, coenzyme Q10, n-3 poysaturated fatty acids) showed the most promising results. Another important issue that has been pointed out recently is the availability of these substances to the central nervous system, where they have to be present in high enough concentrations in order to exhibit their neuroprotective properties. As so, such the aim of this review is to summarize the recent findings regarding neuroprotective substances, their mechanisms of action, as well as to point out therapeutic considerations, including their bioavailability and safety for humans.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document