Natural products against Alzheimer's disease: Pharmaco-therapeutics and biotechnological interventions

Nanotechnology is one of the methods that influenced human life in different ways and is a substantial approach that assists to overcome the multiple limitations of various diseases, particularly neurodegenerative disorders (NDs). Diverse nanostructures such as polymer nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles, nanoliposomes, nano-micelles, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs); as well as different vehicle systems including poly lactic-co-glycolic acid, lactoferrin, and polybutylcyanoacrylate could significantly increase the effectiveness, reduce the side effects, enhance the stability, and improve the pharmacokinetics of many drugs. NDs belong to a group of annoying and debilitating diseases that involve millions of people worldwide. Previous studies revealed that several nanoformulations from a number of natural products such as curcumin (Cur), quercetin (QC), resveratrol (RSV), piperine (PIP), Ginkgo biloba, and Nigella sativa significantly improved the condition of patients diagnosed with NDs. Drug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS) has several limitations, in which the blood brain barrier (BBB) is the main drawback for treatment of NDs. This review discusses the effects of herbal-based nanoformulations, their advantages and disadvantages, to manage NDs. In summary, we conclude that herbal-based nano systems have promising proficiency in treatment of NDs, either alone or in combination with other drugs.

Nanoformulations of Herbal Extracts in Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders.

The ovarian system comprises vital organs in females and is of great significance for the maintenance of reproductive potential and endocrine stability. Although complex pathogenesis undoubtedly contributes to ovarian aging, increasing attention is being paid to the extensive influence of oxidative stress. However, the role of oxidative stress in ovarian aging is yet to be fully elucidated. Exploring oxidative stress-related processes might be a promising strategy against ovarian aging. In this review, compelling evidence is shown that oxidative stress plays a role in the etiology of ovarian aging and promotes the development of other ovarian aging-related etiologies, including telomere shortening, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and inflammation. In addition, some natural antioxidants such as quercetin, resveratrol, and curcumin have a protective role in the ovaries through multiple mechanisms. These findings raise the prospect of oxidative stress modulator-natural antioxidants as therapeutic interventions for delaying ovarian aging.

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The Role of Oxidative Stress and Natural Antioxidants in Ovarian Aging.

Catalpol ameliorates high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance and adipose tissue inflammation by suppressing the JNK and NF-κB pathways.

https://hal-univ-rochelle.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01956152/document

Monoterpenes modulating cytokines - A review.

Neurodegenerative disorders, e.g., Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD)are characterized by the progressive loss of neurons and subsequent cognitive decline. They are mainlyfound in older populations. Due to increasing life expectancies, the toll inflicted upon society by thesedisorders continues to become heavier and more prominent. Despite extensive research, however, theexact etiology of these disorders is still unknown, though the pathophysiological mechanisms havebeen attributed to oxidative, inflammatory and apoptotic injury in the brain. Moreover, there is currentlyno promising therapeutic agent against these neurodegenerative changes. Catalpol, an iridoid glucoside containedrichly in the roots of the small flowering plant species Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch, has been shown to have antioxidation,anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis and other neuroprotective properties and plays a role in neuroprotectionagainst hypoxic/ischemic injury, AD and PD in both in vivo and in vitro models. It may therefore represent a potentialtherapeutical agent for the treatment of hypoxic/ischemic injury and neurodegenerative diseases. Based on our studies andthose of others in the literature, here we comprehensively review the role of Catalpol in neuroprotection against pathologicalconditions, especially in neurodegenerative states and the potential mechanisms involved.

R.F. Shen

Papers

Catalpol: A Potential Therapeutic for Neurodegenerative Diseases