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Neuroprotective, Anxiolytic or Antidepressant Activity in Medicinal Plants
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Neuroprotective, Anxiolytic or Antidepressant Activity in Medicinal Plants

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 November 2024) | Viewed by 15707

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Erika Estrada Camarena

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Lab de Neuropsicofarmacología, Dirección de Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Ciudad de México 14370, Mexico
Interests: neuroendocrinology; the pharmacology of central nervous system focus on mental health; the pharmacology of natural products; depression and anxiety; women’s mental health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Carolina López-Rubalcava

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados IPN (Cinvestav-IPN), Ciudad de México 07360, Mexico
Interests: phytopharmacology; anxiolytics; antidepressants; animal models
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Medicinal plants exert beneficial effects on health. The use of folk medicine as an alternative to treating anxiety, depression, or related mental disorders has become more relevant in recent decades. Few plants have been approved for their safe use; however, it is necessary to provide information on active compounds’ pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties from different parts of potential medicinal plants with neuroprotectant, antidepressant, or anxiolytic properties.

Studies using behavior analysis in combination with brain tissue analysis can investigate the redox status, neuroinflammation, neuroprotection, neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, or characterization activity of signaling pathways with antidepressant or anxiolytic effects involved in the mechanism of neuroprotection are also welcome. Moreover, reviews on a specific plant family are welcome, highlighting active compounds found in the family and possible mechanisms of action, such as neuroprotective, antidepressant-like, or anxiolytic-like effects.

The material analyzed should contain at least one active compound derived from the extract of a complete plant, in addition to seeds, roots, fruits, leaves, or stems, with a mechanism of action supported by in vivo and in vitro studies.

Dr. Erika Estrada Camarena
Dr. Carolina López-Rubalcava
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • medicinal plants
  • active compounds
  • pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties
  • plant extracts

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

26 pages, 7553 KiB  
Article
Chemical Composition, In Vivo, and In Silico Molecular Docking Studies of the Effect of Syzygium aromaticum (Clove) Essential Oil on Ochratoxin A-Induced Acute Neurotoxicity
by Mostapha Brahmi, Djallal Eddine H. Adli, Imane Kaoudj, Faisal K. Alkholifi, Wafaa Arabi, Soumia Sohbi, Kaddour Ziani, Khaled Kahloula, Miloud Slimani and Sherouk Hussein Sweilam
Plants 2025, 14(1), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14010130 - 4 Jan 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1186
Abstract
The aim of our research was to understand the impact of ochratoxin A (OTA) exposure on various physiological and behavioral aspects in adult Wistar rats, and to evaluate the efficacy of a Syzygium aromaticum essential oil (EOC) treatment in restoring the damage caused [...] Read more.
The aim of our research was to understand the impact of ochratoxin A (OTA) exposure on various physiological and behavioral aspects in adult Wistar rats, and to evaluate the efficacy of a Syzygium aromaticum essential oil (EOC) treatment in restoring the damage caused by this toxin. The essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation, a yield of 12.70% was obtained for EOC, and the GC-MS characterization of this essential oil revealed that its principal major components are eugenol (80.95%), eugenyl acetate (10.48%), β-caryophyllene (7.21%), and α-humulene (0.87%). Acute OTA intoxication was induced by an intraperitoneal (IP) injection of 289 µg/kg/b.w. every 48 h for 12 doses, resulting in significant reductions in the body and brain weights of exposed rats when compared with controls. The neurobehavioral analysis using several behavioral testing techniques, such as the forced swimming, the dark/light test, the Morris water maze, and the open field test, clearly revealed that OTA exposure causes neurobehavioral disorders, including decreased locomotor activity, a reduced willingness to explore the environment, reflecting a state of stress, anxiety and depression, as well as impaired memory and learning. In addition, OTA intoxication has been associated with metabolic disturbances such as hyperglycemia and hypercortisolemia. However, treatment with EOC mitigated these adverse effects by improving body and brain weights and restoring neurobehavioral function. The in silico analysis revealed significant affinities between clove oils and two tested esterase enzymes (ACh and BuChE) that were more than or similar to the four neurotransmitters “dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and glutamic acid” and the co-crystallized ligands NAG, MES, and GZ5. These results highlight the therapeutic potential of EOC in combating the toxic effects of OTA and pave the way for future research into the mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications of natural compounds in the prevention and treatment of poison-induced diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuroprotective, Anxiolytic or Antidepressant Activity in Medicinal Plants)
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29 pages, 9250 KiB  
Article
Investigating the Potential of Essential Oils from Citrus reticulata Leaves in Mitigating Memory Decline and Oxidative Stress in the Scopolamine-Treated Zebrafish Model
by Ion Brinza, Razvan Stefan Boiangiu, Iasmina Honceriu, Ahmed M. Abd-Alkhalek, Omayma A. Eldahshan, Gabriela Dumitru, Lucian Hritcu and Elena Todirascu-Ciornea
Plants 2024, 13(12), 1648; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13121648 - 14 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2553
Abstract
Petitgrain essential oil (PGEO) is derived from the water distillation process on mandarin (Citrus reticulata) leaves. The chemical constituents of PGEO were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method which revealed the presence of six compounds (100%). The major peaks were [...] Read more.
Petitgrain essential oil (PGEO) is derived from the water distillation process on mandarin (Citrus reticulata) leaves. The chemical constituents of PGEO were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method which revealed the presence of six compounds (100%). The major peaks were for methyl-N-methyl anthranilate (89.93%) and γ-terpinene (6.25%). Over 19 days, zebrafish (Tubingen strain) received PGEO (25, 150, and 300 μL/L) before induction of cognitive impairment with scopolamine immersion (SCOP, 100 μM). Anxiety-like behavior and memory of the zebrafish were assessed by a novel tank diving test (NTT), Y-maze test, and novel object recognition test (NOR). Additionally, the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and the extent of the brain’s oxidative stress were explored. In conjunction, in silico forecasts were used to determine the pharmacokinetic properties of the principal compounds discovered in PGEO, employing platforms such as SwissADME, Molininspiration, and pKCSM. The findings provided evidence that PGEO possesses the capability to enhance memory by AChE inhibition, alleviate SCOP-induced anxiety during behavioral tasks, and diminish brain oxidative stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuroprotective, Anxiolytic or Antidepressant Activity in Medicinal Plants)
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Review

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17 pages, 3525 KiB  
Review
Harnessing the Antibacterial, Anti-Diabetic and Anti-Carcinogenic Properties of Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi)
by Rakesh Arya, Hossain Md. Faruquee, Hemlata Shakya, Sheikh Atikur Rahman, Most Morium Begum, Sudhangshu Kumar Biswas, Md. Aminul Islam Apu, Md. Azizul Islam, Md. Mominul Islam Sheikh and Jong-Joo Kim
Plants 2024, 13(24), 3516; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13243516 - 16 Dec 2024
Viewed by 3511
Abstract
Ocimum sanctum Linn (O. sanctum L.), commonly known as Holy Basil or Tulsi, is a fragrant herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. This plant is widely cultivated and found in north-central parts of India, several Arab countries, West Africa and tropical [...] Read more.
Ocimum sanctum Linn (O. sanctum L.), commonly known as Holy Basil or Tulsi, is a fragrant herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. This plant is widely cultivated and found in north-central parts of India, several Arab countries, West Africa and tropical regions of the Eastern World. Tulsi is known to be an adaptogen, aiding the body in adapting to stress by harmonizing various bodily systems. Revered in Ayurveda as the “Elixir of Life”, Tulsi is believed to enhance lifespan and foster longevity. Eugenol, the active ingredient present in Tulsi, is a l-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-allylbenzene compound with diverse therapeutic applications. As concerns over the adverse effects of conventional antibacterial agents continue to grow, alternative therapies have gained prominence. Essential oils (EOs) containing antioxidants have a long history of utilization in traditional medicine and have gained increasing popularity over time. Numerous in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies have provided compelling evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of antioxidant EOs derived from medicinal plants for promoting health. This comprehensive review aims to highlight the scientific knowledge regarding the therapeutic properties of O. sanctum, focusing on its antibacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-carcinogenic, radioprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, neurogenesis, anti-depressant and other beneficial characteristics. Also, the extracts of O. sanctum L. have the ability to reduce chronic inflammation linked to neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. The information presented in this review shed light on the multifaceted potential of Tulsi and its derivatives in maintaining and promoting health. This knowledge may pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic interventions and natural remedies that harness the immense therapeutic potential of Tulsi in combating various health conditions, while also providing valuable insights for further research and exploration in this field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuroprotective, Anxiolytic or Antidepressant Activity in Medicinal Plants)
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22 pages, 2403 KiB  
Review
Antidepressant- and Anxiolytic-like Effects of Pomegranate: Is It Acting by Common or Well-Known Mechanisms of Action?
by Erika Estrada-Camarena, Carolina López-Rubalcava, Nelly Maritza Vega-Rivera and María Eva González-Trujano
Plants 2024, 13(16), 2205; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13162205 - 9 Aug 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3601
Abstract
The pharmacological effects of pomegranates have been described considering metabolic aspects such as hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities. The pomegranate extract has activity on the central nervous system (CNS) as a natural antidepressant and anxiolytic. The chemical composition of pomegranates is complex since the [...] Read more.
The pharmacological effects of pomegranates have been described considering metabolic aspects such as hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities. The pomegranate extract has activity on the central nervous system (CNS) as a natural antidepressant and anxiolytic. The chemical composition of pomegranates is complex since the bioactive compounds are multiple secondary metabolites that have been identified in the extracts derived from the peel, seed, flowers, leaves, or in their combination; so, it has not been easy to identify an individual compound as responsible for its observed pharmacological properties. From this point of view, the present review analyzes the effects of crude extracts or fractions of pomegranates and their possible mechanisms of action concerning antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects in animal models. Serotonin receptors, estrogen receptors, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), or monoamine oxidase enzymes, as well as potent antioxidant and neuroplasticity properties, have been described as possible mediators involved in the antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like behaviors after pomegranate treatment. The pharmacological effects observed on the CNS in experimental models associated with a specific stress level suggest that pomegranates could simultaneously modulate the stress response by activating several targets. For the present review, scientific evidence was gathered to integrate it and suggest a possible pathway for mediators to be involved in the mechanisms of action of the pomegranate’s antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects. Furthermore, the potential benefits are discussed on comorbid conditions with anxiety and depression, such as perimenopause transition and pain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuroprotective, Anxiolytic or Antidepressant Activity in Medicinal Plants)
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22 pages, 10163 KiB  
Review
Ethnobotanical, Phytochemical, and Pharmacological Properties of the Subfamily Nepetoideae (Lamiaceae) in Inflammatory Diseases
by Nancy Ortiz-Mendoza, Martha Juana Martínez-Gordillo, Emmanuel Martínez-Ambriz, Francisco Alberto Basurto-Peña, María Eva González-Trujano and Eva Aguirre-Hernández
Plants 2023, 12(21), 3752; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12213752 - 2 Nov 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3632
Abstract
Nepetoideae is the most diverse subfamily of Lamiaceae, and some species are well known for their culinary and medicinal uses. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the therapeutic properties of the species of this group regarding inflammatory illnesses. This study [...] Read more.
Nepetoideae is the most diverse subfamily of Lamiaceae, and some species are well known for their culinary and medicinal uses. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the therapeutic properties of the species of this group regarding inflammatory illnesses. This study aims to collect information on traditional uses through ethnobotanical, pharmacological, and phytochemical information of the subfamily Nepetoideae related to inflammatory diseases. UNAM electronic resources were used to obtain the information. The analysis of the most relevant literature was compiled and organised in tables. From this, about 106 species of the subfamily are traditionally recognised to alleviate chronic pain associated with inflammation. Pharmacological studies have been carried out in vitro and in vivo on approximately 308 species belonging to the genera Salvia, Ocimum, Thymus, Mentha, Origanum, Lavandula, and Melissa. Phytochemical and pharmacological evaluations have been performed and mostly prepared as essential oil or high polarity extracts, whose secondary metabolites are mainly of a phenolic nature. Other interesting and explored metabolites are diterpenes from the abietane, clerodane, and kaurane type; however, they have only been described in some species of the genera Salvia and Isodon. This review reveals that the Nepetoideae subfamily is an important source for therapeutics of the inflammatory process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuroprotective, Anxiolytic or Antidepressant Activity in Medicinal Plants)
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