Search Results (37)

Bacopa monnieri, also known as Brahmi or Waterhyssop, is a plant used in Ayurveda for its memory-enhancing properties and control of blood sugar levels. It contains active compounds such as alkaloids, saponins, and cucurbitacins, which have various biological activities. The plant has been studied for its potential in treating Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and depression. Animal studies have shown promising results in reducing symptoms and protecting against neurodegeneration. Concerning safety, Bacopa monnieri has been found to be generally non-toxic, with no serious side effects reported. However, interactions with certain medications and contraindications in conditions like hyperthyroidism should be considered. Further research is needed to determine optimal dosages and ensure safety, especially for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Full article

Objective: This review aims to assess the efficacy and safety of different supplements, such as L-theanine, caffeine, Ginkgo biloba L., and Bacopa monnieri for improving ADHD symptoms, to determine the most effective supplement and provide insight for medical practice. Methods: International databases (PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus) were searched for English-language RCTs, open-label studies, and cross-sectional studies. Results: Studies on L-theanine, caffeine, Ginkgo biloba L., and Bacopa monnieri have shown various effects on ADHD symptoms. L-theanine improved sleep efficiency but not other sleep parameters. Caffeine showed no significant benefits, although its combination with L-theanine may enhance attention. Bacopa monnieri consistently improved inattention, hyperactivity, and memory, whereas Ginkgo biloba L. reduced ADHD symptoms, particularly inattention, but was less effective than methylphenidate. Conclusions: The evidence revealed the potential use of supplements as complementary ADHD treatments under clinical guidance. The limited effect of supplements cannot replace the well-documented efficacy of stimulants for ADHD treatment. Additional studies are needed to ascertain the most effective dosages and the safety of these supplements as adjunctive treatments for ADHD. Full article

Background/Objectives: There is a growing interest in plant-derived antioxidants as functional food ingredients, given their potential to address oxidative stress-related diseases, notably neurodegenerative disorders. This study aims to investigate the antioxidant properties of medicinal plants that have been approved by the Thai FDA for dietary supplementation, with the goal of further utilizing them as food-functional ingredients to prevent neurodegenerative conditions. Methods: A systematic review-based methodology was employed on a list of 211 medicinal plants, and 21 medicinal plants were chosen based on their documented antioxidant activity and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory capacity. The 21 commercially available standardized extracts were subjected to evaluation for their phenolic and flavonoid content, as well as their antioxidant activities utilizing metal-chelating activity, DPPH, ABTS free radical scavenging, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and superoxide anion scavenging techniques. Results: Among the 21, six extracts—Bacopa monnieri, Camellia sinensis, Coffea arabica, Curcuma longa, Tagetes erecta, and Terminalia chebula—emerged as the most promising. These extracts exhibited elevated levels of phenolic (up to 1378.19 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram) and flavonoids, with Coffea arabica and Curcuma longa showing the strongest antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities, indicating their potential for use in functional foods aimed at delaying neurodegenerative diseases. Conclusions: Due to their high levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, along with strong metal-chelating abilities and significant free radical scavenging activities, these standardized extracts show potential for functional food applications that may help delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. Full article

Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline, primarily due to dysfunction of acetylcholine caused by acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. While synthetic cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine are commonly used, they have notable side effects, prompting interest in natural alternatives. Medicinal plants, rich in bioactive compounds like flavonoids and alkaloids, have shown potential as cholinesterase inhibitors with additional antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the cholinesterase-inhibiting effects of various plant species and their compounds to identify new therapeutic candidates and reduce side effects. Method: A PRISMA-compliant review was conducted, screening studies from multiple databases, with a final inclusion of 64 in vivo studies. Results: These studies highlighted plant extracts such as Ferula ammoniacum, Elaeagnus umbellata, Bacopa monnieri, and Centella asiatica, which improved memory, reduced oxidative stress, and provided neuroprotection. Some extracts also reduced amyloid plaques, enhanced neuronal integrity, and restored cholinesterase activity, indicating their potential as therapeutic agents for AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Conclusions: The findings underscore the promise of plant-based compounds in treating cognitive decline and cholinergic dysfunction in AD, advocating for further research into their therapeutic potential. Full article

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype with limited treatment options and high resistance to chemotherapy. Doxorubicin is commonly used, but its efficacy is limited by variable sensitivity and resistance. Bacopaside II, a saponin compound, has shown anti-cancer potential. This study evaluates the effects of doxorubicin and bacopaside II, both individually and in combination, across TNBC subtypes to explore mechanisms of resistance and enhanced drug efficacy. Methods: The growth-inhibitory effects of doxorubicin and bacopaside II were assessed in four TNBC cell lines. IC50 values were determined using dose–response assays, and doxorubicin accumulation was measured via spectral flow cytometry. ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter expression (ABCB1, ABCC1, ABCC3, and ABCG2) was analyzed for correlations with drug sensitivity. In silico docking assessed the binding affinity of bacopaside II to ABC transporters. A 3D culture model simulated drug-resistant TNBC, and combination effects were evaluated with live-cell imaging. Results: Doxorubicin sensitivity varied across TNBC molecular subtypes, correlating to intracellular accumulation. Bacopaside II inhibited growth across subtypes, inducing apoptosis in sensitive cells and necrosis in resistant cells. Bacopaside II increased doxorubicin accumulation, independent of P-glycoprotein (ABCB1), possibly through interactions with other ABC transporters. In drug-resistant 3D cultures, bacopaside II maintained efficacy and enhanced doxorubicin accumulation, counteracting ABC transporter-mediated resistance. The doxorubicin and bacopaside II combination showed synergistic growth inhibition. Conclusions: Bacopaside II enhances doxorubicin efficacy in TNBC by increasing drug accumulation and overcoming ABC transporter-mediated resistance, suggesting its potential as an adjuvant in TNBC treatment. These findings support further investigation of bacopaside II, particularly for resistant TNBC subtypes. Full article

Objectives: This study investigates the effectiveness of an herbal formulation, STRESSLESS (ST-65), which combines ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and bacopa (Bacopa monnieri), on SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Given the rising interest in natural compounds for neuroprotection and stress alleviation, we aimed to explore the cellular and molecular effects of this formulation. Methods: Utilizing a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomic approach and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS), we identified key bioactive compounds in ST-65, including withanolides from ashwagandha and bacosides from bacopa. Results: Our findings indicate that ST-65 treatment significantly alters the metabolic profile of SH-SY5Y cells. Key changes included increased levels of metabolites linked to neuroprotection, energy metabolism, and antioxidant defense. Notable enhancements were observed in specific amino acids and neuroprotective compounds, suggesting activation of neuroprotective mechanisms and mitigation of stress-induced damage. Conclusions: The study reveals a complex phyto-chemical profile of ST-65 and underscores its potential as a natural active agent for addressing stress-related neurodegenerative conditions. These insights into neuronal mechanisms provide a foundation for further exploration of herbal formulations in neuroprotection. Full article

Aging is a complex process that involves many physiological mechanisms that gradually impair normal cellular and tissue function and make us more susceptible to diseases and death. It is influenced by intrinsic factors like cellular function and extrinsic factors like pollution and UV radiation. Recent scientific studies show that traditional plant-based foods and supplements can help mitigate the effects of aging. Nutraceuticals, which are dietary supplements with medicinal properties, have gained attention for their ability to prevent chronic and age-related diseases. Antioxidants like flavonoids, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, terpenes, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, minerals, etc. found in plants are key to managing oxidative stress, which is a major cause of aging. Well-known plant-based supplements from Bacopa monnieri, Curcuma longa, Emblica officinalis, Ginkgo biloba, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Panax ginseng have been found to possess medicinal properties. These supplements have been shown to improve cognitive function, reduce oxidative stress, improve overall health, and potentially extend life and enhance the excellence of life. The obtained benefits from these plant species are due to the presence of their bioactive secondary metabolites, such as bacosides in Bacopa monnieri, curcumin in Curcuma longa, ginsenosides in Panax ginseng, and many more. These compounds not only protect against free radical damage but also modulate key biological pathways of aging. Also, traditional fermented foods (tempeh and kimchi), which are rich in probiotics and bioactive compounds, support gut health, boost immune function, and have anti-aging properties. The molecular mechanisms behind these benefits are the activation of nutrient-sensing pathways like AMPK, SIRT/NAD+, and mTOR, which are important for cellular homeostasis and longevity. This review shows the potential of traditional plant-based foods and dietary supplements for healthy aging, and more studies are needed to prove their efficacy and safety in humans. Incorporating these natural products into our diet may be a practical and effective way to counteract the effects of aging and overall well-being. The foremost goal of this review is to emphasize the importance of supporting the body’s antioxidant system by consuming the right balance of natural ingredients in the diet. Full article

Bacopa monnieri, a cognitive-enhancing herb crucial in health supplements, faces quality variations and contamination by toxic substances in conventional field cultivation, which hinders industrial use. Here, indoor cultivation of diploid (2x) and tetraploid (4x) B. monnieri using hydroponic and soil systems was studied. Soil cultivation promoted longer shoot lengths but resulted in lower biomass and chlorophyll contents compared to hydroponic cultivation. Conversely, soil cultivation significantly elevated total phenolics, total triterpenoids, bacoside A3, and bacopaside X contents in both lines, showing 1.7- to 3.3-fold increases over hydroponic cultivation. Furthermore, 4x plants grown in soil had higher bacopaside II and total bacoside contents than hydroponically grown plants, with 2- and 1.5-fold increases, respectively. Yet, no significant differences were observed in growth and pigment between 2x and 4x lines under the same system. Similarly, no significant differences in bioactive compound productions were found between 2x and 4x hydroponically grown plants. However, in soil, 4x plants exhibited higher total phenolic content, bacopaside II, and total bacoside contents compared to 2x plants. Interestingly, 2x plants grown in soil were the top performers for bacoside production per plant. These findings optimize cultivation practices to meet industry demands, warranting further research into large-scale production techniques. Full article

Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in women and the most common cancer in males. Chemotherapy, allopathy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, surgery, immune system, and targeted therapies are frequently used to treat lung cancer. These medications induce other diseases and have a variety of negative effects. Thus, we used a different strategy and sought to treat lung cancer with medicinal herbs. We selected the perennial creeping herb Bacopa monnieri, which belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family, among other medicinal herbs. It contains several active phytoconstituents, including sterols, alkaloids, flavanoids, terpenoids, and saponins. The primary component with anti-lung cancer efficacy is phytosterol, according to the components. According to the phytochemical investigation, this plant contained it. The literature review indicates that the problem is lessened by nanoparticle production. Thus, the novelty of our work is the manufacture of zinc oxide nanoparticles for the treatment of lung cancer using BM stem extracts. Researchers have been interested in ZnO material because of its huge band gap (3.37 eV) with n-type semi-conductivity and high excitonic binding energy (60 meV) with regards to the different semiconductor nanomaterials, such as TiO₂, SnO₂, GaN, CuO, GaAs, Si, and ZnO. Zinc oxide in bulk is economical and can be used for many different industrial processes, such as the creation of nanoparticles. Zinc acetate serves as the precursor and stem extract serves as the reducing agent in the synthesis. The absorbance peak between 300 and 400 nm in UV spectroscopy was used to characterize the ZnO nanoparticles that were produced from hydromethanolic BM stem extract. In later research, lung cancer treatment might be considered. Given that lung (A549) cell lines will be treated with phytosterol-containing hydromethanolic BM stem extract in the form of ZnO nanoparticles, which will cause cell death by reducing cell proliferation, DNA damage and apoptosis may occur. Full article

The aging of the global population has increased the prevalence of neurodegenerative conditions. Bacopa monnieri (BM), an herb with active compounds, such as bacosides A and B, betulinic acid, loliolide, asiatic acid, and quercetin, demonstrates the potential for brain health. Limited research has been conducted on the therapeutic applications of BM in neurodegenerative conditions. This systematic review aims to project BM’s beneficial role in brain disorders. BM has anti-apoptotic and antioxidant actions and can repair damaged neurons, stimulate kinase activity, restore synaptic function, improve nerve transmission, and increase neuroprotection. The included twenty-two clinical trials demonstrated that BM can reduce Nuclear Factor-κB phosphorylation, improve emotional function, cognitive functions, anhedonia, hyperactivity, sleep routine, depression, attention deficit, learning problems, memory retention, impulsivity, and psychiatric problems. Moreover, BM can reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress. Here, we highlight that BM provides notable therapeutic benefits and can serve as a complementary approach for the care of patients with neurodegenerative conditions associated with brain disorders. This review adds to the growing interest in natural products and their potential therapeutic applications by improving our understanding of the mechanisms underlying cognitive function and neurodegeneration and informing the development of new therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases. Full article

Memory deficit is one of the major negative outcomes of chronic stress. Cholinergic system modulates memory not only through the neuronal cells, but also via interactions with non-neuronal cells, suggesting that microglia can influence synaptic function and plasticity, contributing to cognition and memory function. Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (WS) and Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst (BM), are traditional herbal medicinal products used for the temporary relief of symptoms of stress. The aim of this study was to investigate whether choline (CLN) activity could be enhanced via an association with adaptogens: WS and BM extracts. First, we optimized an in vitro model of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-induced oxidative stress on microglial BV2 cells. CRH 100 nM reduced BV2 cell viability and induced morphological changes and neurotoxicity after 24 h of microglia stimulation. Moreover, it induced an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and dysregulated antioxidant protein (i.e., SIRT-1 and NRF-2). The association between choline and adaptogens (CBW) 10 μg/mL counteracted the effect of CRH on BV2 cells and reduced the neurotoxicity produced by BV2 CRH-conditioned medium in the SH-SY5Y cell lines. CBW 200 mg/kg produced an ameliorative effect on recognition memory in the novel object recognition test (NORT) test in mice. In conclusion, combining choline with adaptogen plant extracts might represent a promising intervention in chronic stress associated with memory disturbances through the attenuation of microglia-induced oxidative stress. Full article

Some of the species of the genus Bacopa have been used in Pharmacopoeia worldwide. However, in Mexico, Bacopa monnieri has neither been extensively cultivated nor studied, nor has their use in traditional medicine been reported. The aim of this work was to assess the taxonomic verification of the four wild populations of B. monnieri, the chemical content of their pigments and phenols and to provide an analysis of their potential bioactivity. B. monnieri wild populations from Mexico were validated using molecular markers. Chromatographic profiling using HPLC-PDA revealed 21 compounds comprising 12 chlorophylls and nine carotenoids; of the latter, the major ones were lutein (0.921 ± 0.031 μg/mg of dry extract) and β-carotene (0.095 ± 0.003 μg/mg of dry extract). The total phenolic content, determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu assay, ranged from 54.8 ± 5.8 to 70.3 ± 2.2 µg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/mg. Plant extracts scavenged from the free radical DPPH in IC₅₀ ranged from 130.6 ± 3.0 to 249.9 ± 12.1 µg dry extract/mL. In terms of the anti-inflammatory potential, the most effective extract was from a soil-based plant from Jalisco (BS), reduced from nitric oxide in a RAW 264.7 culture medium, with an IC₅₀ value of 134 µg of dry extract/mL. The BS extract showed a significant neutral lipid-reducing activity in the zebrafish model, ranging from 3.13 μg/mL p < 0.05 to 100 μg/mL p < 0.0001. Overall, the extracts analyzed here for the first time seem promising for future use because of their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity potential. Full article

Plant-based nootropics are a diverse group of natural drugs that can improve cognitive abilities through various physiological mechanisms, especially in cases where these functions are weakened or impaired. In many cases, the nootropics enhance erythrocyte plasticity and inhibit aggregation, which improves the blood’s rheological properties and increases its flow to the brain. Many of these formulations possess antioxidant activity that protects brain tissue from neurotoxicity and improves the brain’s oxygen supply. They can induce the synthesis of neuronal proteins, nucleic acids, and phospholipids for constructing and repairing neurohormonal membranes. These natural compounds can potentially be present in a great variety of herbs, shrubs, and even some trees and vines. The plant species reviewed here were selected based on the availability of verifiable experimental data and clinical trials investigating potential nootropic effects. Original research articles, relevant animal studies, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and clinical trials were included in this review. Selected representatives of this heterogeneous group included Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst., Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim., Ginkgo biloba L., Lepidium meyenii Walp., Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, Paullinia cupana Kunth, Rhodiola rosea L., Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill., and Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. The species are depicted and described, together with their active components and nootropic effects, and evidence of their efficacy is presented. The study provides brief descriptions of the representative species, their occurrence, history, and the chemical composition of the principle medicinal compounds, with uses, indications, experimental treatments, dosages, possible side effects, and contraindications. Most plant nootropics must be taken at optimal doses for extended periods before measurable improvement occurs, but they are generally very well tolerated. Their psychoactive properties are not produced by a single molecule but by a synergistic combination of several compounds. The available data suggest that including extracts from these plants in medicinal products to treat cognitive disorders can have substantial potential therapeutic benefits. Full article

The aim of this research was to evaluate the phytoremediative potential of Epipremnum aureum and Bacopa monnieri to improve the chemical properties of irrigation water exposed to the following two saline concentrations: highly saline (EC 2000 μS cm⁻¹) and severely saline (EC 4000 μS cm⁻¹). The artificial wetlands used in this experiment were of the free water surface type, considering a hydraulic retention time of 42 days. The evaluated treatments were configured as follows: T1 (B. monnieri [control, 300 μS cm⁻¹]), T2 (B. monnieri [2000 μS cm⁻¹]), T3 (B. monnieri [4000 μS cm⁻¹]), T4 (E. aureum [control, 300 μS cm⁻¹]), T5 (E. aureum [2000 μS cm⁻¹]), T6 (E. aureum [4000 μS cm⁻¹]), T7 (B. monnieri + E. aureum [control, 300 μS cm⁻¹]), T8 (B. monnieri + E. aureum [2000 μS cm⁻¹]), and T9 (B. monnieri + E. aureum [4000 μS cm⁻¹]). The results showed that the species B. monnieri and E. aureum (both separately and together) showed a good ability to reduce the salinity of the irrigation water. However, B. monnieri showed a greater ability of phytoremediation, to the point of improving its chemical properties and reducing potential damage to the soil to use this water. In the highly saline group, B. monnieri accumulated 7.992 g per experimental unit and achieved to reduce of the pH from 7.96 to 7.75, EC from 2000 μS cm⁻¹ to 670 μS cm⁻¹, SAR from 13.54 to 3.91 and ESP from 20.17 to 5.83, which allowed it to go from (C3-S3) to (C3-S1). In the severely saline group, B. monnieri accumulated 13.494 g per experimental unit and achieved to reduce the pH from 8.14 to 7.91, EC from 4000 μS cm⁻¹ to 1730 μS cm⁻¹, SAR from 27.35 to 8.73, ESP from 40.35 to 13.01, which allowed it to go from (C4-S4) to (C3-S2). Full article

Schizophrenia is a horrible mental disorder characterized by distorted perceptions of reality. Investigations have not identified a single etiology for schizophrenia, and there are multiple hypotheses based on various aspects of the disease. There is no specific treatment for schizophrenia. Hence, we have tried to investigate the updated information stored in the genetic databases related to genes that could be responsible for schizophrenia and other related neuronal disorders. After implementing combined computational methodology, such as protein-protein interaction analysis led by system biology approach, in silico docking analysis was performed to explore the 3D binding pattern of Bacopa monnieri natural compounds while interacting with STXBP1. The best-identified compound was CID:5319292 based on −10.3 kcal/mol binding energy. Further, selected complexes were dynamically evaluated by MDS methods, and the output reveals that the STXBP1-CID:5281800 complex showed the lowest RMSD value, i.e., between 0.3 and 0.4 nm. Hence, identified compounds could be used to develop and treat neuronal disorders after in vivo/in vitro testing. Full article