Herbal decoction of Gastrodia, Uncaria, and Curcuma confers neuroprotection against cerebral ischemia in vitro and in vivo

Abstract

Tianma" (Gastrodia) and "gouteng" (Uncaria) are both widely used to treat cerebral ischemia. At the same time, "ezhu" (Curcuma longa) or turmeric, is derived from the dried roots of C. longa.It is a polyphenol known for its anti-inflammatory effects and its promotion of blood vessel endothelial function. This study explored the neuroprotective effects of a water extract of "tianma", "gouteng", and "ezhu" against ischemic injury. Flow cytometry analysis showed that Gastrodia, Uncaria, and Curcuma reduced the proportion of apoptotic cells in CoCl 2 induced B35 (P = 0.0027) and SH-SY5Y (P = 0.0006) cell sample relative to the respective control group. Western blot indicated that Gastrodia, Uncaria, and Curcuma upregulated the expression of Bcl-2 and inversely downregulated Bax and Caspase-3 (P < 0.001). The infarct volume observed in the Gastrodia, Uncaria, and Curcuma group was also decreased compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescence detection revealed a lower expression of Caspase-7 in the Gastrodia, Uncaria, and Curcuma group than in the control group, while expression was negligible in the sham group. Gastrodia, Uncaria, and Curcuma confer neuroprotective effects in CoCl 2 induced B35/SH-SY5Y cells and a rat model of ischemia by way of its anti-apoptotic effects.

A narrative review on traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions and bioactive components in epilepsy treatment

“…This prescription clears heat, as well as calms the liver, wind and mind. It also confers neuroprotection against cerebral ischemia in vitro and in vivo ( 29 ) and is mainly used to treat headaches, insomnia, and dizziness. A study has shown that adjustment with Tianma Gouteng decoction combined with AEDs in the treatment of epilepsy reduces the frequency and the symptoms of seizures and improves the quality of life of patients who cannot tolerate antiepileptic drugs, such as sodium valproate and CBZ ( 30 ).…”

Network pharmacology and the experimental findings of Bushenhuoxue formula for improving hippocampal neuron injury in vascular demented rats

“…Traditional Chinese medicine has accumulated thousands of years of experience in the treatment of dementia. Modern studies have also shown that many traditional Chinese medicines have neuroprotective effects [45]. In the clinic, TCM has been widely used because of its minor side effects, prolonging the survival time of patients and improving the quality of life of patients.…”

Network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis on molecular targets and mechanisms of Gastrodia elata Blume in the treatment of ischemic stroke

“…Blume in the treatment of ischemic stroke stroke, dementia and other neurodegenerative disease (11,12). In addition, GEB Chinese patent medicine is frequently used in the clinic.…”

“…Moreover, GEB has been used as an anticonvulsant in Asian countries for several centuries ( 10 ). Specifically, several classical formulations of GEB have been widely used in clinical practice, such as Tianma Gouteng and Banxia Baizhu Tianma decoction for treating stroke, dementia and other neurodegenerative disease ( 11 , 12 ). In addition, GEB Chinese patent medicine is frequently used in the clinic.…”

“…In a previous study, ethyl acetate extract of GEB showed a protective effect on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) in rats by preventing death of hippocampal CA1 cells and significantly decreasing disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) ( 15 , 16 ). In addition, both in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that GEB and its compounds protect against IS by decreasing damage to the neurological function and improving the energy metabolism of mitochondria ( 11 , 17 ). However, the treatment methods commonly used in clinical practice have limitations, such as poor brain targeting and limited ability to cross the BBB ( 18 ).…”