Search for Natural Products Related to Regeneration of the Neuronal Network

Abstract

The reconstruction of neuronal networks in the damaged brain is necessary for the therapeutic treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. We have screened the neurite outgrowth activity of herbal drugs, and identified several active constituents. In each compound, neurite outgrowth activity was investigated under amyloid-β-induced neuritic atrophy. Most of the compounds with neurite regenerative activity also demonstrated memory improvement activity in Alzheimer’s disease-model mice. Protopanaxadiol-type saponins in Ginseng drugs and their metabolite, M1 (20-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(20S)-protopanaxadiol), showed potent regeneration activity for axons and synapses, and amelioration of memory impairment. Withanolide derivatives (withanolide A, withanoside IV, and withanoside VI) isolated from the Indian herbal drug Ashwagandha, also showed neurite extension in normal and damaged cortical neurons. Trigonelline, a constituent of coffee beans, demonstrated the regeneration of dendrites and axons, in addition to memory improvement.

Neurobehavioral assessment of hydroalcoholic extract ofTrigonella foenum-graecumseeds in rodent models of Parkinson’s disease

“…Such atrophy leads to the destruction of neuronal networks, and subsequently to the fatal dysfunction of brain systems. TGN has been shown to cause neurite outgrowth with human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells (Mattila et al, 1999) and induce neuronal regeneration (Tohda et al, 2005) in vitro. TGN-induced neurite outgrowth might have enhanced functional connectivity of neurons and helped to preserve synaptic connectivity in MPTP-induced mice in our study.…”

“…Therefore, TGN has potential to prevent the progression of PD by exclusion of, or at least a decrease in the magnitude of, neuronal atrophy. The ability of TGN to induce neurite outgrowth and regeneration indicated the potential to protect vital organs against oxidative stress (Mattila et al, 1999;Tohda et al, 2005). TGN is a potent antioxidant Figure 3.…”

“…TGN has been shown to induce neuronal regeneration (Tohda et al, 2005) in vitro, and is alleged to be responsible for protective effects against diabetes-induced auditory neuropathy (Hong et al, 2008). Therefore, extracts of Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds that are identified and quantified to bioactive marker compound, TGN can be a useful agent to prevent or repair neuronal damage and associated symptoms during PD progression.…”

Withanolides and Related Steroids

“…Several withanolides isolated from the methanolic extract of W. somnifera roots as well as the extract itself, have been shown to possess neurite outgrowth activity (21,261). Withanoside IV (31) and VI (32) predominantly induced dendritic outgrowth in normal cortical neurons, while withanolide A (504) predominantly induced axon outgrowth (262).…”

The potential therapeutic role of Fenugreek saponin against Alzheimers disease: Evaluation of apoptotic and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities

“…Its seeds and leaves are used for food and also in traditional medicine (Sharma et al, 1996;Warrior and Nambiar, 1995). Some studies reported that trigonelline, a compound isolated from fenugreek, exhibited nerve regeneration and improved memorial activity in AD-induced mice (Tohda et al, 2005). Therefore, in India prepared bread from fenugreek seeds, wheat and maize is used for general population as protection against several diseases including AD.…”