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Medicinal plants and memory

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Abstract

Learning is defined as acquisition of information and skills. Subsequent retention of this information is called as memory. Dementia and other cognitive dysfunctions (e.g. Alzheimer's disease) pose a daunting challenge to the physicians. Since, allopathic treatment options are limited nutritional and herbal therapies are employed with proven advantage in cognitive disorders and exihibit favorable benefit-to-risk ratio. A number of medicinal plants per se and medicines derived from these plants have shown memory-enhancing properties by virtue of their medicinal constituents. One of the mechanisms suggested of dementia is decreased cholinergic activity in brain. Therefore, cholinergic drugs (of plant origin) like muscarinic agonists, nicotinic agonists and cholinesterase inhibitors can be employed for improving memory. On the other hand, herbal medicines containing cholinergic antagonists are found to produce amnesia in human beings and laboratory animals.

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... Methanolic extract of ripe fruit of Teminalia chebula containing phenolic compounds, chebulic acid and gallic acid are reported to bind to NMDA and GABA receptors and believed to promote intellect and memory. 17 Nicotine obtained from Nicotiana tobacum is known to enhance memory in animal models and human volunteers. ...
... . 17 Physostagmine obtained from Physostigma venenosa is a cholinesterase inhibitor can also be used as memory enhancer. 17 Panax ginseng (Korean ginseng) among its numerous beneficial effects was found to improve memory. ...
... . 17 Physostagmine obtained from Physostigma venenosa is a cholinesterase inhibitor can also be used as memory enhancer. 17 Panax ginseng (Korean ginseng) among its numerous beneficial effects was found to improve memory. 17 Salvia offiicinalis (Sage) is the member of family Labiateae, had a reputation of memory enhancement as well as popular Ayurvedic medicine for emotional disturbances and promoting calmness and clarity. ...
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Memory is the ability of an individual to record the information and recall it whenever needed. Dementia is a mental disorder characterized by loss of intellectual ability (judgment or abstract thinking) which invariably involves impairment of memory. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimers disease (AD), which is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with loss of neurons in distinct brain areas and cord. Stressful conditions are often associated with loss of memory and cognitive functions which may lead to threats of schizophrenia and AD. Traditionally herbal drugs have been used to enhance cognitive functions and to alleviate other functions associate with the AD. A number of medicinal plants per se and medicines derived from these plants have shown memory enhancing properties by virtue of their medicinal constituents. One of the mechanisms suggested to dementia is decreased cholinergic activity in brain. Therefore cholinergic drugs (of plant origin) like: muscarinic agonists (e.g. arecoline, pilocarpine etc.), nicotinic agonists (e.g. nicotine) and cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g. huperzine) can be employed for improving memory. Some other classes of drugs used in dementia are: stimulants or nootropics (e.g. piracetam, amphetamine), putative cerebral vasodilators (e.g. ergot alkaloids, papavarine), calcium channel blocker (e.g. nimodipine). Since allopathic system of medicine provides radical cure so more concentration is provided on natural products to cure dementia, and some excellent results with certain plants justified their use as memory enhancer. Traditional System of medicine already mentioned some plants while recent screening is also going on different plants. Examples of some plants showing promising activity in neuropsychopharmacology are: Allium sativum etc. Rapid industrialization has resulted into various neurons disorder in human which has forced us to look back for cure at our old age system of medicine that is Ayurveda. Keywords : 212 INTRODUCTION Learning is defined as acquisition of information and skills. Subsequent retention of this information is called as memory. In Ayurveda there are three aspects of mental ability 1. Dhi (Process of acquisition/Learning) 2. Dhuti (Process of retention) 3. Smriti (Process of recall) Any disturbance in these aspects resulted in the loss of mental ability. Dementia and other cognitive disorders like Alzheimers disease (AD) pose a challenge to physicians. Dementia is a serious and common problem that affects more than 4 million Americans and costs society more than $50 billion annually. 10% of persons over age 70 years and 20 to 40% of individuals over age 85 years have clinically identifiable memory loss. Dementia is a syndrome with many causes. A simple definition of dementia is a deterioration in cognitive abilities that impairs the previously successful performance of activities of daily living. Memory is the most common and most important cognitive ability that is lost. Other mental faculties may also be affected such as attention, judgment, comprehension, orientation, learning, calculation, problem solving, mood, and behavior. Agitation or withdrawal, hallucinations, delusions, insomnia, and loss of inhibitions are also common. Individuals with mental retardation and psychosis may become demented if a decline in intellectual function occurs. Many common forms of dementia are progressive, but some dementing illnesses are static and unchanging. Dementia is a chronic condition, whereas delirium is and acute confusional state associated with a change in level of consciousness (ranging from lethargy to agitation). Memory is a complex function of the brain that has fascinated philosophers and scientists for centuries. Memory is currently viewed as a mental process that uses several storage buffers of differing capacity and duration.
... Yarrow, known also as milfoil, nosebleed, thousand leaf, knights' milfoil, soldier's woundwort or military herb [2], is a herbaceous medicinal plant with white or yellow–white and very rarely pink flowers. It includes seven species in Central Europe; six of them were found in former Czechoslovakia [3], and in Macedonia it is wide spread all over the country [4]. Yarrow has been used as medicinal herb for a long time. ...
... The genus name Achillea honours the Greek hero Achilles, who is said to have used yarrow on the battlefield to staunch the bleeding of his men's wounds. Today, yarrow is an important drug used both in folk and official medicine [2,4,5]. The plant is also used to flavour beer, wine, and soft drinks, and its tea is consumed as a beverage. ...
... Sovová). salicylic and caffeic acids, and thujone, which is neurotoxic [4]. Our interest is focused on yarrow essential oil. ...
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Essential oil was extracted from yarrow flowers (Achillea millefolium) with supercritical CO2 at pressure of 10 MPa and temperatures of 40–60 °C, and its composition and yield were compared with those of hydrodistillate. The yield of total extract, measured in dependence on extraction time, was affected by extraction temperature but not by particle size of ground flowers. CO2-extraction of cuticular waxes was lowest at 60 °C. Major essential oil components were camphor (26.4% in extract, 38.4% in distillate), 1,8-cineole (9.6% in extract, 16.2% in distillate), bornyl acetate (16.7% in extract, 4.3% in distillate), γ-terpinene (9.0% in extract, 9.4% in distillate), and terpinolene (7.6% in extract, 3.9% in distillate). Compared to hydrodistillation, the yield of monoterpenes was lower due to their incomplete separation from gaseous CO2 in trap but the yield of less volatile components like monoterpene acetates and sesquiterpenes was higher. Hydrolysis of γ-terpinene and terpinolene, occuring in hydrodistillation, was suppressed in supercritical extraction, particularly at extraction temperature of 40 °C.
... By using spectroscopic methods, including NMR and high-resolution electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry analysis, the compounds isolated from R. undulatum (see Materials and Methods) were identified as aloe emodin (compound 1) [17], rhapontigenin (compound 2) [18], chrysophanol 1-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (compound 3) [19], and rhaponticin (compound 4) (Figure 2A) [20]. The contents of rhaponticin in EX1, EX2, and EX3 were 2.98, 14.66, and 15.44 mg/100 mg extracts, respectively, as confirmed by HPLC analysis ( Figure 2B). ...
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We investigated the estrogenic and breast cancer inhibitory activities of chemical constituents isolated from Rhei undulati Rhizoma (roots of Rheum undulatum L.), which is used as a laxative, an anti-inflammatory, and an anti-blood stagnation agent. Estrogen-like activity was studied using the well characterized E-screen assay in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive MCF-7 cells. The mechanism underlying the breast cancer inhibitory activity of the compounds was studied using human ER-negative MDA-MB-231 and ER-positive MCF-7 cells. The activation of apoptosis pathway-related proteins was investigated by western blotting, using extracts of R. undulatum prepared in three solvent conditions (EX1, EX2, and EX3). The R. undulatum chemical constituents (compounds 1⁻3) showed estrogen-like activity in the concentration range of 10 to 50 μM, by increasing the proliferation of human ER-positive MCF-7 cells. These effects were attenuated by co-treatment with 100 nM fulvestrant, an ER antagonist. Compounds 1⁻3 decreased the viability of MCF-7 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Compounds 1 (aloe emodin) and 2 (rhapontigenin) induced mitochondria-independent apoptosis by activating the caspase-8 pathway, whereas the cytotoxic effect of compound 3 (chrysophanol 1-O-β-d-glucopyranoside) was mediated through the mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway.
... Indian ayurvedic system of medicine emphasizes use of herbs, nutraceuticals of life style changes for controlling age related neurodegenerative disorders (4). In the Indian ayurvedic system of medicine, Brahmi (Bacopa monniera) used as a nerve tonic, antiepilepitic (10,11), diuretic (12), to reduce stress induced anxiety, nootropic (13,14), sedative, anti-inflammatory (12,15), antidepressant and for adaptogenic activities (16,17), Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) used as a nerve tonic, peptic ulcer, rheumatoid arthritis, Tagar (Valeriana wallechii) used as a carminative, stimulant, antispasmodic and nervous disorder (18), and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) used as a anti-stress, sedative, hypnotic, anthelmintic and diuretic and as an immuno-modulatory agent (19). In the present study, we have focused upon exploring the potential of an Indian ayurvedic poly-herbal formulation, L-33 (Wilmer syrup) for its efficacy in reversing the memory deficits and for its improving acquisition and memory retention in experimental animals. ...
... It is generally accepted that acetylcholine esterase (AChE) inhibitors may also be beneficial in the treatment of Alzheimer's dementia (Ferreira et al., 2006). Previous reports suggested that Convolvulus pluricaulis, Bacopa monnieri, Centella asiatica, Nardostachys jatamansi etc. has potential AChE inhibitory actions (Dhingra, 2003;Mukherjee et al., 2007). In in vitro studies MEC-01 attenuated AChE activities. ...
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MEC-01 is a phytomedicine composed with C. pluricaulis, B. monnieri, C. asiatica, A. racemosus, N. jatamansi and Withania somnifera. The aim of the present study was to find out underlying mechanism of MEC-01 on cognitive behavioral pattern in experimental animals. The total phenolics content, DPPH radical scavenging, brain lipid peroxidation and acetylcholine esterase in inhibitory actions of MEC-01 was studied in in vitro methods. Cognitive functions were assessed by passive avoidance and Morris water maze tests in normal and scopolamine induced memory impaired mice. The findings revealed that MEC-01 has enriched in phenolic compounds, inhibited free radicals scavenge, exerted protective actions against brain lipid peroxidation and inhibited central acetylcholine esterase enzyme activity. MEC has no lethality up to the oral single dose of 2000 mg/kg in mice. Moreover, MEC-01 exhibited improvement in retention of learning in normal and cognitive deficit animals. The results indicate MEC-01 can facilitate learning and memory and possesses significant antidementic properties that may be mediated via acetylcholine esterase attenuating neuronal functions. *
... Indian ayurvedic system of medicine emphasizes use of herbs, nutraceuticals of life style changes for controlling age related neurodegenerative disorders (4). In the Indian ayurvedic system of medicine, Brahmi (Bacopa monniera) used as a nerve tonic, antiepilepitic (10,11), diuretic (12), to reduce stress induced anxiety, nootropic (13,14), sedative, anti-inflammatory (12,15), antidepressant and for adaptogenic activities (16,17), Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) used as a nerve tonic, peptic ulcer, rheumatoid arthritis, Tagar (Valeriana wallechii) used as a carminative, stimulant, antispasmodic and nervous disorder (18), and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) used as a anti-stress, sedative, hypnotic, anthelmintic and diuretic and as an immuno-modulatory agent (19). In the present study, we have focused upon exploring the potential of an Indian ayurvedic poly-herbal formulation, L-33 (Wilmer syrup) for its efficacy in reversing the memory deficits and for its improving acquisition and memory retention in experimental animals. ...
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L-33 (wilmer syrup) is a polyherbal formulation, consisting of plant ingredients of Brahmi (Bacopa monniera), Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Tagar (Valeriana wallechii) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of L-33 on learning and memory in experimental animals. Elevated plus-maze (EPM) and passive avoidance paradigm were employed to test learning and memory. Scopolamine (1mg/kg i.p.) and diazepam (1mg/kg i.p.) were used as interoceptive (stimulus inside the body) behaviour model. Three doses (5, 10 and 15 ml/kg p.o.) of L-33 were administered for 7-14 successive days in separate groups of animals. Elevated plus-maze (EPM) and passive avoidance paradigm model results show that dose of 15 ml/kg of L-33 significantly improved learning and memory of mice. Furthermore, this dose significantly reversed the amnesia induced by diazepam (1mg/kg i.p.) and scopolamine (1mg/kg i.p.).Since scopolamine-induced amnesia was reversed by L-33, it is possible that the beneficial effect on learning and memory was due to facilitation of cholinergic-transmission in mouse brain, also diazepam which is a GABA mimetic agent induces memory impairment and the subsequent inhibition of diazepam induced amnesia by L-33 may be due to inhibition of GABA-B receptors has been found to facilitate learning and memory.
... Generally speaking, natural products extracted from plants represent a rich resource for screening bioactive compounds (Tripathi & Dubey, 2004). The buds of the genus Populus, widely distributed in temperate and subtropical regions, have been used traditionally as medicine to treat wounds (Bae, 1999; Van & Wink, 2004). Recent studies indicate that the exudates of poplar buds are the main resin source of poplar-type propolis, a popular folk medicine worldwide with broad pharmacological activities, exhibiting antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and cytostatic properties (Toreti, Sato, Pastore, & Park, 2013;Wilson, Spivak, Hegeman, Rendahl, & Cohen, 2013). ...
... Hyssop has been exploited for many uses. It is well known for its aromatic scent, and as an ornamental and bee attracting plant (Hooper, 1984). The aerial parts are used in the food industry as a condiment and spice or as a minty flavor (Dragland et al., 2003;Jung et al., 2004;Lugasi et al., 2006). ...
... Se multiplica por gajos con 2-3 nudos y la reproducción por semillas requiere escarificado (Boelcke, 1964). Es invasiva por el desarrollo en profundidad de sus raíces y el rápido crecimiento de sus ejes rastreros y trepadores; no obstante, por esas mismas características, se usa para control de erosión y se valora como enriquecedora del suelo (Kariyone, 1971;Keung, 2002). En Misiones, el uso forrajero de hojas y frutos es referido por varios informantes, para alimentar vacas, chanchos, caballos, conejos y gallinas; en igual sentido, un poblador sostiene que "cuando no hay pasto, el porotal lo reemplaza". ...
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Summary: In this contribution, the current state of naturalization of Pueraria montana (Lour.) Merr. var. lobata (Willd.) Maesen & S. M. Almeida ex Sanjappa & Predeep (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae) in Argentina is discussed. This variety is considered invasive in Misiones province and naturalized in Buenos Aires province, based on floristic and ethnobotanical researches. A description of the variety, iconography, geographical distribution, reproductive biology, vernacular names, uses, expansion mechanisms, observations, and reference material are also presented. Resumen: En este trabajo se discute el estado actual de naturalización de Pueraria montana (Lour.) Merr. var. lobata (Willd.) Maesen & S.M. Almeida ex Sanjappa & Predeep (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae) en la Argentina, considerada invasora en la provincia de Misiones y naturalizada en la de Buenos Aires, sobre la base de estudios florísticos y etnobotánicos. Además, incluye la descripción de la variedad, iconografía, distribución geográfica, biología reproductiva, nombres vernáculos, usos, mecanismos de expansión, observaciones y material de referencia.
... Se multiplica por gajos con 2-3 nudos y la reproducción por semillas requiere escarificado (Boelcke, 1964). Es invasiva por el desarrollo en profundidad de sus raíces y el rápido crecimiento de sus ejes rastreros y trepadores; no obstante, por esas mismas características, se usa para control de erosión y se valora como enriquecedora del suelo (Kariyone, 1971;Keung, 2002). En Misiones, el uso forrajero de hojas y frutos es referido por varios informantes, para alimentar vacas, chanchos, caballos, conejos y gallinas; en igual sentido, un poblador sostiene que "cuando no hay pasto, el porotal lo reemplaza". ...
Article
Full-text available
In this contribution, the current state of naturalization of Pueraria montana (Lour.) Merr. var. lobata (Willd.) Maesen & S. M. Almeida ex Sanjappa & Predeep (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae) in Argentina is discussed. This variety is considered invasive in Misiones province and naturalized in Buenos Aires province, based on floristic and ethnobotanical researches. A description of the variety, iconography, geographical distribution, reproductive biology, vernacular names, uses, expansion mechanisms, observations, and reference material are also presented.
... Epidemiological studies in the Indian population reveal that dementia is largely a hidden problem in the country. Prevalence rates for dementia increase essentially with advancing age.[1] Persons above 60 years of age show 0.43% prevalence whereas persons aged above 65 years show 2.44% prevalence. ...
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The aim of the study was to explore the trends and rationale of use of memory and vitality-enhancing medicines (MVEM) in the Gujarat region. A prospective pharmacoepidemiological study involving pharmacists of Gujarat region was carried out in the year 2005. Pharmacists (n = 351) working in general and Ayurvedic medical stores were selected from 12 districts of Gujarat region. The pharmacists were explained about the objective of the study and were given a pretested, validated questionnaire. The questionnaire included the questions regarding herbal MVEM used most commonly, percentage sale of herbal MVEM - sold with or without prescriptions - age group of patients and professional groups who used these drugs most commonly. The number of individuals using MVEM was highest in the age group of 11-20 years (17.54%), followed by the 21-40 years group (17.12%), supporting the results that the professional group of students (17.29%) and the persons of business or service class (15.29%) are the highest users of these medicines. Evaluation of various constituents in the marketed polyherbal MVEM revealed that Brahmi (Bacopa monniera), Shankhpushpi (Evolvulus alsinoides), Ashwangandha (Withania somnifera), Jatamansi (Nardostychos jatamansi), Vacha (Acorus calamus) and Amla (Phyllanthus emblica) were the common ingredients in the polyherbal preparations. This study highlights commonly used Ayurvedic medicines that can be explored for safely enhancing memory and vitality performance. Hence, detailed and scientifically designed research on these drugs would help to identify safe and effective drugs for enhancing the same.
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The effect of Hachimi-jio-gan (HJ) on scopolamine induced memory impairment was studied using a radial maze performance, the effect of HJ on the central cholinergic system as measured by acetylcholine (ACh) content, choline acetyltransferase (CAT) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities was also examined. HJ (0.01-1.0 g/kg, p.o.) showed no influence on the radial maze performance. However, with the administration of scopolamine (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.), the number of the correct choices decreased and the number of the error choices increased. HJ (0.1 and 0.5 g/kg, p.o.) reduced this scopolamine-induced cognitive disturbance. The effect of HJ on ACh content and enzyme activities in the brain, frontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum was also investigated. In normal rats, HJ (0.1 and 0.5 g/kg, p.o. x 7 days) significantly increased ACh content in the frontal cortex, although it did not increased ACh content in the hippocampus. In scopolamine-treated rats, ACh content decreased in the brain regions examined. HJ (0.5 g/kg, p.o.) inhibited a decrease in ACh content in the frontal cortex, and with the same dosage of HJ increased CAT activity in the frontal cortex and AChE activity in the hippocampus. These results suggest that the behavioral effects of HJ may be related to its effect on the central cholinergic system.
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Trasina is a herbal formulation of some Indian medicinal plants classified in Ayurveda, the classic Indian system of medicine, as Medhyarasayanas or drugs reputed to improve memory and intellect. Earlier experimental and clinical investigations have indicated that the formulation has a memory-facilitating action. In this investigation, the effect of Trasina, after subchronic administration for 21 days, was assessed on two rodent models simulating some biochemical features known to be associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The models, in rats, included intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) administered colchicine (15 micrograms/rat) and lesioning of nucleus basalis magnocellularis (nbm) by ibotenic acid (10 micrograms/rat). Retention of an active avoidance response was used as the memory parameter. In addition, the effect of Trasina was evaluated on i.c.v. colchicine-induced depletion of acetylcholine (ACh) concentrations, reduction in choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity, and decrease in muscarinic cholinergic receptor (MCR) binding in rat brain frontal cortex and hippocampus. The behavioral and biochemical investigations were done 7, 14, and 21 days after colchicine or ibotenic acid lesioning. Trasina (200 and 500 mg/kg) was administered orally (p.o.) once daily for 21 days, the first drug administration being given just prior to lesioning. Colchicine and ibotenic acid induced marked retention deficit of active avoidance learning that was attenuated in a dose-dependent manner by Trasina after 14 and 21 days of treatment. Frontal cortical and hippocampal ACh concentrations, ChAT activity and MCR binding was significantly reduced after colchicine treatment. Trasina (200 and 500 mg/kg) reversed these deficits after 14 and 21 days of treatment. The findings indicate that the herbal formulation exerts a significant nootropic effect after subchronic treatment that may be due to reversal of perturbed cholinergic function.