Current Traditional Medicine - Online First

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, surpassed only by Alzheimer's disease. It is distinguished by a diverse array of motor and non-motor symptoms that impact various aspects of neurological function. In recent years, the autophagy-enhancing potential of several medicinal plants has been tested and results in better protection against neurodegeneration in PD. Accordingly, the major objective of this work is to explore the autophagy-enhancing activity of Mucuna pruriens (Mp) seed extract in the rotenone intoxicated mouse model.

To evaluate our hypothesis, we categorized the mice into four distinct groups: a control group, a drug-only control group, a rotenone-intoxicated group, and a group of rotenone-intoxicated mice that were also treated with Mp. After dosing was finished, the behavioral test was measured. The mice were then sacrificed in each group, and the brains were isolated. Rotenone-intoxicated Parkinsonian mice exhibited significant behavioral impairments in the rotarod, hanging grip, and narrow beam walking tests, indicating deficits in balance, coordination, and muscle strength. Treatment with Mp markedly improved motor performance, suggesting its neuroprotective and therapeutic potential in alleviating PD-related dysfunction. Similarly, Mp effectively mitigates biochemical impairments in the Parkinsonian mouse model, improving catalase activity, reducing nitrite levels, lipid peroxidation, and enhancing glutathione reductase function. TFEB and mTORC1 are the 2 most important modulators of autophagy. The TFEB level was decreases in the rotenone group ultimately restored in the Mp group. The activity of TFEB was negatively regulated by mTORC1. The level of mTORC1 was increased in rotenone group and was significantly reduced by Mp treatment. The enzymatic level of glucocerebrosidase was also decreases in rotenone intoxicated mice and increased in Mp group. The ultimate impact of these autophagy enhancers is reflected at the level of Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). The activity of TH is reduced in the rotenone group and consequently enhanced by Mp treatment.

Our result shows the autophagy enhancing activity of Mp.

Further studies will be needed to search and test the additional number of regulators that are involved in the autophagy mediating activity of Mp.

The Poaceae families make up the majority of crops and animal feed. We address a comprehensive analysis of the phytopharmacological characteristics of a few species from the Poaceae family, including Urochloa distachya, Brachiaria decumbens, Brachiaria brizantha, Eleusine indica, and others.

The primary objective of this study was to offer detailed information on the phytocompounds found in different parts of the plant and their pharmacological activities. Additionally, we explored the previous pharmacological activity of these plants.

A literature review was carried out up to 2023 using various academic databases including Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, Research Gate, PubMed, and Springer.

All of the plants discussed above share the same morphological characteristics, such as the presence of spikelets, racemes, lemma, and glume. The GC-MS analysis revealed that petroleum ether of U. distachya contains 15 phytoconstituents. Methanolic leave extract of U. distachya disclosed 26 phytoconstituents by GC-MS analysis. The cold extraction of the whole plant of U. distachya exhibited 18 compounds from GC-MS analysis. The root exudates of B. humidicola contain phytoconstituents which are collected hydroponically from root exudates by semi-preparative HPLC method. Methanolic extract of B. brizantha, A. hybridus, and P. maximum grains were found in Caffeic acid, Ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and Protocatechuic acid. D. sanguinalis contains three isolated phytoconstituents veratric acid, maltol, and (-)-loliolide. Chemical analyses of D. insularis extract fractions by LC-MS revealed the presence of the flavones tricin and diosmetin. Megathyrsus maximus, B. brizantha, Urochloa ramosa, and D. abyssinica contain the presence of secondary phytoconstituents.

This study found and investigated the phytopharmacological properties of Poaceae species. The Poaceae family is rich in bioactive compounds which exhibit significant pharmacological activity like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. These findings show that Poaceae plants can be used to provide new drugs and natural health products. Further research is needed to determine these compounds' precise biological activities and mechanisms of action.

Diabetes Mellitus is a global health concern affecting millions of individuals worldwide. It is characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from insufficient insulin production or insulin resistance. Its high prevalence, especially in developing countries, such as Pakistan, demands effective and economically viable treatments.

The objective of this study was to identify herbal remedies for effectively targeting gluconeogenic enzymes in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. It aimed to explore herbal remedies for providing cost-effective alternatives with lesser side effects for the treatment of diabetes by targeting gluconeogenic enzymes.

The proteins of the already-known diabetic herb Momordica Charantia (Bitter melon) were initially investigated through molecular docking. Then, the proteins similar to the best-docked protein of Momordica Charactia were identified, and their molecular docking analysis was performed.

The results showed three plants having similar proteins to the Momrodica Charantia best-docked protein, namely Luffa Aegyptiaca (sponge gourd), Cucumis Sativus (cucumber), and Cucurbita Maxima (Pumpkin). The molecular docking analysis of these proteins revealed Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) as a potential herbal candidate for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

The results of this study highlight the potential of Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) for treating diabetes mellitus by targeting gluconeogenic enzymes. However, further research is necessary regarding the therapeutic potential of cucumber.