In vitro Anti-cholinesterase and Antioxidant Activities of Memory Herbs
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: In vitro Anti-cholinesterase and Anti-oxidant Activity of Three Standardised Polyherbal Products Used for Memory Enhancing in Ethnomedicine of South-East Nigeria
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Recent studies have highlighted the increasing popularity of herbal medicines, particularly in developing regions, due to their perceived efficacy and minimal side effects. In Eastern Nigeria, polyherbal standardised extracts have been employed in traditional medicine for improving memory. The research aims to evaluate the anti-cholinesterase and antioxidant properties of these extracts, specifically focusing on Neocare Herbal Tea (NHT), Herbalin Complex Tea (HCT), and Phytoblis Herbal Tea (PHT). Such evaluations are essential as they may provide insights into the therapeutic potentials of these herbal formulations in managing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Memory Enhancement through Anti-Cholinesterase Activity
One significant finding of the study is the substantial acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity exhibited by the three polyherbal extracts. The Neocare Herbal Tea demonstrated the highest inhibition at 99.7% with an IC50 value of 324 μg/mL. In contrast, HCT and PHT showed considerable inhibition rates of 73.8% and 60.6%, with IC50 values of 0.2 μg/mL and 0.7 μg/mL, respectively. These inhibitory activities indicate potential mechanisms by which these polyherbal products may enhance memory function, addressing the cholinergic deficits commonly seen in Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, the extracts also exhibited antioxidant properties, suggesting a dual action that may prove beneficial in neuroprotection and cognitive enhancement.
Conclusion
The findings underscore the pharmacological potential of standardised polyherbal extracts in treating conditions characterized by cholinergic deficits, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The significant anti-cholinesterase and antioxidant activities observed in NHT, HCT, and PHT affirm their traditional use in memory enhancement. Overall, this study paves the way for further research into the efficacy and safety of these herbal formulations, potentially leading to innovative therapeutic strategies that leverage ethnomedicine in modern healthcare.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Lucky Legbosi Nwidu, Ekramy Elmorsy, Wayne Grant Carter
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: In vitro Anti-cholinesterase and Anti-oxidant Activity of Three Standardised Polyherbal Products Used for Memory Enhancing in Ethnomedicine of South-East Nigeria
Year: 2018 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2018.25.2.4
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What were the polyherbal extracts evaluated for?
The polyherbal extracts were assessed for their acetylcholinesterase inhibitory and antioxidant properties, specifically targeting improvements in memory function as used in the ethnomedicine of Eastern Nigeria.
What types of analyses were conducted on the extracts?
The extracts underwent anti-cholinesterase and antioxidant activity analyses, and total phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified using standard procedures.
What were the key findings regarding acetylcholinesterase inhibition?
The Neocare Herbal Tea showed the highest AChE inhibition at 99.7%, followed by the Herbalin Complex Tea and Phytoblis Herbal Tea exhibiting 73.8% and 60.6% inhibition respectively.
How did the polyherbal extracts perform in antioxidant activity?
The extracts displayed significant antioxidant activity, with the Herbalin Complex Tea showing the highest radical scavenging activity at 82.13%, followed by Neocare Herbal Tea and Phytoblis Herbal Tea.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “In vitro Anti-cholinesterase and Antioxidant Activities of Memory Herbs”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Disease:
The term 'disease' refers to any medical condition that disrupts normal bodily functions. In the context of the provided text, it highlights the focus on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, emphasizing the need for effective treatments, such as herbal remedies with anti-cholinesterase and antioxidant properties that can potentially alleviate symptoms.
2) Activity:
In this context, 'activity' pertains to the biological effects demonstrated by the polyherbal extracts. The text describes their activity in inhibiting acetylcholinesterase and exhibiting antioxidant effects, which are key indicators of their potential therapeutic benefits in treating memory impairment and other related conditions.
3) Table:
The term 'table' references a method of organizing data for clarity. It is used to present results from various experiments, detailing the compositions and yields of herbal extracts. Such visual representations aid in the clear comparison of the efficacy and properties of different herbal formulations.
4) Drug:
This word implies any substance used to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent disease. The text discusses herbal products in the context of drug development, highlighting their potential as novel treatments for neurodegenerative conditions by fitting into the broader category of therapeutic agents that regulate brain functions.
5) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are bioactive compounds found in various plants, contributing to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cholinesterase properties. In the text, flavonoids are mentioned concerning their involvement in the pharmacological effects of the herbal extracts studied, signaling their importance in addressing memory impairment and cognitive functions.
6) Medicine:
'Medicine' refers to the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. The text emphasizes the relevance of traditional and herbal medicine within the context of neurodegenerative diseases, illustrating how herbal products are becoming integral in addressing healthcare challenges through established healing practices.
7) Ter:
Short for 'therapy,' this term denotes treatment methods used to alleviate symptoms of diseases or disorders. The text discusses pharmacotherapy as a vital approach in using polyherbal preparations that deliver therapeutic effects on memory functions, showcasing an integration of traditional practices with modern therapeutic strategies.
8) Pharmacological:
'Pharmacological' pertains to the study of how drugs interact with biological systems. In the text, it highlights the implications of polyherbal extracts and their mechanisms of action, reflecting on how their bioactive components can inhibit enzymes or free radicals, ultimately aiding memory improvement.
9) Species:
In a biological context, 'species' refers to a group of closely related organisms. The text discusses various plant species used in the polyherbal formulations, especially those with specific pharmacological properties, underscoring the significance of biodiversity in discovering effective herbal remedies.
10) Azadirachta indica:
'Azadirachta indica,' commonly known as neem, is an important medicinal plant extensively studied for its health benefits. The text highlights its role within the herbal formulations aimed at enhancing cognitive abilities while preventing oxidative stress and inflammation in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
11) Pesticide:
This term refers to substances used for preventing, destroying, or repelling pests. Although primarily agricultural in nature, the mention of pesticides in the context may suggest the importance of understanding the environmental impact of chemicals like pesticides on medicinal plants and their therapeutic uses.
12) Water:
'Water' is essential for life and plays a critical role in extraction processes of herbal formulations. The text details how the polyherbal extracts are prepared using methanol and subsequently reconstituted with distilled water, essential for conducting the therapeutic assays outlined in the study.
13) Study (Studying):
The word 'study' emphasizes the systematic investigation of the polyherbal extracts for their medicinal potential. It highlights the scientific methodology employed to assess their pharmacological effects, aiming to provide reliable data on their capabilities to improve cognitive functions and treat memory disorders.
14) Beta:
'Beta' often refers to beta-amyloid, a significant protein associated with Alzheimer's disease. The text may delve into how beta-amyloid accumulation leads to neurodegenerative changes, prompting the need for effective inhibition strategies through natural products, thus tying into the aim of the research.
15) Food:
'Food' generally denotes nutritional substances essential for human survival. In the context of herbal medicine, food can also refer to edible plants utilized therapeutically, suggesting an interplay between diet and health, particularly in using such plants for their cognitive-enhancing effects.
16) Post:
The term 'post' could relate to post-treatment analysis or observations following the administration of treatments. In the document's context, following interventions with herbal extracts, results can help indicate their actual therapeutic impact on subjects especially concerning their medicinal benefits.
17) Toxicity:
'Toxicity' indicates the degree to which a substance could harm organisms. The text highlights the evaluation of the polyherbal extracts for their safety profiles, particularly their cytotoxic effects on cells, establishing their potential therapeutic window to minimize adverse reactions during treatment.
18) Relative:
In this context, 'relative' might suggest the comparison of the efficacy of different herbal extracts regarding their biological activities. The text emphasizes the importance of establishing relative activities, thereby showcasing which extract is superior in terms of memory enhancement and other health benefits.
19) Varga:
'Varga' appears to refer to a contributor or key figure, possibly associated with one of the investigated substances or methodologies. In scientific literature, acknowledging contributors is crucial, as it contextualizes the work and allows for proper attribution of findings to specific researchers or their teams.
20) Rules:
The term 'rules' may involve guidelines or regulations governing scientific experiments, particularly concerning ethical standards in research. The text’s mention of adherence to such rules ensures that studies involving medicinal substances are conducted responsibly and yield valid, reliable insights into their effects.
21) Raghavendra:
'Raghavendra' likely denotes an author or researcher who contributed to the study. Their inclusion signifies the collaborative nature of scientific inquiry, demonstrating how various professionals come together to explore topics such as herbal remedies and their pharmacological potential against memory impairment.
22) Science (Scientific):
'Scientific' underscores the systematic methodology employed in research. The text emphasizes the necessity of rigorous scientific evaluation of herbal products, highlighting the importance of empirical evidence for their efficacy and safety in treating conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
23) Family:
In a biological context, 'family' refers to a taxonomic rank used to classify related organisms. The text mentions various plant families that include species utilized in the study, which are integral to understanding the potential shared characteristics and benefits within herbal medicine.
24) Indian:
'Indian' denotes the geographical and cultural origin of certain herbs or practices discussed in the text. This term emphasizes the relevance of traditional Indian medicine and its role in advancing herbal research and integrating traditional practices with modern therapeutics.
25) Gupta:
'Gupta' likely refers to an author or researcher in the study. Their work is crucial in exploring and validating the medicinal uses of polyherbal formulations, connecting historical practices with contemporary research methodologies to assess safety and efficacy.
26) Shalem (Salem):
The term 'Salem' denotes a contributor or researcher involved in the investigation of the polyherbal extracts. The inclusion of researchers’ names emphasizes collaborative research efforts toward uncovering the pharmacological properties of herbal remedies to inform future therapeutic strategies.
27) Kumar:
'Kumar' likely pertains to a researcher contributing to the study. Their involvement highlights the collective effort in exploring herbal medicines' potential, particularly regarding the modern scientific framework designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of such treatments.
28) Eagle:
The term 'Eagle' may refer to a common name of a plant or herb studied, signifying the importance of diverse flora in herbal formulations. This highlights not only their usage in traditional medicine but also their potential benefits and active components identified for pharmacological purposes.
29) Miṇi (Mini):
'Mini' likely prefixes a term related to concise evidence or focused discussions. This can refer to the presentation of significant aspects of the research findings, particularly in presenting summarized data to dwell on specific inquiries about herbal effectiveness, safety, or mechanisms of action.
30) Jang:
'Jang' is likely to refer to an author's last name linked to the research work. It emphasizes the collaborative effort to explore herbal remedies' benefits and the specific contributions made in studying the impacts of various components on conditions like memory impairment.
31) Rich (Rch):
'Rich' pertains to the abundance or high content of specific bioactive compounds in the studied herbal formulations. It underscores the significance of extracting compounds that can provide enhanced therapeutic action, particularly related to antioxidants and phytochemicals in the context of memory-related disorders.
32) Life:
'Life' in this context may refer to bioactivity related to living organisms, especially regarding cellular responses to treatments. The text discusses the implications of herbal extracts on improving life quality through potential cognitive benefits while managing diseases affecting mental functions.
33) Pharmacotherapy:
'Pharmacotherapy' refers to the treatment of disease through medication. The text discusses pharmacotherapy using herbal remedies, exploring the application of natural products as therapeutic agents for alleviating conditions characterized by cognitive deficits, reinforcing their significance in modern healthcare.
34) Allium sativum:
'Allium sativum,' commonly known as garlic, is significant for its health benefits. In the context of the text, it highlights the role of garlic compounds in combating various health conditions, emphasizing further exploration of its pharmacological potential in treating cognitive impairments.
35) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the study of drugs and their effects on biological systems. The text emphasizes pharmacological evaluations of polyherbal extracts to assess their efficacy in treating neurodegenerative diseases, showcasing the interconnectedness of traditional medicine and scientific inquiry.
36) Discussion:
'Discussion' refers to the analysis and interpretation of research findings. In the context of the text, it highlights the importance of critically examining the data collected on polyherbal extracts, placing the results within the broader context of current scientific understanding related to memory impairment treatments.
37) Developing:
The word 'developing' pertains to the process of creating and enhancing treatments or therapeutic strategies. The text focuses on developing herbal pharmacotherapies, emphasizing ongoing research in enhancing traditional remedies using contemporary scientific methodologies to address complex health issues.
38) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
'Antibiotic' refers to substances that inhibit bacterial growth, which, although not the primary focus of the provided text, signifies the breadth of medicinal properties present within plants. It suggests that the herbal formulations may also possess antimicrobial properties, warranting further exploration.
39) Exposition:
In this context, 'exposition' refers to an event showcasing herbal products, particularly in promoting their medicinal use. The text references a herbal exposition that served as a platform for collecting polyherbal extracts for subsequent testing regarding their potential therapeutic benefits.
40) Learning:
'Learning' relates to the process of acquiring knowledge or skills. The context of the study emphasizes learning about efficacies and modes of action of polyherbal extracts, contributing to the understanding and development of effective treatments for memory impairments.
41) Anxiety:
'Anxiety' refers to psychological distress, which has significant implications in cognitive health. The text alludes to potential benefits of herbal treatments in alleviating anxiety symptoms, thus improving overall mental health, particularly in neurodegenerative conditions alongside memory issues.
42) Nature:
'Nature' denotes the inherent characteristics of the natural world, including the plants studied. The text suggests a profound connection between nature and herbal medicine, highlighting the role of natural compounds in developing effective treatments for various diseases, including cognitive disorders.
43) Animal:
'Animal' may refer to the biological models used to assess the effects of medicinal compounds in the study. It underscores the significance of preclinical testing in animal models to determine the efficacy and safety profiles of herbal extracts before human application.
44) Neem:
'Neem' is a common name for 'Azadirachta indica,' a significant plant in traditional medicine known for its medicinal properties. The text underscores its role in the evaluated polyherbal formulations linked to memory enhancement and its potential contributions to addressing cognitive deficits.