Melia azedarach
Melia
Limonins
Cure of experimental botulism and antibotulismic effect of toosendanin. (1/2)
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), a group of bacterial proteins that comprise a light chain disulfide linked a heavy chain, are the most lethal biotoxins known to mankind. By inhibiting neurotransmitter release, BoNTs cause severe neuroparalytic disease, botulism. A series of important findings in the past 10 years which displayed the molecular targets of BoNTs and hence proposed a four-step action mechanism to explain BoNT intoxication greatly advanced the study of antibotulismic drug. In this article, we reviewed these progresses and anti-botulismic compounds found in recent years. These compounds function due to their facilitation on neurotransmitter release or to their interference on the binding, internalization, translocation, and endopeptidase activity of the toxins. Toosendanin is a triterpenoid derivative extracted from a digestive tract-parasiticide in Chinese traditional medicine. Chinese scientists have found that the compound is a selective prejunctional blocker. In spite of sharing some similar action with BoNT, toosendanin can protect botulism animals that have been administrated with lethal doses of BoNT/A or BoNT/B for several hours from death and make them restore normal activity. The neuromuscular junction preparations isolated from the rats that have been injected with toosendanin tolerate BoNT/A challenge. Toosendanin seems to have no effect on endopeptidase activity of BoNT, but blocks the toxin approach to its enzymatic substrate. (+info)Toosendanin interferes with pore formation of botulinum toxin type A in PC12 cell membrane. (2/2)
AIM: Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT) abort the process of neurotransmitter release at presynaptic motor nerve terminals, causing muscle paralysis. The ability of botulinum toxin to produce its effect is dependent on the ability of the light chain to cleave the SNARE proteins associated with transmitter release. Translocation of the light chain protease through the heavy chain-formed channel is a pivotal step in the intoxication process. Toosendanin (TSN), a triterpenoid derivative extracted from a Chinese traditional medicine, has been demonstrated to be an effective cure for experimental botulism. This study was designed to explore the antibotulismic mechanisms of toosendanin. METHODS: The inside-out single-channel recording patch-clamp technique was used to record the BoNT/A-induced currents in the presence and absence of TSN. RESULTS: Channel formation was delayed and the sizes of the channels were reduced in the TSN-treated PC12 cell membrane. CONCLUSION: The antibotulismic effect of TSN might occur via interference with toxin translocation. (+info)I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Melia azedarach" is not a medical term. It is the scientific name for a type of tree commonly known as the "Chinaberry tree" or "Persian Lilac." This tree is native to parts of Asia and has been introduced to many other regions around the world. While the tree itself is not a medical term, its fruits, leaves, and bark have been used in traditional medicine in various cultures. However, it's important to note that these uses have not been thoroughly researched or proven to be safe or effective by modern medical standards. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or therapy.
"Melia" is not a medical term itself, but it is a term used in dermatology to refer to a type of benign growth on the skin. Melia, also known as "nevus sebaceous," is a congenital abnormality that appears as a yellowish or flesh-colored bump or plaque on the scalp, face, or neck. It results from an overgrowth of sebaceous glands and other skin structures in the affected area.
Melias are usually harmless and do not require treatment unless they become irritated, inflamed, or develop into a type of skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma. In such cases, surgical removal may be necessary. It is important to monitor any changes in the size, shape, or color of a melia and consult with a healthcare professional if there are any concerns.
Limonin is not a medical term, but a chemical compound found in various plants, including citrus fruits. It is a type of limonoid, which is a class of naturally occurring compounds that are known for their bitter taste and potential health benefits. Specifically, limonin is found in the seeds and membranes of citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits.
Limonin has been studied for its potential medicinal properties, including its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and chemopreventive effects. However, more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and potential health benefits in humans. It's important to note that while limonin may have potential health benefits, it should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment or advice from a healthcare professional.
A plant extract is a preparation containing chemical constituents that have been extracted from a plant using a solvent. The resulting extract may contain a single compound or a mixture of several compounds, depending on the extraction process and the specific plant material used. These extracts are often used in various industries including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and food and beverage, due to their potential therapeutic or beneficial properties. The composition of plant extracts can vary widely, and it is important to ensure their quality, safety, and efficacy before use in any application.