Nardostachys
Nardosinone enhances nerve growth factor-induced neurite outgrowth in a mitogen-activated protein kinase- and protein kinase C-dependent manner in PC12D cells. (1/5)
The mechanism to enhance nerve growth factor (NGF, 2 ng/ml)-induced neurite outgrowth from PC12D cells by nardosinone isolated from Nardostachys chinensis was examined. It was shown that the potentiation of the NGF-induced neurite outgrowth by nardosinone was mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase-dependent, but was not accompanied by stimulation of NGF-induced increase in MAP kinase phosphorylation. Furthermore, this augmentation of NGF-induced neurite outgrowth was abolished by GF109203X, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor. These results suggest that the enhancement of NGF-induced neurite outgrowth from PC12D cells by nardosinone involves activation of a down-stream step of the MAP kinase-dependent cascade of NGF coupled with PKC. (+info)Nardostachys chinensis glycoside induces characteristics of neuronal differentiation in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. (2/5)
Rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells undergo neuronal differentiation in response to nerve growth factor. We show here that exposure of PC12 cells to Nardostachys chinensis glycoside induces the outgrowth of neurites, increases the activity of AChE, triggers cell cycle arrest in G1 and enhances the expression of growth associated protein 43 (GAP-43). Both the outgrowth of neurites and the increase in AChE activity are prevented partly by PD98059, a specific inhibitor of MEK1. These results suggest that N. chinensis glycoside induces the characteristics of neuronal differentiation in PC12 cells via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-related signal cascade. (+info)Nardostachys jatamansi extract protects against cytokine-induced beta-cell damage and streptozotocin-induced diabetes. (3/5)
AIM: To investigate the anti-diabetogenic mechanism of Nardostachys jatamansi extract (NJE). METHODS: Mice were injected with streptozotocin via a tail vein to induce diabetes. Rat insulinoma RINm5F cells and isolated rat islets were treated with interleukin-1beta and interferon-gamma to induce cytotoxicity. RESULTS: Treatment of mice with streptozotocin resulted in hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia, which was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining of the islets. The diabetogenic effects of streptozotocin were completely abolished when mice were pretreated with NJE. Inhibition of streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia by NJE was mediated by suppression of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB activation. In addition, NJE protected against cytokine-mediated cytotoxicity. Incubation of RINm5F cells and islets with NJE resulted in a significant reduction in cytokine-induced NF-kappaB activation and downstream events, inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and nitric oxide production. The protective effect of NJE was further demonstrated by the normal insulin secretion of cytokine-treated islets in response to glucose. CONCLUSION: NJE provided resistance to pancreatic beta-cell damage from cytokine or streptozotocin treatment. The beta-cell protective effect of NJE is mediated by suppressing NF-kappaB activation. (+info)Effect of biologically active fraction of Nardostachys jatamansi on cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis. (4/5)
(+info)Cytoprotective effect of methanolic extract of Nardostachys jatamansi against hydrogen peroxide induced oxidative damage in C6 glioma cells. (5/5)
Oxidative stress has been implicated as an important factor in the process of neurodegeneration and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) is one of the most important precursors of reactive oxygen species (ROS), responsible for many neurodegenerative diseases. This study used extracts from Nardostachys jatamansi rhizomes, known for nerve relaxing properties in Ayurvedic medicine, to ascertain their protective role in H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative stress in C6 glioma cells. The protective effect of methanolic, ethanolic and water extracts of N. jatamansi (NJ-MEx, NJ-EEx and NJ-WEx respectively) was determined by MTT assay. NJ-MEx significantly protected against H(2)O(2) cytotoxicity when cells were pretreated for 24 h. The level of antioxidant enzymes, catalase, superoxide dismutase (Cu-ZnSOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and a direct scavenger of free radicals, glutathione (GSH), significantly increased following pre-treatment with NJ-MEx. Lipid peroxidation (LPx) significantly decreased in NJ-MEx-pretreated cultures. The expression of a C6 differentiation marker, GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein), stress markers HSP70 (heat shock protein) and mortalin (also called glucose regulated protein 75, Grp75) significantly decreased when cells were pre-treated with NJ-MEx before being subjected to H(2)O(2) treatment as shown by immunofluorescence, western blotting and RT-PCR results. The present study suggests that NJ-MEx could serve as a potential treatment and/or preventive measure against neurodegenerative diseases. (+info)"Nardostachys jatamansi" is the correct medical term, which refers to a plant species native to the Himalayas. It is also known as "spikenard" or "nard." The root and rhizome of this plant are used in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda. They have been used for various purposes, including as a nerve tonic, for treating seizures, and for promoting hair growth. However, it's important to note that the scientific evidence supporting these uses is generally limited, and more research is needed before strong recommendations can be made.
Caprifoliaceae is a family of flowering plants that includes shrubs, trees, and climbers. It was previously known as Honeysuckle family, as it includes the genera containing common honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.). The family Caprifoliaceae contains around 90 genera and 2000 species of plants, including well-known garden plants such as elderberries (Sambucus spp.), valerians (Valeriana spp.), and snowberries (Symphoricarpos spp.).
The plants in Caprifoliaceae are characterized by their opposite leaves, typically with entire margins, and their flowers, which are usually tubular or bell-shaped. The fruits of these plants can be berries, drupes, or capsules. Many species in this family have medicinal properties, while others are cultivated for their ornamental value.
It's worth noting that recent phylogenetic studies have led to a reclassification of some plant families, and Caprifoliaceae is now sometimes included as part of the larger family Dipsacaceae.