Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Aug 03, 2024 1 month, 1 week, 6 days, 9 hours, 22 minutes ago
Herbs And Phytochemicals: In a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from the School of Basic Medical at Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine-China, the potent effects of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) in combating neurodegenerative diseases have been brought to light. This
Herbs And Phytochemicals news report delves into the comprehensive review of APS's molecular mechanisms and therapeutic effects on conditions like Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS).
The healing powers of Astragalus polysaccharides in neurodegenerative diseases
What Are Astragalus Polysaccharides?
Astragalus membranaceus, commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, is renowned for its diverse pharmacological properties, including immune stimulation, antioxidation, and hepatoprotection. Among its primary bioactive components, APS stands out for its multifaceted health benefits. APS, a type of complex carbohydrate, has shown significant promise in various therapeutic areas due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties.
Tackling Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease, a prevalent form of dementia, is marked by cognitive decline and neuronal degeneration. The study highlighted that APS could play a crucial role in managing AD by improving insulin resistance and lowering blood glucose levels, which are risk factors for AD. In experiments with AD mice, APS reduced glucose intolerance and hyperinsulinemia, improving overall brain function. Additionally, APS was found to enhance cognitive abilities by activating the Nrf2 pathway, reducing cell apoptosis, and minimizing amyloid-beta (Aβ) accumulation.
Combating Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease, characterized by motor dysfunction and neuronal loss, has also shown positive responses to APS treatment. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key player in PD, and APS has demonstrated the ability to protect and repair damaged neurons and mitochondria. By promoting autophagy through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, APS enhances cellular self-renewal and energy metabolism, crucial for mitigating PD symptoms. Furthermore, APS reduces oxidative stress and improves neuronal health, offering a potential therapeutic avenue for PD patients.
Relief for Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease causing severe neurological dysfunction, has limited treatment options focusing mainly on symptom management. However, APS has shown potential in promoting myelin regeneration and reducing inflammation. By upregulating the PD-1/PD-Ls pathway, APS suppresses T cell proliferation and inflammatory cytokine expression, alleviating MS symptoms. Moreover, APS activates the Sonic hedgehog signaling pathway, fostering the differentiation of neural stem cells into myelin-producing oligodendrocytes, crucial for repairing damaged nerve fibers.
ng>Understanding the Biological Activities of APS
The broad spectrum of APS's biological activities includes immunomodulatory, antitumor, antidiabetic, antiviral, and neuroprotective effects. APS enhances immune responses by regulating various immune cells, such as macrophages and T lymphocytes. Its antioxidant properties combat oxidative stress, a significant factor in neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, APS's ability to lower blood glucose and improve insulin sensitivity is particularly beneficial for diabetic patients at risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions.
The Pharmacokinetics of APS
Understanding how APS is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body is crucial for optimizing its therapeutic use. APS is primarily absorbed through passive pathways, but its large molecular weight and low lipophilicity pose challenges for efficient absorption. To enhance bioavailability, innovative drug delivery systems like nanocarriers are being explored. APS is mainly distributed in the liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs, and plasma, with its metabolites providing further therapeutic benefits.
The Study Findings
The research emphasizes the significant therapeutic potential of APS in treating neurodegenerative diseases through various molecular mechanisms and pathways. For instance, in Alzheimer's disease, APS activates the Nrf2 pathway, reducing oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis.
In Parkinson's disease, APS enhances autophagy via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, promoting neuronal health.
For multiple sclerosis, APS's ability to regulate immune responses and promote myelin regeneration highlights its multifaceted therapeutic benefits.
Future Directions and Conclusion
While the current findings are promising, further research is necessary to fully understand APS's molecular targets and mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases. Large-scale clinical trials and long-term follow-up studies are essential to validate APS's efficacy and safety in human patients. Additionally, improving extraction and purification techniques, as well as exploring new drug delivery methods, will enhance APS's therapeutic potential and patient compliance.
In conclusion, APS from Astragalus membranaceus holds significant promise as a natural therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases. Its diverse pharmacological activities, coupled with its ability to modulate multiple biological pathways, make it a valuable candidate for developing new treatments. The ongoing research and future advancements in this field are expected to further elucidate APS's therapeutic potential, paving the way for innovative and effective treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Frontiers in Pharmacology.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1449101/full
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