Protective Effects of Passiflora incarnata in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Protective Effect of Standardized Extract of Passiflora incarnata Flower in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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Suvarna P Ingale, Sanjay B Kasture
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Protective Effect of Standardized Extract of Passiflora incarnata Flower in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease
Year: 2017
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases have become increasingly prevalent in the aging population, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. These conditions are often associated with oxidative stress, which is implicated in neuronal damage and cognitive decline. Flavonoids are known for their antioxidant capabilities and are found in various plant extracts, including Passiflora incarnata (passion flower), which has a prominent place in Ayurveda for its therapeutic properties related to the central nervous system. This study investigates the potential of a flavonoid-rich extract of P. incarnata flowers to offer neuroprotective benefits and enhance memory functions while also acting as an antioxidant.
Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Effects of P. incarnata Extract
The research focused on the effects of a standardized n-butanol extract of Passiflora incarnata flowers (BEPIF). It demonstrated significant antioxidant activity through DPPH and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays, highlighting its potential to neutralize free radicals. Additionally, BEPIF exhibited noteworthy antiparkinsonian effects, as evidenced by its ability to reduce haloperidol-induced catalepsy and tacrine-induced jaw movements in animal models. The extract also showed promise in enhancing cognitive function, indicated by decreased transfer latency in the elevated plus maze test and an increased discrimination index in the object recognition test. These findings suggest that the antioxidant properties of BEPIF may mediate its neuroprotective effects, supporting the case for its application in treating neurodegenerative conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study underscores the neuroprotective effects of the n-butanol extract of Passiflora incarnata flowers, attributing these benefits to its high antioxidant potential. The extract demonstrated significant antiparkinsonian activity and cognitive enhancement, indicative of its therapeutic promise for managing dementia and parkinsonism. As such, P. incarnata may serve as a valuable natural remedy in combating the oxidative stress associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Further research could explore its clinical applicability and mechanism of action in humans.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of Passiflora incarnata in neurodegenerative diseases?
Passiflora incarnata, known as passion flower, contains flavonoids that exhibit antioxidant effects. These properties may help in mitigating oxidative stress associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
What activities were assessed in the study involving Passiflora incarnata?
The study evaluated the antioxidant activity, antiparkinsonian effects, and memory enhancing activity of the n-butanol extract of Passiflora incarnata flowers using various animal models and assays.
How was the antioxidant activity of Passiflora incarnata measured?
Antioxidant activity was assessed through DPPH and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays. The effective concentration that inhibits free radicals, known as IC50, was determined for both methods.
What were the main findings regarding cognitive improvement from the extract?
The n-butanol extract of Passiflora incarnata significantly decreased transfer latency and increased the discrimination index in memory tests, suggesting notable cognitive enhancement and potential use in dementia treatment.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Protective Effects of Passiflora incarnata in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's�. 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) Activity:
Activity refers to the measurable functions or effects produced by a substance, typically in a biological context. In pharmacology, it indicates how effective a drug is in eliciting a response. The study investigates the activity of Passiflora incarnata, particularly its neuroprotective effects and its role in alleviating symptoms related to neurodegenerative diseases.
2) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a group of naturally occurring compounds with antioxidant properties found in many plants. They play a significant role in human health by neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress, contributing to the protective effects observed in Passiflora incarnata against neurological disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
3) Drug:
A drug is any substance used in the diagnosis, cure, treatment, or prevention of disease. The study examines the effects of a specific extract derived from Passiflora incarnata as a potential therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative conditions, emphasizing the importance of exploring natural substances in drug development.
4) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds present in plants that contribute to their color, flavor, and disease resistance. They are known for their health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. The study highlights the phytochemical profile of Passiflora incarnata, particularly its flavonoids, which play a crucial role in its neuroprotective activity.
5) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the branch of medicine that studies drugs, their effects on the body, and their therapeutic uses. This study is rooted in pharmacology, as it investigates the effects of the n-butanol extract of Passiflora incarnata on cognitive function and movement disorders, contributing to the understanding of potential new treatments.
6) Suvarna:
Suvarna is a name mentioned in the study, specifically identifying one of the authors, Suvarna P Ingale. This highlights the collaborative nature of scientific research, as multiple authors contribute to the design, execution, and analysis of the study to demonstrate the neuroprotective effects of the plant extract being analyzed.
7) Water:
Water is a critical solvent in biological systems and is essential for the extraction and evaluation of phytochemicals from plant materials. The significance of water in this study relates to the extraction methods used for isolating the active components from Passiflora incarnata flowers, which displays their therapeutic potential.
8) Asafoetida:
Asafoetida, derived from the resin of Ferula species, is a spice commonly used in culinary and traditional medicine. The mention of asafoetida in the literature reflects on its historical usage in treating various ailments, possibly paralleling the therapeutic potentials explored in the study of Passiflora incarnata for neurological benefits.
9) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the degree to which substances can harm living organisms. This study implicitly addresses toxicity by evaluating the effects of Passiflora incarnata extract, emphasizing that benefits should outweigh any potential harmful effects when considering the plant as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.
10) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the natural world through observation and experimentation. The research exemplified in investigating the effects of Passiflora incarnata is a scientific endeavor aiming to provide evidence-based insights into its neuroprotective potential, contributing to the field of pharmacology.
11) Madhya:
Madhya refers to Madhya Pradesh, a state in India where one of the contributing authors of the study is affiliated. The geographical context emphasizes the local relevance of traditional medicine and biodiversity in India and highlights the importance of indigenous plants like Passiflora incarnata in pharmacological research.
12) Sharad (Sarad):
Sharad refers to a contributor in the authorship of the article, Sanjay B Kasture. The importance of recognizing individual contributions is essential in collaborative scientific research, where diverse expertise and perspectives come together to enhance the validity and depth of the study's findings on neuroprotective effects.
13) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Sharma is a surname mentioned in the references, specifically related to reviews or discussions around phytotherapy or pharmacology. The appearance of this name within the reference context underscores the collaborative academic environment and how past research influences ongoing studies into plant extracts like Passiflora incarnata.
14) Blood:
Blood is vital for transporting nutrients, oxygen, and waste products throughout the body. In the context of neurodegenerative diseases, maintaining blood flow and oxygenation is essential. The study may relate the role of Passiflora incarnata's phytochemicals in enhancing blood circulation or reducing oxidative stress within the nervous system.
15) Casha (Casa):
Casa may refer to a place or organizational body involved in the research context, although its specifics in this analysis are not clear. Understanding institutional affiliations adds credibility to scientific research and provides context for each study, influencing collaborative opportunities and support mechanisms for research efforts.
16) Diet:
Diet involves the food and drink consumed, which significantly impacts overall health and well-being. The relevance of diet is emphasized in the study through the exploration of naturally occurring antioxidants found in Passiflora incarnata, highlighting the potential of dietary interventions in managing neurodegenerative diseases.
17) Nardostachys jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamamsi):
Nardostachys jatamansi, commonly known as jatamansi, is an herb used in traditional medicine. The relevance in the context of the presented study reflects a wider exploration of plant-based substances contributing to neuroprotection and cognitive function, paralleling the effects studied for Passiflora incarnata.
18) Ferula asafoetida (Ferula assa-foetida):
Ferula asafoetida is a plant known for its culinary and medicinal uses. The mention reflects a comparative understanding of traditional remedies, as the study evaluates Passiflora incarnata’s potential to address similar concerns regarding neurological health, thus acknowledging the wider context of ethnobotany in developing treatments.
19) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the critical analysis and interpretation of research findings. This segment of a scientific paper synthesizes results, connects them to existing literature, and elucidates on implications for practice, thus emphasizing the role of Passiflora incarnata in enhancing cognition and reducing symptoms associated with degenerative diseases.
20) Substance:
Substance refers to the physical matter with specific properties. In the context of pharmacology, it often relates to chemical compounds or extracts studied for their biological effects. This research emphasizes the therapeutic potential of Passiflora incarnata extracts as substances impacting cognition and neuroprotection.
21) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine from India that emphasizes balance in bodily systems. The study highlights Passiflora incarnata’s use in Ayurveda, linking traditional practices with modern scientific inquiry to explore its efficacy and mechanisms for treating conditions like anxiety and neurodegenerative diseases.
22) Epilepsy:
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. The importance of this term in the context of Passiflora incarnata stems from its traditional use in treating such conditions, indicating that the extract could offer therapeutic benefits in managing epilepsy alongside cognitive impairments.
23) Anxiety:
Anxiety is a psychological condition marked by excessive worry or fear. The mention of anxiety emphasizes the potential of Passiflora incarnata, historically recognized for its calming effects, as a treatment for anxiety disorders, thus linking its traditional uses to its modern therapeutic evaluations.
24) Post:
Post often refers to after a specific event or time, signaling a sequence in research literature. In this context, it might relate to post-treatment evaluations in the study’s methodology, highlighting the need for longitudinal assessments in understanding the enduring effects of Passiflora incarnata extracts.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Protective Effects of Passiflora incarnata in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Alzheimer's disease, Antioxidant activity, Oxidative stress, Memory enhancing activity, Parkinson's disease, Free radical scavenging activity, Clinical manifestation, DPPH assay, Total phenolic content, Swiss albino mice, Total flavonoid content, Antiparkinsonian activity, Protective effect, Elevated plus maze test, Hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay, Neurodegenerative disease, Standardized extract, Object Recognition Test, Natural Source of Antioxidants, Sprague Dawley rat.