Study On The Chemical Constituents Of Cistanche Deserticola in Improving Cognitive Function And Its Mechanism Of Action

2. Mechanisms of Cistanche deserticola in improving cognitive function

Studies have shown that in addition to the functions of protecting liver, anti-cancer, anti-radiation, hypoglycemic, anti-allergic and anti-malignant cell proliferation, Cistanche deserticola also has the functions of anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, immune regulation and protection of nerve function, thereby improving cognition Dysfunction [18,22-27].

2. 1 Clearance of β-amyloid of Cistanche

The typical histopathological changes in AD are the neuritic plaques formed by the deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ) outside the nerve cells, so the ability to clear Aβ is reduced. It will lead to Aβ deposition, thereby affecting cognitive function. Roland et al. [28] conducted experimental research on AD model rats induced by Aβ, and found that total glucosides of Cistanche deserticola could enhance the ability of Aβ clearance, promote the recovery of damaged nerve cells in model rats, and thus improve cognitive function. Tao Yicun et al[29] found that Cistanche can inhibit the deposition of β-amyloid plaques in experimental AD mice, clear Aβ, and help restore the function of cholinergic neurons, thereby improving cognitive impairment.

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2.2 Antioxidant and scavenging free radicals of Cistanche

The occurrence and development of cognitive impairment are inseparable from oxidative stress, and oxidative stress is one of the main risk factors for cognitive impairment. Wang Lu et al. found that the total glucosides of Cistanche deserticola could increase the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) to a great extent. The activity of malondialdehyde (MDA) is reduced, which enhances the body's scavenging ability to free radicals and removes excess peroxides in the body, thereby improving cognitive function. Huang Huilian et al[30] pointed out that the total glycosides of Cistanche deserticola can improve the learning ability of Alzheimer's disease model mice, mainly by enhancing the activity of free radical scavenging enzymes, reducing lipid peroxidation, and inhibiting quinolinic acid-induced brain cell apoptosis. , reduce the calcium content of brain tissue, thereby improving learning and memory ability, improve cognitive function. Cai Kerui et al[21] divided the dementia mice into different control groups and observation groups, and found that the serum superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione peroxidase activity in the Cistanche deserticola polysaccharide group were improved, and at the same time, nerve cell DNA damage was significantly increased. With some repair, cognitive function improves. Cimicifugasides in Cistanche deserticola can resist the damage of SH-SY5Y cells induced by amyloid Aβ25-35, mainly through anti-oxidation or regulation of cytochrome C, Bcl-2 and caspase-3 cell apoptosis pathways. Thereby improving cognitive function of AD patients.

Echinacea plays a role in resisting amyloid deposition in rat hippocampus caused by D-galactose, which is beneficial to scavenge oxygen free radicals, reduce cell deformation and loss caused by oxygen free radical damage, and improve AD. The learning and memory ability of rats [32].

2. 3 Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects

Another important cause of cognitive impairment is the activation of microglia and the release of a large number of inflammatory factors and immune complement proteins. Echinacea inhibits inflammatory response by reducing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in PC12 cells and improves cognitive function [26]. The total glycosides of Cistanche deserticola can significantly enhance the D-galactose-induced lymphocyte transformation ability and the phagocytic function of peritoneal macrophages in aging mice, and at the same time can increase the activity of NK cells, the content of CD4+T cells and CD8+T cells and the content of IL-2 in peripheral blood, so as to increase the level of IL-2 in peripheral blood. It can play a role in immune regulation and improve learning and memory ability [33].

 Zhang Yuhe et al[34] found that both low molecular weight sugars and polysaccharides from Cistanche deserticola could enhance the phagocytic activity of RAW264.7 cells, which was beneficial to the release of RAW264.7 cells.

NO, but only low-molecular-weight sugar from Cistanche deserticola can activate the IKKβ/IκBα/NF-κB signaling pathway, which is beneficial to the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α proteins, thereby activating the immune phagocytosis of cells. Among them, mannitol can significantly enhance the phagocytic activity of macrophages. Cistanche cistanche has a variety of chemical components, among which cistanche saccharides are the main material basis for its immune regulation, and the main active component is mannitol [35].

2.4 Inhibition of nerve cell apoptosis In the process of nervous system development, nerve cells play an important role.

Once nerve cells die, it will lead to neuronal cell dysfunction and cognitive impairment. Therefore, the prevention and treatment of cognitive impairment is important. The ultimate goal is to protect nerves and delay neuronal death. The apoptosis process of neurons mainly includes oxidative stress and decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential. Ju Bowei et al[36] conducted research on AD mice and found that phenylethanoid can reduce the expression of Aβ1-42 and Aβ1-40 proteins in the hippocampus of mice, and affect the Aβ cascade reaction, thereby protecting neurons and improving AD. Learning and memory ability of mice. Research [37] showed that echinacoside can inhibit the accumulation of a large amount of free calcium in cells caused by reactive oxygen species, thereby exerting neuroprotective effects to improve cognitive function.

Verbasin is an activator of Nrf2 and an inducer of HO-1 expression. It can play an antioxidant and reduce neurotoxicity effect through the up-regulation of HO-1, thereby inhibiting neuronal apoptosis and improving learning and memory ability [38].

Roland et al.[28] found that total glucosides of Cistanche can alleviate the pathological state of damaged neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region of experimental AD rats, and at the same time reduce the ultrastructure damage of hippocampal neurons, thereby improving cognitive function[28]. . After the bilateral hippocampus of experimental rats was injected with Aβ25-35, it was easy to cause neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus.

Miao Xin et al. [39] found that cistanche verbasidin could effectively protect PC12 nerve cells from D-galactose-induced damage and improve cognitive function. Song Qingqing[8] conducted a water maze experiment on a rat model with bilateral common carotid artery ligation (2VO). The rat model of 2VO is likely to cause damage to neurons in the hippocampus of rats. The results showed that there was no obvious damage to neuronal cells after administration, indicating that Cistanche deserticola has the effect of protecting nerves, thereby improving the ability of learning and memory [40].

2.5 Relief of ischemic brain injury

In recent years, for cognitive impairment, especially Alzheimer's disease, the neurovascular hypothesis has gradually appeared in people's sight. As a result of dysfunction, ischemic brain injury can reduce Aβ clearance and increase extracellular Aβ deposition, leading to cognitive impairment. Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury mainly involves multiple links such as increased excitatory amino acid (EAA) release, increased free radical generation, intracellular calcium ion homeostasis, and increased immune inflammatory response, which is a complex cascade reaction. Selecting rats with cerebral ischemia and observing the content of aspartic acid in brain tissue after reperfusion, it can be found that total glucosides of Cistanche deserticola can reduce its content, and can regulate the EAA content of cerebral cortex, thereby reducing ischemic brain injury and improving cognition. obstacles 

3 Summary

As we all know, China has entered an aging society, and healthy China has become a national strategy. Alzheimer's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, vascular dementia and other diseases with cognitive impairment as the main manifestation have become common diseases that threaten the physical and mental health of middle-aged and elderly people, seriously affecting the quality of life of patients, and increasing the burden on families and society. Improving cognitive impairment is the focus of medical research in many countries, including my country. Cistanche deserticola has a mild taste. Studies have shown that Cistanche deserticola and its extracts play an effective role in many systemic diseases of the human body, especially in the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases, showing good prospects, especially in improving cognitive impairment, and have good safety. sex. The blood-brain barrier plays an important role in the stability of the internal environment. Most of the drugs cannot pass through the blood-brain barrier, which limits the role of the central nervous system. Biological effects on the central nervous system [44].

Due to the low bioavailability, the clinical use is limited. Some studies have tried to improve the traditional preparations of Cistanche deserticola and improve its bioavailability through methods such as PhGs liposomes, nanoparticles, and phospholipid complexes based on traditional Chinese medicine. And the in-depth study of the traditional Chinese medicine compound containing Cistanche deserticola in the prevention and treatment of cognitive impairment provides useful ideas.

For example, KANGKA Capsule created by Professor Tu Pengfei, this preparation uses Cistanche  as one of the important components. A large number of studies [45-46] show that Kangka Capsule has the functions of dilating blood vessels, anti-oxidation and scavenging free radicals, protecting brain cells and neurons, etc. to improve cognitive function.

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