Modulatory Effects of Natural Products on Neuronal Differentiation

Abstract

Neuron loss is the cardinal characteristic of neurodegenerative diseases. Regulation of adult neurogenesis, especially the induction of neuronal differentiation, is important in developing therapies to promote neuronal regeneration from nerve injury or neurological disorders. Neuronal differentiation is extremely complicated because it can occur in different cell types and be caused by a variety of inducers. In recent years, medicinal plant-derived natural compounds have received extensive attention as major sources of new therapeutic agents for treating neurological disorders and they exert their effects by promoting adult neurogenesis. In this study, we summarized the detailed research progress on the active natural compounds with potential neuroprotective effects and their molecular mechanisms on inducing neuronal differentiation and morphogenesis in NS/PCs, MSCs, PC12 cells and neuroblastoma cells. The active ingredients derived from natural plants that efficacious in promoting neuronal differentiation and neurite outgrowth include phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, coumarins, terpenes, quinines, glycosides, iridoids, volatile oils and others (xanthone, isothiocyanate). Studies have shown that above natural products exert the promotion effects via regulating many factors involve in the process of neurogenesis, including specific proteins (DCX, β IIItubulin, MAP

Calotropis procera (leaves) supplementation exerts curative effects on promoting functional recovery in a mouse model of peripheral nerve injury

“…In the current scenario, a significant restoration in the motor functions was observed in terms of SFI measurement and the grip strength force (% of initial force) in all treatment groups as compared to the control (Figure 2a The earlier revival of motor function is associated with axonal growth (Ma et al, 2011). Natural products are found to enhance neuronal growth (An et al, 2018). Flavonoids have been reported to enhance the glycoxalate pathway (antioxidant defense system of neuronal tissues of the brain) and prevent the cerebral tissues from degeneration (Frandsen & Narayanasamy, 2017).…”

“…The earlier revival of motor function is associated with axonal growth (Ma et al., 2011 ). Natural products are found to enhance neuronal growth (An et al., 2018 ). Flavonoids have been reported to enhance the glycoxalate pathway (antioxidant defense system of neuronal tissues of the brain) and prevent the cerebral tissues from degeneration (Frandsen & Narayanasamy, 2017 ).…”

Potential of resveratrol in enrichment of neural progenitor-like cell induction of human stem cells from apical papilla

“…Recently, medicinal plant-derived natural compounds have become of interest as alternative sources of new therapeutic agents for neurodegenerative disease. Moreover, they exert their potential effects by enhancing neuronal differentiation and adult neurogenesis [17]. Resveratrol (3,4′,5-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is defined as a natural non-flavonoid polyphenol compound with a stilbene structure obtained from various plants including grapes, peanuts, pine trees, and berry plants [18].…”

Potential of resveratrol in enrichment of neural progenitor-like cells induction of human stem cells from apical papilla

“…Recently, medicinal plant-derived natural compounds have become of interest as alternative sources of new therapeutic agents for neurodegenerative disease. Moreover, they exert their potential effects by enhancing neuronal differentiation and adult neurogenesis [17]. Resveratrol (3,4',5-trihydroxytrans-stilbene) is de ned as a natural non-avonoid polyphenol compound with a stilbene structure obtained from various plants including grapes, peanuts, pine trees, and berry plants [18].…”