The common spikenard demonstrates neuroprotective effects

In traditional Asian medicines, spikenard (Nardostachys chinensis) is a plant used as an anti-malarial, anti-nociceptive, and neurotrophic treatment. A study published in the Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines confirmed the effectiveness of spikenard as a natural anti-neuro-inflammatory and neuroprotective agent.

• Researchers from Pusan National University in Busan, Korea assessed the effects of the extract of spikenard on the anti-neuroinflammatory effects mediated by Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) increase in Salmonella lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- or Staphylococcus aureus lipoteichoic acid (LTA)-stimulated BV2 microglial cells.
• Results of the study suggested that the extract of spikenard suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine production and induced HO-1 transcription and translation through Nrf-2/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling.
• The extract of spikenard significantly suppressed LPS- and LTA-induced activation of nuclear factor-kappa B, as well as phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT).
• In addition, the extract of spikenard protected hippocampal HT22 cells from indirect neuronal toxicity mediated by LPS- and LTA-treated microglial cells.
• These findings indicated that spikenard extract impairs LPS- and LTA-induced neuro-inflammatory responses in microglial cells and provides protection against indirect neuronal damage to HT22 cells.

In conclusion, the findings of the study suggest that spikenard extract could be used as a natural anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective agent.

To read more stories on natural anti-inflammatory agents, visit AlternativeMedicine.news today.

Journal Reference:

Park SY, Kim YH, Park G. ANTI-NEURO-INFLAMMATORY EFFECTS OF NARDOSTACHYS CHINENSIS IN LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE-AND LIPOTEICHOIC ACID-STIMULATED MICROGLIAL CELLS. Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines. 20 May 2016; 14(5): 343-353. DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1009.2016.00343