Update on new trends and progress of natural active ingredients in the intervention of Alzheimer's disease, based on understanding of traditional Chinese and Western relevant theories: A review.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the major neurological disorders causing death in the elderly worldwide. As a neurodegenerative disease that is difficult to prevent and cure, the pathogenesis of AD is complex and there is no effective cure. A variety of natural products derived from plants have been reported to have promising anti-AD activities, including flavonoids, terpenes, phenolic acids and alkaloids, which can effectively relieve the symptoms of AD in a variety of ways. This paper mainly reviews the pharmacological activity and mechanisms of natural products against AD. Although the clinical efficacy of these plants still needs to be determined by further high-quality studies, it may also provide a basis for future researchers to study anti-AD in depth.

Critical Evaluation of Valproic Acid-Induced Rodent Models of Autism: Current and Future Perspectives.

Valproic acid (VPA) induced rodent model of autism is a widely accepted and extensively used rodent model to investigate the pharmacotherapy against autism. But, to date, its validation, suitability, and applicability as a well defining autistic model are still questionable. Previous research efforts highlighted that this model shows various core defining features of autism and related pathways, hence it is very necessary to explore its authenticity as a well-suited model for autism. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the preclinical and neurobiological relevant validated features, involved etiological mechanism, biological markers, treatment responses, drawbacks, current approaches, and future perspectives of VPA-induced model of autism. This review would help in deciphering the validation of the VPA-induced autistic model and its suitability as an experimental model of autism. A thorough investigation of behavioral, molecular, and neurobiological processes in animal models of autism would help in investigating the exact causation and effective treatment for autism.