Plant compound helps injured brain cells regrow after trauma
Wang Y, Liao WL, Wang C, Li YC, Lu TH
Medicinal Plants
The flavonoid behind this discovery belongs to the same family of plant chemicals found in citrus peels and herbal teas, the kind of molecule home gardeners encounter every time they compost citrus rinds or brew a flavonoid-rich tisane.
Researchers screened plant extracts and found one compound, isorhoifolin, that helps damaged brain cells grow new connections after a head injury. In mice, it crossed into the brain, calmed cell stress, and improved movement after injury by acting on two specific proteins in brain cells. It's an early step toward a possible future medicine, not something you'd use today.
Key Findings
Isorhoifolin promoted neurite regrowth in injured cortical and hippocampal neurons and reduced cytosolic and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species
The compound crossed the blood-brain barrier in mice and significantly improved motor coordination after experimental traumatic brain injury
Isorhoifolin binds S1PR3 and NQO2, inhibiting a neuronal S1PR3-CK2-GSK3β signaling axis; S1PR3 expression was about 40% higher in human TBI patient data
chevron_right Technical Summary
Scientists found a natural compound called isorhoifolin that helps injured brain cells regrow their connections and improves recovery after traumatic brain injury in mice, working by blocking a specific protein pathway in neurons and brain support cells.
Abstract Preview
Original paper
Isorhoifolin regulates S1PR3-CK2-GSK3β axis and promotes neurite regrowth and functional recovery after traumatic brain injury.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) disrupts anatomical structure and cellular signaling, yet the molecular mechanisms governing endogenous repair remain incompletely defined. Accumulating evidence implic...
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