Comprehensive Insights into Biological Roles of Rosmarinic Acid: Implications in Diabetes, Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Phytochemicals are abundantly occurring natural compounds extracted from plant sources. Rosmarinic acid (RA) is an abundant phytochemical of Lamiaceae species with various therapeutic implications for human health. In recent years, natural compounds have gained significant attention as adjuvant and complementary therapies to existing medications for various diseases. RA has gained popularity due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and its roles in various life-threatening conditions, such as cancer, neurodegeneration, diabetes, etc. The present review aims to offer a comprehensive insight into the multifaceted therapeutic properties of RA, including its potential as an anticancer agent, neuroprotective effects, and antidiabetic potential. Based on the available evidences, RA could be considered a potential dietary component for treating various diseases, including cancer, diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders.

Investigating MARK4 inhibitory potential of Bacopaside II: Targeting Alzheimer's disease.

Microtubule affinity regulating kinase 4 (MARK4) is known to hyperphosphorylate tau protein, which subsequently causes Alzheimer's disease (AD). MARK4 is a well-validated drug target for AD; thus, we employed its structural features to discover potential inhibitors. On the other hand, complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) have been used for the treatment of numerous diseases with little side effects. In this regard, Bacopa monnieri extracts have been extensively used to treat neurological disorders because of their neuroprotective roles. The plant extract is used as a memory enhancer and a brain tonic. Bacopaside II is a major component of Bacopa monnieri; thus, we studied its inhibitory effects and binding affinity towards the MARK4. Bacopaside II show a considerable binding affinity for MARK4 (K = 107 M-1) and inhibited kinase activity with an IC50 value of 5.4 µM. To get atomistic insights into the binding mechanism, we performed Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies for 100 ns. Bacopaside II binds strongly to the active site pocket residues of MARK4 and a number of hydrogen bonds remain stable throughout the MD trajectory. Our findings provide the basis for the therapeutic implication of Bacopaside and its derivatives in MARK4-related neurodegenerative diseases, especially AD and neuroinflammation.