Natural Products Pharmacology

Sage oil inhibits human brain acetylcholinesterase and improves memory function Our studies on natural products neuropharmacology provide a key focus for research into leads for novel chemical entities and therapies.

Our clinical focus is on cognitive function, memory loss and other psychiatric disorders affecting the quality of life, such as dementia of the Alzheimer’s type, autism, schizophrenia and mood disorders,  including anxiety and stress.

Our research objectives include the identification of relevant natural products; isolation and chemical characterization of active components, and screening for key bioactivities in disease mechanisms – such as neuromodulation, neurotransmitter function, neuroprotection (antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-amyloidal agents) and enzyme inhibition. We have conducted several controlled clinical trials in both normal and patient populations.  Our work is conducted as part of a strong regional Medicinal Plant Research Centre, a collaborative partnership with Durham, Northumbria and Teesside Universities, as well as commercial organisations, charities and voluntary organisations.  Our current international partnerships include India, South Africa, Japan, China, Korea, Thailand, Germany, Denmark, Greece, New Zealand and Australia.

Staff:

X_natural

Dr Kirsten Brandt
Senior Lecturer

Professor Colin Ingram
Director, Institute of Neuroscience

Dr Richard McQuade
Senior Lecturer

Dr Elizabeta Mukaetova-Ladinska
Clinical Senior Lecturer/Consultant

Dr Edward Okello
Director of the Medicinal Plant Research Group

Professor Elaine Perry
Professor of Neurochemical Pathology

 

Selected Publications:

  • Okello EJ, Savelev SU, Perry EK  (2004) In vitro anti-beta-secretase and dual anti-cholinesterase activity of Camellia sinensis L. (tea) relevant to treatment of dementia. Phytotherapy Research 18: 624-627 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15476306)
  • Scholey AB, Tildesley NTJ, Ballard CG, Wesnes KA, Tasker A, Perry EK, Kennedy DO (2008) An extract of Salvia (sage) with anticholinesterase properties improves memory and attention in healthy older volunteers. Psychopharmacology 198: 127-139 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18350281)
  • Abuhamdah S, Huang L, Elliott MSJ, Howes MJR, Ballard C, Holmes C, Burns A, Perry EK, Francis PT, Lees G, Chazot PL (2008) Pharmacological profile of an essential oil derived from Melissa officinalis with anti-agitation properties: focus on ligand-gated channels. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 60: 377-384 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18284819)
  • Savelev S, Okello EJ, Perry EK (2004) Butyryl-and acetyl-cholinesterase inhibitory activities in essential oils of Salvia species and their constituents. Phytotherapy Research 18: 315-324 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15162368)
  • Kennedy DO, Pace S, Haskell C, Okello EJ, Milne A, Scholey AB (2006) Effects of cholinesterase inhibiting sage (Salvia officinalis) on mood, anxiety and performance on a psychological stressor battery. Neuropsychopharmacology 31: 845-852 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16205785)
  • Tildesley NTJ, Kennedy DO, Perry EK, Ballard CG, Wesnes KA, Scholey AB (2005) Positive modulation of mood and cognitive performance following administration of acute doses of Salvia lavandulaefolia essential oil to healthy young volunteers. Physiology and Behavior 83: 699-709 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15639154)
  • Kennedy DO, Wake G, Savelev S, Tildesley NT, Perry EK, Wesnes KA, Scholey AB (2003) Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of single doses of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) with human CNS nicotinic and muscarinic receptor-binding properties. Neuropsychopharmacology 28:1871-1881 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12888775)
  • Savelev S, Okello E, Perry NS, Wilkins RM, Perry EK (2003) Synergistic and antagonistic interactions of anticholinesterase terpenoids in Salvia lavandulaefolia essential oil. Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior 75: 661-668 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12895684)
  • Tildesley NT, Kennedy DO, Perry EK, Ballard CG, Savelev S, Wesnes KA, Scholey AB (2003) Salvia lavandulaefolia (Spanish Sage) enhances memory in healthy young volunteers. Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior 75: 669-674 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12895685)
  • Perry NS, Houghton PJ, Jenner P, Keith A, Perry EK (2002) Salvia lavandulaefolia essential oil inhibits cholinesterase in vivo. Phytomedicine 9: 48-51 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11926204)