Gypenosides → Optic Neuritis

Original Indication

Traditional oriental medicine, studied for hyperlipidemia-related myocardial injury.

Proposed New Indication

Gypenosides, known for their neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, show potential for repurposing in optic neuritis by modulating neuroinflammation, potentially via the NLRP3 inflammasome and other pathways.

Proposed Mechanism

Targets: NLRP3_Inflammasome, NF-kB, Nrf2

Gypenosides modulate the miR-223/NLRP3 axis to reduce inflammation (PMID 41994098) and have general neuroprotective effects by modulating pathways like NF-κB, Nrf2, AKT, ERK1/2 (PMID 38908668). In optic neuritis, these mechanisms could reduce inflammation and promote neuronal protection.

Evidence

Level: Preclinical (in vivo/in vitro studies for neuroprotection and NLRP3 modulation; review for optic neuritis mention)

Source: - Liang G et al. Neuroprotective effects of Gypenosides: A review on preclinical studies in neuropsychiatric disorders. Eur J Pharmacol. 2024 Sep 5;978:176766.

Reference: PubMed 38908668

Repurposing Score