Exploration of hypothalamic disorders of selected indigenous medicinal plants through in-vitro and in-silico approaches

Abstract

The hypothalamus is a small but crucial part of the brain that plays a key role in maintaining the body's homeostasis and regulating various physiological processes. It is located beneath the thalamus, in the lower part of the brain, just above the brainstem. The hypothalamus gland is involved in a wide range of important functions such as the nervous, endocrine and respiratory systems. Various factors, both internal and external, such as genetics, environment, and lifestyle choices, can influence the hypothalamus and regulate its activity and stress response through the autonomic nervous system. Affected by various disorders, including hypopituitarism, in which hormone production is impaired. Related treatment for hypopituitarism is replacement with pituitary hormone and hypothalamic hormone, or administration of a specific targeted hormone. Diabetes Insipidus occurs when there is insufficient antidiuretic hormone (ADH) released from the hypothalamus. For treatment of diabetes insipidus, Desmopressin is often used, where the hypothalamus fails to produce adequate antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Hypothalamic obesity occurs when the hypothalamus fails to regulate appetite and energy balance. In case of hypothalamic obesity, pituitary hormone replacement is performed, in which pituitary hormone helps in weight regulation, lifestyle modification (exercise and diet), and Kallmann syndrome. In cases of Kallmann syndrome, hormone treatments like gonadotropin- releasing hormone (GnRH) are used. GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone) Analogues are used in the treatment of conditions like Kallmann syndrome. These drugs either stimulate or suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, influencing hormone production and helping regulate reproductive health. Melatonin, often used for managing sleep disorders and helping to regulate the circadian rhythm, acts on the hypothalamus to influence sleep-wake cycles.

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