Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), one type of dementia, is a complex disease affecting people globally with limited drug treatment. Thus, natural products are currently of interest as promising candidates because of their cost-effectiveness and multi-target abilities. Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw., an edible fern, inhibited acetylcholinesterase in vitro, inferring that it might be a promising candidate for AD treatment by supporting cholinergic neurons. However, evidence demonstrating anti-AD properties of this edible plant via inhibiting of neurotoxic peptides production, amyloid beta (Aβ), both in vitro and in vivo is lacking. Thus, the anti-AD properties of D. esculentum extract both in vitro and in Drosophila models of Aβ-mediated toxicity were elucidated. Findings showed that an ethanolic extract exhibited high phenolics and flavonoids, contributing to antioxidant and inhibitory activities against AD-related enzymes. Notably, the extract acted as a BACE-1 blocker and reduced amyloid beta 42 (Aβ42) peptides in Drosophila models, resulting in improved locomotor behaviors. Information gained from this study suggested that D. esculentum showed potential for AD amelioration and prevention. Further investigations in vertebrates or humans are required to determine the effective doses of D. esculentum against AD, particularly via amyloidogenic pathway.
Highlights
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an irreversible, degenerative brain disease characterized by impairment of cognitive functions, accounting for 60–80% of all dementia patients[1]
To determine the optimal extraction method for D. esculentum, the sample was extracted with gradually increased polarity index solvents including hexane, dichloromethane and ethanol
Results implied that the sample with high Total phenolic contents (TPCs) extracted by ethanol exhibited high antioxidant properties regarding DPPH radical scavenging, ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an irreversible, degenerative brain disease characterized by impairment of cognitive functions, accounting for 60–80% of all dementia patients[1]. The methanolic crude extract of D. esculentum inhibited AChE activities in vitro, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration ( IC50) value at 272.97 ± 19.38 μg/mL, implying that it might be a promising candidate for prevention or treatment of AD by supporting cholinergic n eurons[17]. It is unknown whether D. esculentum possesses anti-AD properties in vivo, in relation to the amyloid pathway. Here, phytochemical analysis, antioxidant activities, and in vitro anti-AD properties of D. esculentum extract through inhibition of the key enzymes relevant to AD (AChE, BChE and BACE-1) were studied. Inhibition of BACE-1 and Aβ42 production in Drosophila models were elucidated
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