Evaluation of angiogenic and neuroprotective potential of different extracts from three Veronica species

Abstract

Methanol and 70% acetone extracts from Veronica jacquinii, Veronica urticifolia and Veronica teucrium were evaluated regarding their neuroprotective/antioxidant effects on the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line. All extracts exhibited modest protective activity by increasing cell survival in cells stressed with sodium nitroprusside (9–12%) and hydrogen peroxide (16–21%) compared to non-treated cells. These activities were accompanied by reductions in the amount of superoxide radicals and index of lipid peroxidation. Extracts were further analysed for the content of total phenolics, phenylpropanoid glycosides and iridoids, and the major compounds acteoside and aucubin. The highest amount of total phenolics was observed in V. jacquinii, while V. teucrium was richest in total iridoids, acteoside and aucubin. Angiogenic properties on EA.hy926 human endothelial cells were also examined. At the highest non-toxic concentration (25 µg/ml), the tested extracts inhibited spontaneous tube formation of endothelial cells on the extracellular matrix, implying their possible antiangiogenic activity. The most potent inhibitory effects were shown by methanol extract of V. jacquinii and aqueous acetone extract of V. teucrium. The extracts did not significantly change the adhesive or migratory capacity of EA.hy926 cells. Considering the traditional use of Veronica species, these results suggest a need for further assessment of their supposed wound-healing properties.