Evaluation of Helianthus annuus Flower Extract on Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a slowly progressive disease of the brain that is characterized by the impairment of memory and eventually by disturbances in reasoning, planning, language, and perception. Amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ) is main source of oxidative stress in AD because it can acquire a free‐radical state that contributes to its toxic effects. Aβ‐induced cytotoxicity is caused by intracellular accumulation ofreactive oxygen species, which leads to lipid peroxidation and cell death. Helianthus annuus flower is known for its nutritional value and having many medicinal benefits as well. Helianthus annuus flower contain many medicinally essential phytoconstituents, such as phenol, flavonoid, and carotenoid.MethodSTZ administration through route such as intracebroventricular or intraperitoneal injection produces reduced cognition and increased cerebral aggregated Aβ fragments, total tau protein, and Aβ deposits. These changes were accompanied with decreased glycogen synthase kinase (GSK‐3) alpha/beta ratio (phosphorylated/total) in the brain. Administration of STZ in a rodent’s brain has been shown to produce neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and biochemical alterations, which is considered to be a valid experimental model of the early pathophysiological changes in neurodegenerative disease.ResultTwo doses (100 and 200 mg/kg) of the flower extract from Helianthus annuus were given over the course of seven days. The standard agent utilised was piracetam (120 mg/kg). Oral administration of Helianthus annuus flower extract resulted in a considerable reduction in A1‐40 58 0.21 (100mg/kg) and 53 0.79 (200mg/kg) and A1‐42 17 0.89 (100mg/kg) and 15 1.02 (200mg/kg). Helianthus annuus flower extract increased the levels of the following brain antioxidant enzymes at 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, respectively: CAT (15.5 2.8** and 14.0 1.12**), SOD (13.5 1.4** and 18.3 1.7**, GSH (203.3 15.3** and 218.0 13.5**), TBARS (200.3 7.3** and 208.0 11.0**). AChE activity was significantly decreased when Helianthus annuus flower extract was taken orally at doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, respectively.ConclusionData of the present study revealed that Helianthus annuus flower significantly decreased the brain Amyloid β 1‐42 and AChE activity in rats. Data revealed that administration of both Helianthus annuus flower (100mg/kg) and Helianthus annuus flower (200mg/kg) increased the activity of SOD and CAT.