Current Issues in Molecular Biology (May 2023)

The Effect of Ethanol Extract from <i>Mesua ferrea</i> Linn Flower on Alzheimer’s Disease and Its Underlying Mechanism

  • Kusawadee Plekratoke,
  • Chantana Boonyarat,
  • Orawan Monthakantirat,
  • Natsajee Nualkaew,
  • Jinda Wangboonskul,
  • Suresh Awale,
  • Yaowared Chulikhit,
  • Supawadee Daodee,
  • Charinya Khamphukdee,
  • Suchada Chaiwiwatrakul,
  • Pornthip Waiwut

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb45050259
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 45, no. 5
pp. 4063 – 4079

Abstract

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The effects of Mesua ferrea Linn flower (MFE) extract on the pathogenic cascade of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) were determined by an in vitro and cell culture model in the search for a potential candidate for the treatment of AD. The 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay exhibited that the MFE extract had antioxidant activities. According to the Ellman and the thioflavin T method’s result, the extracts could inhibit acetylcholinesterase and β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation. Studies on neuroprotection in cell culture found that the MFE extract could reduce the death of human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) caused by H2O2 and Aβ. Western blot analysis exhibited that the MFE extract alleviated H2O2-induced neuronal cell damage by downregulating the pro-apoptotic proteins, including cleaved caspase-3, Bax, and by enhancing the expression of anti-apoptotic markers including MCl1, BClxl, and survivin. Moreover, MFE extract inhibited the expression of APP, presenilin 1, and BACE, and increased the expression of neprilysin. In addition, the MFE extract could enhance scopolamine-induced memory deficit in mice. Overall, results showed that the MFE extract had several modes of action related to the AD pathogenesis cascade, including antioxidants, anti-acetylcholinesterase, anti-Aβ aggregation, and neuroprotection against oxidative stress and Aβ. Therefore, the M. ferrea L. flower might be a possibility for further development as a medication for AD.

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