Abstract:
Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder causing dementia in affected patients. Recently, plant alkaloids have shown relevance in the management of neurodegenerative diseases; however, there is limited information on the neuroprotective properties of alkaloid from some tropical green leafy vegetables. Hence, this study aimed at investigating the antioxidative and neuroprotective properties of alkaloid extracts of Editan (Lasianthera africana) and African Jointfir (Gnetum africanum) leaves in cell-based and cell-free systems.Methodology: Characterization of these alkaloids was carried out using high performance liquid chromatography. Two different strains of Drosophila melanogaster were used in this study – Wild flies (Oregon) and Transgenic flies. Alkaloid extracts were included in the diets of these flies at varying concentrations (2 µg/g and 10 µg/g basal diets). After a period of seven (7) days, prior to anaesthesia, flies from each group were independently examined for locomotor performance. The flies were thereafter anaesthetized and tissue homogenates obtained were assayed for markers of neurotoxicity and antioxidant status.Result from this study showed that these alkaloid extracts exhibit outstanding antioxidant capability, as evident by increased superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione-S-transferase activities, at all concentration tested. Also, it was revealed that both alkaloid extracts exhibit antiradical activity. Furthermore, this study revealed that these alkaloids possess lifespan extension property, cholinesterase and monoamine oxidase inhibitory activities. These alkaloid extracts could therefore be employed as sources of nutraceuticals that can be used in the treatment of oxidative stress pathologies in which free radicals are implicated e.g. Alzheimer’s disease.
Page(s):
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Abstract Book on 9th Annual Neuroscience Conference (ANC-23) August 12-13, 2023 , Volume: 0, Issue: 0, Year: 2023