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BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

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Open Access 01-12-2023 | Helminths | Research

A fruit extract of Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) counteracts oxidative stress and mediates neuroprotection in Caenorhabditis elegans

Authors: Sara Thabit, Heba Handoussa, Nesrine S. ElSayed, Hans-Georg Breitinger, Ulrike Breitinger, Michael Wink

Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies | Issue 1/2023

Abstract

Background

Despite its widespread uses in Chinese and European medicine, Styphnolobium japonicum (Chinese scholar tree, formerly Sophora japonicum) has not been extensively investigated for its potential to protect against neurodegenerative processes and to promote resistance to oxidative stress. In this study, we evaluated the neuroprotective activities of a hydroalcoholic extract from Chinese scholar tree fruits that could be possibly linked to its antioxidant properties using Caenorhabditis elegans as a well-established in vivo model.

Methods

Survival rate in mutant daf-16 and skn-1 worms, stressed by the pro-oxidant juglone and treated with the extract, was tested. Localization of the transcription factors SKN-1 and DAF-16, and expression of gst-4 were measured. For evaluation of neuroprotective effects, formation of polyglutamine (polyQ40) clusters, α-synuclein aggregates, loss of amphid sensilla (ASH) neuronal function, and amyloid β (Aβ) accumulation (as markers for Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s) was examined.

Results

The extract, which contains substantial amounts of phenolic phytochemicals, showed an increase in the survival rate of worms challenged with juglone in daf-16 mutants but not in skn-1 mutants. The transcription factor SKN-1 was activated by the extract, while DAF-16 was not affected. Upon application of the extract, a significant decline in GST-4 levels, polyQ40 cluster formation, number of lost ASH sensory neurons, α-synuclein aggregation, and paralysis resulting from Aβ accumulation was observed.

Conclusions

Styphnolobium japonicum fruit extract activated the SKN-1/Nrf2 pathway, resulting in oxidative stress resistance. It revealed promising pharmacological activities towards treatment of Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s diseases. Polyphenolics from Styphnolobium japonicum may be a promising route towards treatment of CNS disorders, but need to be tested in other in vivo systems.

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Title: A fruit extract of Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) counteracts oxidative stress and mediates neuroprotection in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Sara Thabit
Heba Handoussa
Nesrine S. ElSayed
Hans-Georg Breitinger
Ulrike Breitinger
Michael Wink
Publication date: 01-12-2023
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Helminths
Parkinson's Disease
Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 2662-7671
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-023-04149-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

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A fruit extract of Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) counteracts oxidative stress and mediates neuroprotection in Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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