Title : In vitro efficacy studies of Bacopa monnieri and Rosemarinus officinalis to evaluate their neuroprotective and neurotrophic properties in the management of alzheimers Disease
Abstract:
Background: Alzheimer's Disease (AD) treatment modalities address symptoms aleviation through neurotransmitter modulation. Ayurveda, utilizing plant-derived compounds with neuroprotective properties, offers a promising avenue. This study explores integrating Ayurvedic formulations, specifically "Medhya Rasayana"(Brain tonics), into AD treatment. While Ayurvedic literature suggest the cognitive enhancement potentials of herbs like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Rosemary(Rosemarinus officinalis), their scientific evidence in AD treatment remains limited. We have carried out a series of in vitro efficacy studies to determine neuroprotective and neurotrophic activities of Brahmi and Rosemary extracts on MPP+iodide (neurotoxin) induced Human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) that serve as invitro
AD model.
Methods: We aimed to evaluate the percentage of cell restoration by Brahmi and Rosemary extracts in various concentrations and combination in 24 hours, after inducing damage by MPP+iodide in human neuroblastoma cells(SH-SY5Y). Anti-apoptotic effects were determined via the JC-1 method. The anti-inflammatory property was assessed by analyzing IL-6 levels in rh-TNF-α stimulated U251MG glioblastoma cells. Extensive neurite outgrowth was evaluated in differentiated SH-SY-5Y cell line against MPP+iodide(neurotoxin) induced damage mimicking AD.
Results: Brahmi exhibited 97.2% cell restoration at 100 μg/ml, thus suggesting it to be a potential natural compound in AD therapeutics. At 10μg/ml concentration, 1:1 combination of Brahmi and Rosemary demonstrated 67.73% restoration, which was significantly double that of individual treatment. Furthermore, the combination at 10μg/ml, reduced IL-6 levels by 129.5% in TNF-α stimulated U251MG glioblastoma cells. In neurotrophic potential evaluation, the herbal extracts promoted extensive neurite outgrowth in damaged SH-SY5Y cells, with Brahmi (100 μg/ml) and Rosemary (10 μg/ml) surpassing the reference control.
Conclusion: Results indicate that the chosen herbal extracts exhibited neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects. The findings clearly indicates the therapeutic potentials of Brahmi and Rosemary in the treatment of AD. At 10 ug/ml, the formulation enhaces mitochondrial membrane potential, inhibits apoptosis, and promotes neurite outgrowth, indicating a promising accomplishment in Ayurvedic treatment for AD.
Audience Takeaway Notes:
- Understand the evidences from in vitro efficacy studies to determine suitability for conducting in vivo confirmation trials for herbal drug development towards management of Alzhimer Disease
- Integration into Clinical Practice: Healthcare professionals can incorporate Brahmi and Rosemary into AD treatment plans, offering a natural, effective alternative that enhances patient outcomes through neuroprotective and neurotrophic benefits
- Research Expansion: Researchers can use these findings to conduct more extensive studies on plant-derived neuroprotective compounds, potentially leading to new, innovative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases
- Educational Enhancement: Educators can incorporate this research into their curricula to teach students about the benefits of integrating traditional Ayurvedic medicine with modern medical practices, providing a well-rounded understanding of AD treatments
- Practical Solutions for Treatment Design: The research offers practical solutions for designing more effective and streamlined AD treatment protocols, reducing reliance on synthetic drugs and potentially lowering treatment costs and side effects
- Improved Treatment Accuracy and New Insights: The study provides precise data on the effective concentrations and mechanisms of Brahmi and Rosemary, enhancing the accuracy of treatment designs and offering new insights into their anti-apoptotic and antiinflammatory properties