Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
A11-positive β-amyloid Oligomer Preparation and Assessment Using Dot Blotting Analysis
Published on: May 22, 2018
Identification of an antiamyloidogenic substance from mulberry leaves
Parinda Khaengkhan1, Yuki Nishikaze, Tetsuhiro Niidome
1Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan.
Abstract:
Fibrillar aggregates of amyloid beta-peptides are major constituents of the plaques found in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease, and have been implicated in the neurotoxicity of Alzheimer's. We previously reported that the methanol extract of mulberry leaves inhibits the formation of amyloid beta-peptide (1-42)-fibrils in vitro, and protects hippocampal neurons from amyloid beta-peptide (1-42)-induced cell death. In this study, we identified antiamyloidogenic substances, pheophorbide a, kaempferol -3-O-glucoside, and kaempferol -3-O-(6-malonyl) glucoside, from the methanol extract of mulberry leaves. We also compared the antiamyloidogenic activity of pheophorbide a with that of other porphyrin-related compounds.
Insights
Mulberry leaf extract contains compounds that inhibit amyloid beta-peptide fibril formation, a key factor in Alzheimer's disease. These findings suggest potential therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease neurodegeneration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Amyloid beta-peptide (Aβ) fibrillar aggregates form plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains, contributing to neurotoxicity.
- Previous research indicated mulberry leaf methanol extract inhibits Aβ(1-42) fibril formation and protects neurons.
- This study aimed to identify and characterize the specific antiamyloidogenic compounds within mulberry leaf extract.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific antiamyloidogenic compounds present in the methanol extract of mulberry leaves.
- To evaluate and compare the antiamyloidogenic activity of identified compounds, particularly pheophorbide a.
- To explore the potential of mulberry leaf-derived compounds as therapeutic agents for Alzheimer's disease.
Main Methods:
- Chemical extraction of mulberry leaves using methanol.
- Identification of active compounds using chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques.
- In vitro assays to assess inhibition of amyloid beta-peptide (1-42) fibril formation.
- Comparative analysis of antiamyloidogenic activity of pheophorbide a and related porphyrins.
Main Results:
- Pheophorbide a, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, and kaempferol-3-O-(6-malonyl) glucoside were identified as antiamyloidogenic substances.
- Pheophorbide a demonstrated significant inhibitory activity against amyloid beta-peptide (1-42) fibril formation.
- Comparative analysis provided insights into the structure-activity relationship of porphyrin-related compounds.
Conclusions:
- Mulberry leaf extract contains potent antiamyloidogenic compounds, including pheophorbide a.
- Pheophorbide a shows promise as a therapeutic candidate for inhibiting amyloid aggregation in Alzheimer's disease.
- Further research into pheophorbide a and related compounds could lead to novel Alzheimer's disease treatments.
