Neuroprotective Effect of Corydalis ternata Extract and Its Phytochemical Quantitative Analysis

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Phytochemistry
• Neuroscience and Neuroprotection
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Traditional use of Corydalis ternata tubers for cardiovascular conditions.
• Known bioactivities of C. ternata components, including anticholinesterase and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Relevance of acetylcholinesterase activity and amyloid-beta aggregation as dementia biomarkers.

Purpose of the Study:

• Quantify coptisine and berberine in C. ternata using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
• Investigate the effects of coptisine and berberine on acetylcholinesterase activity and amyloid-beta aggregation.
• Evaluate the neuroprotective and antioxidant potential of C. ternata extract.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative analysis of coptisine and berberine via HPLC with a C-18 column and gradient elution.
• Assay of acetylcholinesterase inhibition and ABTS radical scavenging activity.
• Assessment of neuroprotection using hydrogen peroxide-induced cell death in HT22 hippocampal cells.

Main Results:

• HPLC method demonstrated high linearity (r=1.0000), precision (0.49-3.88%), accuracy (97.88-102.7%), and recovery (95.12-103.79%).
• Coptisine and berberine content: 4.968±0.089 mg/g and 3.73±0.075 mg/g, respectively.
• Both compounds dose-dependently inhibited acetylcholinesterase (IC50=0.74 µM for coptisine, 0.48 µM for berberine) and the extract showed antioxidant and neuroprotective effects.

Conclusions:

• Corydalis ternata tubers contain significant amounts of coptisine and berberine.
• Coptisine and berberine effectively inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity, a key target in dementia treatment.
• C. ternata extract exhibits neuroprotective properties, suggesting its therapeutic potential for dementia.