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Updated: Jul 6, 2025
Functional Evaluation of Biological Neurotoxins in Networked Cultures of Stem Cell-derived Central Nervous System Neurons
Published on: February 5, 2015
Neuroactivity screening of botanical extracts using microelectrode array (MEA) recordings.
Regina G D M van Kleef1, Michelle R Embry2, Constance A Mitchell2
1Neurotoxicology Research Group, Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80.177, NL-3508 TD Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Microelectrode array (MEA) recordings revealed that botanical extracts exhibit diverse neurotoxic effects. Some botanicals decreased cell viability, while others altered neuronal network function, highlighting MEA
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Botanical toxicity assessment is complex due to chemical variability.
- Botanicals can impact multiple neuronal functions.
- In vitro models are crucial for evaluating botanical safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen 16 botanical extracts for neurotoxicity using microelectrode array (MEA) recordings.
- To assess the impact of botanical extracts on neuronal viability and network function.
- To identify potential hazards and rank the potency of botanical extracts.
Main Methods:
- Primary rat cortical cultures were utilized.
- Microelectrode array (MEA) recordings assessed neuronal network activity.
- Botanical extracts were tested at concentrations of 5 and 50 μg/mL.
- Cell viability was evaluated through mitochondrial activity assays.
Main Results:
- Cytotoxicity was observed with goldenseal, milk thistle, tripterygium, and yohimbe extracts after 7-day exposure.
- Acute exposure to aristolochia, ephedra, green tea, milk thistle, tripterygium, and usnea inhibited neuronal activity.
- Kava, kratom, and yohimbe extracts potently inhibited neuronal activity at 5 μg/mL.
- Blue cohosh, goldenseal, and oleander extracts intensified neuronal bursts.
- Aconite extract induced hyperexcitation, increasing spikes and network bursts.
Conclusions:
- Botanical extracts display varied modes of action on neuronal function.
- MEA recordings are effective for identifying botanical hazards and ranking potency.
- This study provides valuable data for the toxicological assessment of botanicals.
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