Cornus mas L. Extracts Exhibit Neuroprotective Properties, Further Enhanced by Metal-Bound Energy-Linked Organic...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Neurodegenerative diseases pose a growing global health challenge.
• Understanding disease mechanisms and developing effective therapeutics are critical.
• Natural products and metal ion complexes offer potential therapeutic avenues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the antioxidant and neuroprotective potential of Cornus mas extracts.
• To evaluate supplemented mixtures with zinc(II)-citrate (Zn(II)-Cit) and vanadium(IV)-citrate (V(IV)-Cit).
• To explore the cellular mechanisms underlying the observed bioactivities.

Main Methods:

• In vitro studies using N2a58 and SH-SY5Y brain cell lines.
• Assessment of cytotoxicity, antioxidant activity (via H2O2 challenge, ROS visualization), and gene expression (NFE2L2, Hmox1, GCLM, TNF-a, IL-6).
• Evaluation of Zn(II) bioavailability and its link to anti-inflammatory effects.

Main Results:

• Cornus mas extracts and metal complexes were non-toxic to cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner.
• Significant antioxidant activity was observed, with specific gene involvement (NFE2L2, Hmox1, GCLM).
• Anti-inflammatory effects were noted, linked to Zn(II) bioavailability and gene expression (TNF-a, IL-6).

Conclusions:

• Cornus mas extracts and Zn(II)-Cit exhibit significant neuroprotective properties.
• These natural compounds demonstrate potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
• Further development of these natural products as neutraceuticals for neurodegenerative disease prevention is warranted.