The Key Flavor Substance in Zanthoxylum Preventing Alzheimer's Disease through Insulin Signaling

Alzheimer's disease (AD), affecting over 50 million people globally, is a leading cause of dementia with severe socioeconomic impacts. A key pathological feature is β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation, driving neurodegeneration. This study investigates WGX-50, a bioactive amide from Zanthoxylum bungeanum, for its anti-AD potential using Caenorhabditis elegans models (CL2355/GMC101). WGX-50 reduced Aβ deposition in neuronal and muscle tissues while improving mobility, reproductive fitness, and cognitive functions. Mechanistically, transcriptomics revealed WGX-50's modulation of immune-related genes, validated by RNAi and RT-qPCR, suggesting the involvement of the insulin signaling (IIS) pathway in Aβ suppression. Our findings highlight WGX-50's dual therapeutic and prophylactic effects against Aβ toxicity, highlighting it as a promising neuroprotective agent. The study not only elucidates WGX-50's mode of action but also advances Z. bungeanum-derived flavor compounds as functional food candidates for neurodegenerative disease prevention, offering novel strategies for AD intervention.