Characterisation of Dandelion Polyphenols and Their In Vitro Neuroprotective Effects During Simulated Digestion

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Neuropharmacology
• Food Science

Background:

• Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is recognized for its medicinal and nutritional value.
• Polyphenols are bioactive compounds with potential health benefits, including neuroprotection.
• Understanding polyphenol stability and efficacy during digestion is crucial for functional food development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the stability and neuroprotective potential of polyphenols from dandelion flowers, roots, and leaves during simulated in vitro digestion.
• To identify phenolic metabolites and assess their bioactivity against neurodegenerative disease markers.
• To evaluate the impact of simulated digestion on polyphenol content and neuroprotective effects.

Main Methods:

• Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-ESI-MS/MS) for metabolite identification.
• In vitro neuroprotection assays measuring inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), lipoxygenase (LOX), and scavenging of reactive nitrogen species (RNS).
• Simulated in vitro digestion model (oral, gastric, intestinal phases).

Main Results:

• 84 phenolic metabolites were identified, with flavonoids dominant in flowers and phenolic acids in leaves/roots.
• Leaf polyphenols showed the highest inhibition of AChE and LOX; flower polyphenols had the strongest RNS scavenging activity.
• Simulated digestion increased total phenol and flavonoid content; leaf polyphenols consistently inhibited AChE across all digestive stages.

Conclusions:

• Dandelion polyphenols possess significant neuroprotective properties.
• Leaf polyphenols demonstrate superior and sustained inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, a key marker for neurodegenerative diseases.
• Dandelion leaves represent a promising functional food source for mitigating neurodegenerative conditions.