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A Potential Functional Food-Based Neuroprotective Strategy Using Mulberry Leaf Extract and Trolox Against
Nootchanat Mairuae1, Jenjiralai Phanphak1, Natechanok Thipboonchoo1
1Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand.
Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 12, 2026
Summary
Mulberry leaf extract and Trolox combat oxidative stress in neuronal cells by boosting antioxidant defenses and reducing cell damage. This combination shows promise for protecting against neurodegeneration caused by oxidative stress.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Oxidative stress is implicated in neuronal damage and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a common inducer of oxidative stress in cellular models.
- SH-SY5Y cells are a widely used human neuroblastoma cell line for studying neuronal function and disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the synergistic protective effects of mulberry leaf extract and Trolox against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects, focusing on Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and apoptosis pathways.
Main Methods:
- SH-SY5Y cells were treated with mulberry leaf extract and Trolox before exposure to H2O2.
- Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay.
- Oxidative stress markers (ROS, MDA) and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px) were measured.
- Protein expression of SIRT1, p53, CREB, Bax, and Bcl-2 was analyzed via Western blot.
Main Results:
- The combination treatment significantly enhanced cell viability and attenuated oxidative stress.
- Key findings include upregulation of SIRT1, CREB, and Bcl-2, with concurrent downregulation of p53 and Bax.
- Restoration of antioxidant enzyme activities and reduction in ROS and MDA levels were observed.
Conclusions:
- The synergistic combination of mulberry leaf extract and Trolox effectively protects SH-SY5Y cells against H2O2-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis.
- The protective mechanism involves the upregulation of SIRT1 signaling, leading to improved cellular defense and survival.
- These preliminary in vitro findings suggest potential for developing functional food-based strategies against oxidative stress-related neuronal damage, warranting further investigation.
