Effect of Acacia catechu (L.f.) Willd. on Oxidative Stress with Possible Implications in Alleviating Selected Cognitive Disorders

Abstract

In human body, several categories of degenerative processes are largely determined by free radicals originating in cell. Free radicals are also known to have correlated with a variety of cognitive disorders (CDs) resulting in neuronal injury and eventually to death. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are such kind of killer CDs that occur due to dysfunction of cholinergic and dopaminergic neurons. Plant parts of Ginkgo biloba, Bacopa monnieri etc. are being used for the treatment of cognitive disorders in several countries. The present study was aimed to explore the detailed antioxidant and anti-cholinesterase activity of Acaciacatechu leaf (ACL) over CDs. Gas chromatography-Mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) were employed to identify the bioactive components present in ACL. Furthermore, the extract was evaluated to check the cytotoxic effects of ACL on normal cells. Amongst several antioxidant assays, DPPH assay, hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide radical and hypochlorous acid inhibitory activities were found to be greater in ACL than that of the respective standards while other assays exhibited a moderate or at per inhibitory activity with standards. Total phenolic and flavonoid content were also found to be present in decent amount. In addition, we found, a greater acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity of ACL when compared to other medicinally important plants, indicating its positive effect over CDs. Forty one bioactive components were explored through GC-MS. Of these, gallic acid, epicatechin, catechin, isoquercitrin etc. were found, which are potent antioxidant and a few of them have anti-neurodegenerative properties. Eventually, ACL was found to be nontoxic and safer to consume. Further studies with animal or human model however, would determine its efficacy as a potential anti-schizophrenic drug.

Clinical and Preclinical Cognitive Function Improvement after Oral Treatment of a Botanical Composition Composed of Extracts fromScutellaria baicalensisandAcacia catechu

“…Similar improvements in memory impairments were also observed for Oroxylin A when administered to mice in intransient cerebral hypoperfusion [51] and scopolamine induced disease models [52] suggesting that improvements may be due to inhibiting cytokine production via reduced oxidative stress in the brain. Similarly, the main active component of Acacia catechu , catechin, has also shown antiamnesic [24] and antineurodegenerative [25] properties suggestive of its use in alleviating cognitive disorders.…”

“…The result of baicalin neuroprotection was also observed as improved cognitive function in senescent mice [23]. Likewise, catechin from Acacia catechu has also showed antiamnesic [24] and antineurodegenerative [25] properties suggestive of its usage in alleviating cognitive disorders. The combination of baicalin and catechins from Scutellaria baicalensis and Acacia catechu has been reported with regulatory proinflammatory pathways by inhibiting COX/LOX and downregulating cytokines [26, 27].…”

The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and Huntington’s Disease: A Mini Review

“…Sharma et al [115] suggested that administration of quercetin attenuated the neuronal death and reduced the oxidative stress in aluminium-induced neurodegeneration in the rat hippocampus. Saha et al [116] explored the antineurogenic and antioxidant potential of Acacia catechu leaf extract using in vitro studies. Ren et al [117] reported that safflower flavonoid extract could be used as the herbal therapy for PD treatment.…”

Amelioration of Diabetic Nephropathy in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats by Acacia catechu Leaves Extract

“…The plant extract might contain bioactive components that have the potential to reverse the undesirable changes in the kidney associated with hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress. 34 Thus, a corrective measure even on the histology of the kidney was noticed.…”