Lignan-Rich Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Cultivar Exhibits In Vitro Anti-Cholinesterase Activity, Anti-Neurotoxicity in Amyloid-β Induced SH-SY5Y Cells, and Produces an In Vivo Nootropic Effect in Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impaired Mice

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease, a major cause of dementia, is characterized by impaired cholinergic function, increased oxidative stress, and amyloid cascade induction. Sesame lignans have attracted considerable attention owing to their beneficial effects on brain health. This study investigated the neuroprotective potential of lignan-rich sesame cultivars. Among the 10 sesame varieties studied, Milyang 74 (M74) extracts exhibited the highest total lignan content (17.71 mg/g) and in vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity (66.17%, 0.4 mg/mL). M74 extracts were the most effective in improving cell viability and inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) generation in amyloid-β25-35 fragment-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Thus, M74 was used to evaluate the nootropic effects of sesame extracts and oil on scopolamine (2 mg/kg)-induced memory impairment in mice compared to the control cultivar (Goenback). Pretreatment with the M74 extract (250 and 500 mg/kg) and oil (1 and 2 mL/kg) effectively improved memory disorder in mice (demonstrated by the passive avoidance test), inhibited AChE, and enhanced acetylcholine (Ach) levels. Moreover, immunohistochemistry and Western blot results showed that the M74 extract and oil reversed the scopolamine-induced increase in APP, BACE-1, and presenilin expression levels in the amyloid cascade and decreased BDNF and NGF expression levels in neuronal regeneration.

Furofuranoid-Type Lignans and Related Phenolics from Anisacanthus virgularis (Salisb.) Nees with Promising Anticholinesterase and Anti-Ageing Properties: A Study Supported by Molecular Modelling

“…As part of our ongoing interest in exploring anti-AD and anti-ageing drug candidates from natural sources [ 22 , 23 ], encouraged by the reported AChE-inhibitory effects of furofuranoid lignans [ 13 , 14 , 15 ], the isolated lignans 1 – 5 were evaluated for anti-AChE activity as well as their ability to boost telomerase activity.…”

“…Schweinf. (Asclepiadaceae), and Sesamum indicum L. (Acanthaceae) plant species exhibited potent AChE-inhibitory activity [ 13 , 14 , 15 ].…”

“…As a part of our ongoing effort [ 22 , 23 ] to find new anti-Alzheimer’s drugs and given the aforementioned anti-AChE properties of furofuranoid lignans and plant extracts rich in furofuranoid lignans [ 13 , 14 , 15 ], we continued to explore new anti-AChE furofuranoid lignans by considering phytochemical investigation of the ornamental plant A. virgularis .…”

Effect of Fortification of Tahini with Natural Plant Origin Raw Materials on Its Bioactivity

“…Sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum L.) contain a multitude of phenolic compounds, which exhibit beneficial effects on human health. Phenolic components, known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic activities, and, specifically, sesame lignans like sesamin and sesamolin have attracted large interest regarding their nutritional benefits for humans in conditions such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis and Alzheimer's disease [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. A number of studies with sesame oil have reported a reduction in oxidative stress and an increase in vitamin E levels [9,10].…”

Identification of QTLs and allelic effect controlling lignan content in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) using QTL-seq approach

“…With an oil content of approximately 50% within its seeds ( Uzun et al, 2008 ; Wang et al, 2014 ; Wei et al, 2015 ), sesame is an optimal candidate for industrial oil production and use. Extensive research has highlighted the nutritional advantages and health effects of sesame oil in humans, which include anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity, antioxidant properties, and nootropic effects ( Yokota et al, 2007 ; Monteiro et al, 2014 ; Wan et al, 2015 ; Xu et al, 2015 ; Kim et al, 2023 ). Lignans, predominantly sesame oil, are categorized into fat-soluble and water-soluble types ( Dar and Arumugam, 2013 ).…”