Morus alba leaf extract mediates neuroprotection against glyphosate-induced toxicity and biochemical alterations in the brain

Abstract

Recent studies demonstrate that glyphosate exposure is associated with oxidative stress and some neurological disorders such as Parkinson's pathology. Therefore, phytochemicals, in particular phenolic compounds, have attracted increasing attention as potential agents for neuroprotection. In the present study, we investigate the impact of glyphosate on the rat brain following i.p. injection and the possible molecular target of neuroprotective activity of the phenolic fraction from Morus alba leaf extract (MALE) and its ability to reduce oxidative damage in the brain. Wistar rats from 180 to 240 g were i.p. treated with a single dose of glyphosate (100 mg kg b.w.) or MALE (100 μg mL kg b.w.) for 2 weeks. Brain homogenates were used to evaluate neurotoxicity induced by the pesticide. For this, biochemical parameters were measured. Data shows that MALE regulated oxidative stress and counteracted glyphosate-induced deleterious effects and oxidative damage in the brain, as it abrogated LDH, protein carbonyls, and malonyldialdehyde. MALE also appears to be able to scavenge HO levels, maintain iron and Ca homeostasis, and increase SOD activity. Thus, in vivo results showed that mulberry leaf extract is a potent protector against glyphosate-induced toxicity, and its protective effect could result from synergism or antagonism between the various bioactive phenolic compounds in the acetonic fraction from M. alba leaf extract.

Morus alba L. Plant: Bioactive Compounds and Potential as a Functional Food Ingredient

“…Parkinson’s disease is a dysfunctional motor disorder caused by progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and glyphosate linked to oxidative stress [ 82 ]. According to Rebai et al [ 82 ], M. alba leaf extract’s protective ability could fight the neurotoxicity and harmful effects of glyphosate. At the same time, it attenuated the levels of lactate dehydrogenase, malondialdehyde, and protein carbonyls.…”

Identification of Anti-Melanogenesis Constituents from Morus alba L. Leaves

“…In traditional Chinese medicine, M. alba leaves have been used to treat fever and cold for thousands of years. It has been reported to exhibit various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, neuroprotection, antioxidant, anti-Alzheimer’s, and anti-diabetic effects [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. Recently, extracts from M. alba leaves have been shown to inhibit melanogenesis in mushroom tyrosinase activity assays [ 13 , 14 ].…”

Nephroprotective effect of aqueous acetonic extract of Morus alba and its underlying mechanisms against glyphosate-induced toxicity - in vivo model

“…Glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine] is an organophosphate and one of the most popular herbicides in the world and the active ingredient of the plant protection product Roundup®. As previous investigations performed on various organs have revealed, glyphosate causes hepatotoxicity (El-Shenawy, 2009), neurologic disorders (Negga et al, 2012;Rebai et al,2017), and nephrotoxicity (Astiz et al, 2009). Importantly, detection of glyphosate residues in human urine has proposed that early evidence of kidney injury could be used to predict the risk of glyphosate toxicity (Valcke et al, 2017).…”

“…The leaves were then washed with distilled water and extracted with 70% cold acetone (−20 °C). The supernatant was collected and pooled, then concentrated to dryness under vacuum, using a rotary evaporator (60 °C), to obtain a final volume of 3 ml (Rebai et al, 2017). Then, the aqueous extract was lyophilized to obtain MLE, which was then stored at −20 °C before use.…”

“…(i.p. ), and finally group 4 was injected with both glyphosate and MLE according to Rebai et al (2017). The rats were observed daily for mortality and signs of toxicity.…”