Screening of Nutraceuticals and Plant Extracts for Inhibition of Amyloid-β Fibrillation

J Alzheimers Dis. 2020;73(3):1003-1012. doi: 10.3233/JAD-190758.

Abstract

Fluorescence spectroscopy for in vitro amyloid-β (Aβ) fibrillation diagnosis and spectral fluorescence signature for the identification of bioactive compounds were applied to study traditional Ayurvedic nutraceuticals - Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Shanka pushpi, and Gotu kola - as well as their plant extracts for possible treatment of Alzheimer's disease. All samples manifest as inhibitors on three different variants of the Aβ peptide: methionine Aβ1-40, Aβ1-40, and Aβ1-42. The main compounds within the nutraceuticals were identified. Since related medicals are known to have reduced negative post- and side-effects and even may introduce further positive health impacts by preventing pathogen plaque formation and reducing free Aβ to a natural level, such treatment approaches could be of further interest.

Keywords: Dietary supplements; fluorescence spectroscopy; phytotherapy; spectral fluorescence signature.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism*
  • Amyloid / drug effects*
  • Amyloid / metabolism
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / metabolism*
  • Centella
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Peptide Fragments / metabolism*
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Spectrometry, Fluorescence
  • Triterpenes

Substances

  • Amyloid
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Centella asiatica extract
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Plant Extracts
  • Triterpenes
  • amyloid beta-protein (1-40)
  • Ashwagandha