Protective Effects of Compounds from Cimicifuga dahurica against Amyloid Beta Production in Vitro and Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment in Vivo

J Nat Prod. 2020 Feb 28;83(2):223-230. doi: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.9b00543. Epub 2020 Feb 7.

Abstract

Cimicifuga dahurica has traditionally been used as an antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory agent and as a treatment for uterine and anal prolapse. This study has investigated the potential beneficial effects of this medicinal plant and its components on Alzheimer's disease (AD) with a focus on amyloid beta (Aβ) production and scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice. An ethanol extract from C. dahurica roots decreased Aβ production in APP-CHO cells [Chinese hamster ovarian (CHO) cells stably expressing amyloid precursor protein (APP)], as determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot analysis. Then, the compounds isolated from C. dahurica were tested for their antiamyloidogenic activities. Four compounds (1-4) efficiently interrupted Aβ generation by suppressing the level of β-secretase in APP-CHO cells. Moreover, the in vivo experimental results demonstrated that compound 4 improved the cognitive performances of mice with scopolamine-induced disruption on behavioral tests and the expression of memory-related proteins. Taken together, these results suggest that C. dahurica and its constituents are potential agents for preventing or alleviating the symptoms of AD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / diet therapy
  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism
  • Alzheimer Disease / pathology*
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases / metabolism
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases / pharmacology
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / chemistry
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / pharmacology*
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / metabolism
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • CHO Cells
  • Cimicifuga
  • Cricetinae
  • Cricetulus
  • Mice
  • Molecular Structure
  • Plants, Medicinal / chemistry*
  • Plants, Medicinal / metabolism
  • Scopolamine / metabolism
  • Scopolamine / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor
  • Scopolamine
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases