Dracaena cochinchinensis stemwood extracts inhibit amyloid-β fibril formation and promote neuronal cell differentiation

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the deposition of amyloid plaques in the brain. The prevention of amyloid-β (Aβ)-induced neuronal toxicity is considered a major target for drug development for AD treatment. Dracaena cochinchinensis (Lour.) S.C. Chen, a Thai folk medicine named “Chan-Daeng,” is a member of the Asparagaceae family. The stemwood of D. cochinchinensis has been traditionally used for its antipyretic, pain relief, and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of the present study was to determine the pharmacological activities of ethanol and water extracts of D. cochinchinensis stemwood in blocking the Aβ fibril formation, preventing Aβ-mediated cell toxicity, and promoting neuronal differentiation in cultured PC12 cells. The herbal extracts of D. cochinchinensis stemwood prevented the formation of Aβ fibrils and disassembled the aggregated Aβ in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, they prevented Aβ fibril-mediated cell death. The synergy of the herbal extract with a low dose of the nerve growth factor showed an increase in the protein expression of neurofilaments, that is, NF68, NF160, and NF200. These findings suggest that the extracts of D. cochinchinensis stemwood may be used for AD treatment by targeting Aβ fibril formation and inducing neuron regeneration.

Synergy of botanical drug extracts from Dracaena cochinchinensis stemwood and Ardisia elliptica fruit in multifunctional effects on neuroprotection and anti-inflammation

“…Previous findings have demonstrated that the ethanol extract of DCS exhibited a higher yield and greater pharmacological activities, as compared to the water extract ( Ospondpant et al, 2022 ; Ospondpant et al, 2023 ). To develop a promising BHP of DCS and AEF, various ratios of DCS and AEF ethanol extracts were conducted to determine the optimal level of synergism.…”

“…To investigate potential synergistic effects, the aqueous extracts from BHP of two botanical drugs were tested at a fixed combination of 1:1 w/w ratio. Previous studies have reported that DCS alone could promote neuronal differentiation and inhibit Aβ 1-42 aggregation ( Ospondpant et al, 2022 ). Therefore, DCS was selected as the main component to determine potential activity in BHP.…”

“…In this study, we have examined the potential synergistic interactions of two botanical drugs in a specific ratio deriving from BHP of nine botanical drugs. Having previous studies of the multifunctional roles of DCS in neuroprotection and anti-inflammation ( Ospondpant et al, 2022 ; Ospondpant et al, 2023 ), BHP of DCS with eight other botanical drugs was investigated. Firstly, our findings revealed that BHP of DCS and AEF at 1:1 w/w ratio demonstrated an optimal enhancement of activities in promoting neuronal differentiation and reducing Aβ fibril formation.…”

“…S.C. Chen stemwood (DCS), known as Lakkachan or Chan Deang in Thai, has been used in Thai traditional medicine as a remedy for pyretic and inflammatory conditions ( Bureau of Drug and Narcotic, 2021 ). Previous studies have demonstrated that DCS possesses multifunctional properties, including inhibition of Aβ aggregation, protection against Aβ fibril-induced cell death, promotion of neuronal differentiation, and suppression of neuroinflammation ( Ospondpant et al, 2022 ; Ospondpant et al, 2023 ). In the Royal Medical Book of King Rama V (ตำราเวชศาสตร์ฉบับหลวง รัชกาลที่ ๕), volume II, in the section of Sabba-Lakkhana Sabba-Guna Scripture, on page 376, lines 11-13, there is a mention of a traditional formula composed of nine botanical drugs, including DCS.…”

Two new alkaloids from Dendrobium nobile Lindl. exhibited neuroprotective activity, and dendrobine alleviated Aβ1−42‐induced apoptosis by inhibiting CDK5 activation in PC12 cells

“…The differentiated PC12 cells were cultured in DMEM with high glucose (Gibco) and 10% FBS in a 5% CO 2 incubator at 37°C. Aβ 1−42 was dissolved in PBS at 2 mM and incubated for 5 days at 37°C to aggregate into fibrils before use (Ospondpant et al, 2022). To assess the cytotoxicity of compounds 1-3, PC12 cells were treated with 0.001, 0.01 and 0.1 μM of indicated compounds for 36 h. To investigate the neuroprotective effect and mechanism of compounds 1-3, PC-12 cells were pretreated with indicated compounds (0.001, 0.01, and 0.1 μM) or memantine hydrochloride (0.1 μM) as a positive control for 12 h, and co-incubated with 20 μM Aβ 1−42 for another 24 h. Blank control group contained untreated cells.…”