Cytoprotective propensity of Bacopa monniera against hydrogen peroxide induced oxidative damage in neuronal and lung epithelial cells

Assessment of the mechanistic role of an Indian traditionally used ayurvedic herb Bacopa monnieri (L.)Wettst. for ameliorating oxidative stress in neuronal cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

This study has important ethnopharmacological implications since it systematically investigated the therapeutic potential of Bacopa monnieri(L.) Wettst. (Brahmi) in treating neurological disorders characterized by oxidative stress-a growing issue in the aging population. Bacopa monnieri, which is strongly rooted in Ayurveda, has long been recognized for its neuroprotective and cognitive advantages. The study goes beyond conventional wisdom by delving into the molecular complexities of Bacopa monnieri, particularly its active ingredient, Bacoside-A, in countering oxidative stress. The study adds to the ethnopharmacological foundation for using this herbal remedy in the context of neurodegenerative disorders by unravelling the scientific underpinnings of Bacopa monnieri's effectiveness, particularly at the molecular level, against brain damage and related conditions influenced by oxidative stress. This dual approach, which bridges traditional wisdom and modern investigation, highlights Bacopa monnieri's potential as a helpful natural remedy for oxidative stress-related neurological diseases.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study is to investigate the detailed molecular mechanism of action (in vitro, in silico and in vivo) of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. methanolic extract and its active compound, Bacoside-A, against oxidative stress in neurodegenerative disorders.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ROS generation activity, mitochondrial membrane potential, calcium deposition and apoptosis were studied through DCFDA, Rhodamine-123, FURA-2 AM and AO/EtBr staining respectively. In silico study to check the effect of Bacoside-A on the Nrf-2 and Keap1 axis was performed through molecular docking study and validated experimentally through immunofluorescence co-localization study. In vivo antioxidant activity of Bacopa monnieri extract was assessed by screening the oxidative stress markers and stress-inducing hormone levels as well as through histopathological analysis of tissues.

RESULTS

The key outcome of this study is that the methanolic extract of Bacopa monnieri (BME) and its active component, Bacoside-A, protect against oxidative stress in neurodegenerative diseases. At 100 and 20 μg/ml, BME and Bacoside-A respectively quenched ROS, preserved mitochondrial membrane potential, decreased calcium deposition, and inhibited HT-22 mouse hippocampus cell death. BME and Bacoside-A regulated the Keap1 and Nrf-2 axis and their downstream antioxidant enzyme-specific genes to modify cellular antioxidant machinery. In vivo experiments utilizing rats subjected to restrained stress indicated that pre-treatment with BME (50 mg/kg) downregulated oxidative stress markers and stress-inducing hormones, and histological staining demonstrated that BME protected the neuronal cells of the Cornu Ammonis (CA1) area in the hippocampus.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the study suggests that Bacopa monnieri(L.) Wettst. has significant potential as a natural remedy for neurodegenerative disorders, and its active compounds could be developed as new drugs for the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress-related diseases.

Exploring the excellence of commercial Brahmi products from Thai online markets: Unraveling phytochemical contents, antioxidant properties and DNA damage protection

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst.) is extensively used as a nutritional supplement in various commercial products as the plant contains abundant phytochemicals and has antioxidant properties. This study assessed the phytochemical contents, antioxidant properties, and DNA damage protection among seven Brahmi products sold through Thai online markets. Results showed that the P6 sample exhibited 3.5-7.5 fold higher bacoside contents than values observed in the other six product samples. The P6 sample also demonstrated the highest TTC, TFC, and TPC compared to the other brands. For antioxidant activity, the samples (P1-P7) displayed high capacity to scavenge DPPH free radicals with slightly significant differences ranging from 78.37 ± 0.25 to 87.21 ± 0.05 at p-value ≤0.01. The P6 sample showed strong protection against H2O2-induced oxidation of DNA strand breakage, indicating highly potent phytochemical compounds with effective free radical scavenging activity, and the ability to prevent DNA damage. The P6 sample showed promise as a valuable ingredient for the development of functional food products. However, further in vivo animal and clinical studies are required to explore the neuroprotective enhancement effects of Brahmi extracts.

Anti-oxidant potential of plants and probiotic spp. in alleviating oxidative stress induced by H2O2

Cells produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a metabolic by-product. ROS molecules trigger oxidative stress as a feedback response that significantly initiates biological processes such as autophagy, apoptosis, and necrosis. Furthermore, extensive research has revealed that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an important ROS entity and plays a crucial role in several physiological processes, including cell differentiation, cell signalling, and apoptosis. However, excessive production of H2O2 has been shown to disrupt biomolecules and cell organelles, leading to an inflammatory response and contributing to the development of health complications such as collagen deposition, aging, liver fibrosis, sepsis, ulcerative colitis, etc. Extracts of different plant species, phytochemicals, and Lactobacillus sp (probiotic) have been reported for their anti-oxidant potential. In this view, the researchers have gained significant interest in exploring the potential plants spp., their phytochemicals, and the potential of Lactobacillus sp. strains that exhibit anti-oxidant properties and health benefits. Thus, the current review focuses on comprehending the information related to the formation of H2O2, the factors influencing it, and their pathophysiology imposed on human health. Moreover, this review also discussed the anti-oxidant potential and role of different extract of plants, Lactobacillus sp. and their fermented products in curbing H2O2‑induced oxidative stress in both in-vitro and in-vivo models via boosting the anti-oxidative activity, inhibiting of important enzyme release and downregulation of cytochrome c, cleaved caspases-3, - 8, and - 9 expression. In particular, this knowledge will assist R&D sections in biopharmaceutical and food industries in developing herbal medicine and probiotics-based or derived food products that can effectively alleviate oxidative stress issues induced by H2O2 generation.

Bacopa Protects against Neurotoxicity Induced by MPP+ and Methamphetamine

The neurotoxins methamphetamine (METH) and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP⁺) damage catecholamine neurons. Although sharing the same mechanism to enter within these neurons, METH neurotoxicity mostly depends on oxidative species, while MPP⁺ toxicity depends on the inhibition of mitochondrial activity. This explains why only a few compounds protect against both neurotoxins. Identifying a final common pathway that is shared by these neurotoxins is key to prompting novel remedies for spontaneous neurodegeneration. In the present study we assessed whether natural extracts from Bacopa monnieri (BM) may provide a dual protection against METH- and MPP⁺-induced cell damage as measured by light and electron microscopy. The protection induced by BM against catecholamine cell death and degeneration was dose-dependently related to the suppression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and mitochondrial alterations. These were measured by light and electron microscopy with MitoTracker Red and Green as well as by the ultrastructural morphometry of specific mitochondrial structures. In fact, BM suppresses the damage of mitochondrial crests and matrix dilution and increases the amount of healthy and total mitochondria. The present data provide evidence for a natural compound, which protects catecholamine cells independently by the type of experimental toxicity. This may be useful to counteract spontaneous degenerations of catecholamine cells.

The role of dermatopontin in cell adhesion in bovine placenta during early-mid pregnancy and parturition - Pilot study

Dermatopontin (DPT) is a small protein molecule thought to have a role in the formation of the extracellular architecture and adhesion. The aim of the study was to confirm the presence of DPT and to examine its role in placental cell adhesion during pregnancy, at parturition and postpartum in cows. Placental tissue samples were obtained at abattoir from healthy pregnant cows (n = 6) while parturient samples were collected during caesarian section and retrospectively divided into released up to 6 h (R; n = 5) and not released up to 6 h (NR; n = 4) foetal membranes. Maternal epithelial cells were isolated from pregnant samples and were used for the examination of the influence of DPT (5, 50 and 100 ng/mL) on cell adhesion. Parturient samples were manually divided into maternal and foetal part and individually homogenized for Western blotting and ELISA analysis. Western blotting confirmed the presence of DPT in examined tissues. ELISA test showed significant (p < 0.05) decrease in DPT concentration within examined pregnancy period with higher concentrations in maternal part (p < 0.05). Moreover, at parturition DPT concentration further decreased in maternal (p < 0.05) but increased (p < 0.05) in fetal part. The examination of not released samples showed opposite relationship in comparison to parturient samples - the increase in maternal (p < 0.05) and the decrease in fetal (p < 0.05) part of placenta. DPT facilitated the adhesion of epithelial cells in examined periods of pregnancy in increasing manner with pregnancy course. The presence of DPT in bovine placenta during pregnancy and parturition was confirmed. This protein may influence cell adhesion during attachment and detachment of placenta. Further studies on mechanisms of action of DPT in bovine placenta are necessary.

Defensive proclivity of bacoside A and bromelain against oxidative stress and AChE gene expression induced by dichlorvos in the brain of Mus musculus

The objective of current study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of bacoside A and bromelain against dichlorvos induced toxicity. The healthy, 6-8 weeks old male Swiss mice were administered in separate groups subacute doses of dichlorvos (40 mg/kg bw), bacoside A (5 mg/kg bw) and bromelain (70 mg/kg bw). In order to determination of oxidative stress in different groups, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyl content (PCC) were studied in the present investigation. Moreover, for toxic manifestation at molecular level the site-specific gene amplification of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) gene was studied in the brain. Nonetheless, the protective effects of bacoside A and bromelain were also evaluated on the TBARS, PCC and AChE gene. The exposure of dichlorvos leads to significant increase in TBARS level (p < 0.01, p < 0.001) and PCC. Besides, the decline in DNA yield, expression of amplified products of AChE gene was observed in the brain of dichlorvos treated group. The bacoside A and bromelain treatments significantly decreased the level of TBARS (p < 0.05, (p < 0.01) and PCC whereas, increase in the DNA yield and expression of amplified AChE gene products were observed in the brain compared to only dichlorvos treated mice. The overall picture which emerged after critical evaluation of results indicated that the dichlorvos induced oxidative stress and alteration in AChE gene expression showed significant improvement owing to the treatments of bacoside A and bromelain. Thus, bacoside A and bromelain are very effective in alleviating neurotoxicity induced by dichlorvos.

Ability of Indian pennywort Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell in the phytoremediation of sewage (greywater)

The freely and abundantly available amphibious plant Indian pennywort Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell was able to phytoremediate sewage (greywater) quickly and substantially in SHEFROL® ("sheet flow root level") bioreactors, achieving reductions in the levels of several indicator parameters: suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand, nitrogen, phosphorus, zinc, copper, nickel, and manganese to the extents of about 90%, 76-77%, 80%, 65%, 55%, 56%, 42%, and 41%, respectively at hydraulic retention times of just 6 h. As these indicators of primary, secondary, and tertiary treatments were achieved simultaneously in a single reactor compartment, the system presented in this paper promises to be simple, rapid, and economical, in achieving significant treatment of greywater.

Improvement of growth and bacoside production in Bacopa monnieri through induced autotetraploidy with colchicine

Bacopa monnieri is a medicinal herb that is increasing in demand in Thailand. However, the lack of high-bacoside cultivars has limited pharmaceutical utilization and production. Here, chromosome doubling in B. monnieri was attempt to improve biomass and bacoside content in its seedling. Nodal segments were treated with colchicine (0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1, and 0.5% w/v) for 24 or 48 h before transferring to multiple shoot induction medium (1/2 MS medium supplemented with 0.2 mg L⁻¹ BAP). Of 326 tested clones, 18 and 84 were mixoploids and autotetraploids, respectively. The highest autotetraploid-induction percentage (14.6%) was found after treated with 0.5% (w/v) colchicine, and 48 hours exposure. From 28 selected autotetraploid clones, 21 and 13 have significantly higher fresh and dry weight compared to the diploid clone, respectively. The maximum fresh and dry weight of autotetraploid plants was 2.8 and 2.0-time higher than diploid plants, respectively. Moreover, the maximum total bacoside content (1.55 mg plant⁻¹) was obtained from an autotetraploid plant, which was 2.3-fold higher than the level in diploid plants. These novel autotetraploids have the potential to be developed as resources for value-added improvements in the medicinal and pharmaceutical industries.

Neuropharmacological and cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst - A review on its mechanistic aspects

Bacopa monnieri (L.) - (BM) is a perennial, creeping herb which is widely used in traditional ayurvedic medicine as a neural tonic to improve intelligence and memory. Research into the biological effects of this plant has burgeoned in recent years, promising its neuroprotective and memory boosting ability among others. In this context, an extensive literature survey allows an insight into the participation of numerous signaling pathways and oxidative mechanism involved in the mitigation of oxidative stress, along with other indirect mechanisms modulated by bioactive molecules of BM to improve the cognitive action by their synergistic potential and cellular multiplicity mechanism. This multi-faceted review describes the novel mechanisms that underlie the unfounded but long flaunted promises of BM and thereby direct a way to harness this acquired knowledge to develop innovative approaches to manipulate its intracellular pathways.

Soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor, APAU, protects dopaminergic neurons against rotenone induced neurotoxicity: Implications for Parkinson's disease

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), metabolites of arachidonic acid, play a crucial role in cytoprotection by attenuating oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. EETs are rapidly metabolised in vivo by the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). Increasing the half life of EETs by inhibiting the sEH enzyme is a novel strategy for neuroprotection. In the present study, sEH inhibitors APAU was screened in silico and further evaluated for their antiparkinson activity against rotenone (ROT) induced neurodegeneration in N27 dopaminergic cell line and Drosophila melanogaster model of Parkinson disease (PD). In the in vitro study cell viability (MTT and LDH release assay), oxidative stress parameters (total intracellular ROS, hydroperoxides, protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidise, glutathione reductase, glutathione, total antioxidant status, mitochondrial complex-1activity and mitochondrial membrane potential), inflammatory markers (IL-6, COX-1 and COX-2), and apoptotic markers (JNK, phospho-JNK, c-jun, phospho-c-jun, pro and active caspase-3) were assessed to study the neuroprotective effects. In vivo activity of APAU was assessed in Drosophila melanogaster by measuring survival rate, negative geotaxis, oxidative stress parameters (total intracellular ROS, hydroperoxides, glutathione levels) were measured. Dopamine and its metabolites were estimated by LC-MS/MS analysis. In the in silico study the molecule, APAU showed good binding interaction at the active site of sEH (PDB: 1VJ5). In the in vitro study, APAU significantly attenuated ROT induced changes in oxidative, pro-inflammatory and apoptotic parameters. In the in vivo study, APAU significantly attenuates ROT induced changes in survival rate, negative geotaxis, oxidative stress, dopamine and its metabolites levels (p < 0.05). Our study, therefore, concludes that the molecule APAU, has significant neuroprotection benefits against rotenone induced Parkinsonism.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NP) mediated regulation of bacosides biosynthesis and transcriptional correlation of HMG-CoA reductase gene in suspension culture of Bacopa monnieri

Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. is a well documented nootropic plant, extensive known for alleviating symptoms of neurological disorder, along with other symptomatic relief. This property is attributed to the active phytocompounds, saponins (bacoside A) present in the plant. However, lack of stringent validation guidelines in most of the countries bring to the market, formulations differing in phytocompounds yield, thereby suggesting possible variation in therapeutic efficacy. The in-vitro suspension cultures of the Bacopa monnieri, provide an ease of scale-up, but regulating saponin yield is a stringent task. The aim of the study is to explore the effects of different concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0 ppm) of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NP) (24 nm in size), in regulating growth rate, bacoside yield and transcriptional profile of HMG CoA reductasegene in the suspension cells of Bacopa monnieri. Results showed a linear correlation between Bacoside A yield and ZnO NP concentrations with around 2 fold increase in total bacoside A concentration at 1 ppm. Also, ZnO NP supplemented suspension cells showed variation in the specific growth rate. Neuroprotective properties, analyzed using methanolic extracts of suspension cells again obtrude the extract of ZnO NP supplemented (0.75 ppm and 1 ppm) culture for better response in alleviating oxidative stress mediated damage to neuronal cells. ZnO NP supplemented system showed lower expression of HMG CoA reductasegene (the rate limiting step in bacoside A biosynthesis) but higher concentration of bacoside A, suggesting possible role of ZnO NP in isoprenoid pathway than MVA pathways.

Comparative evaluation of four triterpenoid glycoside saponins of bacoside A in alleviating sub-cellular oxidative stress of N2a neuroblastoma cells

OBJECTIVES

To examine the neuroprotective property of triterpenoid glycoside saponins of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. bacoside A and its components against H₂ O₂ -induced oxidative stress on neuronal (N2a) cells.

METHODS

The cytoprotective effects of individual bacoside A components were evaluated towards oxidative stressed neuronal cells. Bacoside A was screened for neuronal cell viability (MTT assay) and change in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), anti-apoptotic properties and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) using fluorescence microscopy.

KEY FINDINGS

Different bacoside A components showed decrease in N2a cell viability below 100 (%) after bacoside A concentration of 0.4 mg/ml. Further, cytoprotective effect of optimized dose of bacoside A was analysed for alleviating oxidative stressed, apoptosis and MMP in H₂ O₂ stressed neuronal cells. Results showed increase in MMP, and decrease in apoptotic induction, without much change in nuclear integrity in stressed neuronal cells. Results showed bacoside A3 and bacopaside II have comparatively higher cytoprotective ability whilst isomer of bacopasponin C, bacopasaponin C and mixture showed comparatively less response.

CONCLUSIONS

Amongst four different bacoside A components, bacoside A3 and bacopaside II showed comparatively higher neuroprotective response analysed as higher cell viability and decreased intracellular ROS, suggesting better regulation of cyto-(neuronal) protection of N2a cells.

The Molecular Links of Re-Emerging Therapy: A Review of Evidence of Brahmi (Bacopa monniera)

The convolution associated with memory is being resolved with advancement in neuroscience. According to the concurrent assumptions, synaptic plasticity forms one of the basis of memory formation, stabilization and strengthening. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is generally characterized by memory dysfunction, connections amongst the cells in the brain are attenuated or lost leading to degeneration of neural networks. Numerous attempts have been made to find new therapies for memory dysfunction with increasing attention and investments being laid on herbal drugs. Many herbal plants and extracts have already documented beneficial results when tested for antiamnesic effects. Brahmi (Bacopa monniera) is one such common herbal drug, which is employed for a long time in the Indian and Chinese medical system in order to treat several disorders. Previous research has shown that Brahmi exerts many pharmacological effects including memory boosting capacity in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and Schizophrenia, exhibiting antiparkinsonian, antistroke, and anticonvulsant potentials. The present review discusses the chemical constituents of Brahmi along with in vitro and in vivo studies based on the pharmacological effects exerted by it. The efficacy of Brahmi in treating various disorders has evoked sufficient research in recent years and now it is a time to launch multiple clinical trials.

Antioxidant nanozyme: a facile synthesis and evaluation of the reactive oxygen species scavenging potential of nanoceria encapsulated albumin nanoparticles

Several diseases and disorders, including cancer are endorsed by excessive oxidative stress caused due to the incomplete removal of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the antioxidant defense system of the body. Therefore, present interest among the scientific community lies in the development of a highly stable, biocompatible artificial enzymatic system that possesses a high ROS scavenging activity over a period of time. In recent years, catalytic nanoparticles emerged as a potential candidate in the field of nanomedicine. Due to their inherent catalytic properties, they are exploited as an artificial enzyme (nanozyme), to reinstate or correct aberrant enzymatic activities in patients. Among them, cerium oxide nanoparticles/nanoceria (CNPs) emerged as a potent artificial redox enzyme, mimicking the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase and endure a tremendous ROS scavenging potential as depicted in a surfeit of human cell lines and animal models. In the present article, a facile synthesis of biocompatible nanoceria encapsulated albumin nanoparticles (BCNPs) via desolvation technique that lead to the abatement of intracellular ROS is reported. Physico-chemical characterizations of as-prepared BCNPs corroborate the formation of a highly monodispersed, spherical and stable aqueous delivery system. Interestingly, such entrapment does not affect the enzyme mimetic activity of CNPs, as demonstrated by SOD assay. The biocompatibility and ROS scavenging potential of BCNPs were further assessed in vitro against human lung epithelial cells by cell viability assay and flow cytometric analysis, respectively. The quantitative and qualitative assessments of cellular uptake of BCNPs were done by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) analysis. Furthermore, the BCNPs preserve the cell's antioxidant defense system and protect them from oxidant-mediated apoptosis as confirmed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis. Thus, the as-prepared BCNPs could provide an opportunity to be utilized as a potential candidate against ROS induced diseases and disorders.