In vitro neuroprotective potentials of aqueous and methanol extracts from Heinsia crinita leaves

This study was designed to determine the neuroprotective potentials of aqueous and methanol extracts from Heinsia crinita leaves in vitro. The total phenol and flavonoid contents of the extracts were determined using colorimetric method while phenolic characterization of the leaf was analyzed via high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). The effects of the extracts on Fe2+-induced lipid peroxidation in rats’ brain homogenate, monoamine oxidase (MAO), Na+/K+-ATPase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activities were also assessed. The aqueous extract had higher total phenol and flavonoid contents than the methanol extract. HPLC-DAD revealed that quercetin ellagic, chlorogenic and caffeic acids were the most abundant phenolic compounds in the leaves. The aqueous extract had higher inhibitory effects on MAO, AChE and BChE activities while there was no significant difference between their Fe2+-induced lipid peroxidation inhibitory effects. Furthermore, both extracts stimulated Na+/K+-ATPase activity; however, methanol extract had higher stimulatory effect. The neuroprotective properties of H. crinita leaves could be associated with its inhibitory effects on Fe2+-induced lipid peroxidation and modulation of MAO, Na+/K+-ATPase, AChE, and BChE activities. Therefore, H. crinita leaves could be used as a functional food and dietary intervention for the management of some neurodegenerative diseases. Nevertheless, the aqueous extracts exhibited better neuroprotective properties.