Neuroprotective potential of Cannabis sativa-based oils in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Substances from the Cannabis sativa species, especially cannabidiol (CBD) and Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), have attracted medical attention in recent years. The actions of these two main cannabinoids modulate the cholinergic nervous system (CholNS) involving development, synaptic plasticity, and response to endogenous and environmental damage, as a characteristic of many neurodegenerative diseases. The dynamics of these diseases are mediated by specific neurotransmitters, such as the GABAergic nervous system (GNS) and the CholNS. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is an important experimental model, which has different neurotransmitter systems that coordinate its behavior and has a transgene strain that encodes the human ß-amyloid 1-42 peptide in body wall muscle, one of the main proteins involved in Alzheimer´s disease. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the protective potential of terpenoids found in C. sativa in the GNS and CholNS of C. elegans. The effect of two C. sativa oils with variations in CBD and THC concentrations on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, lipid peroxidation, and behavior of C. elegans was evaluated. C. sativa oils were efficient in increasing pharyngeal pumping rate and reducing defecation cycle, AChE activity, and ROS levels in N2 strains. In the muscle:Abeta1-42 strain, mainly when using CBD oil, worm movement, body bends, and pharyngeal pumping were increased, with a reduced AChE activity. Consequently, greater investments in scientific research are needed, in addition to breaking the taboo on the use of the C. sativa plant as an alternative for medicinal use, especially in neurodegenerative diseases, which have already shown positive initial results.

Deferoxamine Supplementation Abolished Iron-Related Toxicity of Ilex paraguariensis Extract: Behavioral and Biochemical Evaluation in Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Ilex paraguariensis (Herb mate) is a native plant from South America, widely consumed through the infusion of dried leaves. The presence of antioxidant properties in herb mate may be relevant and contribute to evaluating the effect of its compounds against oxidative stress, which could cause neurodegenerative diseases. Despite having health benefits, there are reports of the presence of heavy metals in extracts obtained from the infusion. One of these metals is iron (Fe), found in large amounts in herb mate. To reverse the cumulative effects of metals and Fe in the body, the use of Deferoxamine (Dfx) is indicated, being a potent chelator of Fe. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the micro-encapsulated extract of I. paraguariensis (MEIP) supplemented with Dfx on zebrafish behavior and biochemical biomarkers. To evaluate the effect per se and the supplementation, four groups were established: the first group was the control (water); the second, fish treated with MEIP; the third group was formed of fish treated with Dfx; while the fourth group was treated with both MEIP and Dfx. When applied alone, Dfx presents an anxiogenic-like pattern on zebrafish (Danio rerio), while the MEIP shows an anxiolytic-like behavior. The antioxidant enzymes are re-modulated close to control when the MEIP + Dfx is applied. The cholinergic system shows an activation of the signaling, as well as the heme radical group formation, which is not affected by the Dfx-chelating effect. Thus, the supplementation of MEIP with Dfx is important to transform this extract into one that is safer and healthier for human consumption.

Neuroprotective and antioxidant effects of pitaya fruit on Cu-induced stress in adult zebrafish.

The harmful effects of heavy metals on organisms have not been fully described. At present, there is a close relationship between neurodegenerative diseases and copper toxicity. In addition, the copper effect on the central nervous system is followed by high levels of free radicals in different body tissues. An increase in free radical levels leads to aging-related diseases, resulting in the appearance of senile comorbidities. An increase in the consumption of natural compounds that could help to reduce this dangerous effect on organisms was observed. Pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) is a tropical fruit with great antioxidant potential and can help the organism with oxidative damage. This study evaluated the effect of H. undatus on zebrafish organisms in front of copper-induced toxicity. Therefore, the behavior, cholinergic system, antioxidant enzymes, and ALAD activity were evaluated as biomarkers. Our results highlight the great potential of Pitaya's pulp to reduce the levels of anxiety and aggressivity in fish and reduce cortisol levels. It could mediate the normal response of the cholinergic nervous system, antioxidant enzymes, and ALAD activity. Therefore, our data suggest that pitaya might improve the senile aging. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The potential practical application of this study is related to the neuroprotective effect of the Hylocereus undatus microencapsulated pulp extract against metal-induced impairments. The results have shown that this extract is able to reduce the copper-induced damage modulating the antioxidant system and the cholinergic nervous system. One of the implicated potentials of use for this extract is the food supplementation to its fortification.

Pitaya fruit extract ameliorates the healthspan on copper-induced toxicity of Caenorhabditis elegans.

Copper (Cu) is an essential metal and it is important for metabolism. However, in high concentrations, it becomes toxic. Metal-induced toxicity is the cause of many neurodegenerative diseases. So it is necessary to search mechanisms to find ways of healthy aging. Natural compounds and diets based on fruits are increasingly common and could lead to a healthy life. Pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) is a tropical and Latin American, fruit that is gaining more popularity due to its antioxidant properties. Here, we evaluate the preventive and curative effect of different doses of microencapsulated pulp H. undatus extract on copper-induced toxicity. For this we use the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, to investigate the effects of pitaya extract on behavior, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant chaperon, and cholinergic nervous system (ColNS). Results showed behavioral changes, decreased cell death biomarkers, and lipid peroxidation caused by copper, and these toxic effects were prevented and reverted by Pitaya's extract. After all, the extract can be used in diet as a supplement and studied to treat or prevent specific diseases, some of them linked to contamination and senility-related conditions. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This research has been aimed to provide the uses of Hylocereus undatus microencapsulated pulp extract for the prevention and treatment of copper-induced toxicity. We have been shown that Pitaya is a good source of antioxidant compounds that can ameliorate the antioxidant system as well as the cholinergic nervous system avoiding behavior changes before and after the metal toxicity of copper. Therefore, the potential applications and common use of this extract can serve as food supplementation to prevent metal oxidative damage as well as to repair clinical cases of copper poisoning.

Ilex paraguariensis: Potential antioxidant on aluminium toxicity, in an experimental model of Alzheimer's disease.

Ilex paraguariensis, yerba mate is a native plant from the southern region of Brazil. Studies showed that yerba mate has an antioxidant potential, which could help to reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, as Alzheimer's Disease (AD). It's known that I. paraguariensis grows in acid soils with aluminium (Al), which is bioavailable in these soils. Al has a neurotoxic potential related with the progression of neurological disorders. This study aim was to evaluate the potential of I. paraguariensis in the etiology of AD using strains of Caenorhabditis elegans and the concentration of Al and antioxidants in the yerba mate extract. The results of the I. paraguariensis infusions made at 65°C and at 75° C show that there was no significant difference between both temperatures when preparing the tea infusion in relation to the presence of Al, methylxanthines, phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Additionally, in the case of Al, there was no difference between the extracts prepared at both temperatures. The behavioral parameters of C. elegans were altered after a long-term exposure to both factors: I. paraguariensis extract and Al. Through the antioxidant levels results along with the Al content on the Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity it is possible to observe that the acute and chronic exposure to Al and I. paraguariensis leaves extract are very similar to wild-type worms. Moreover, we can observe that the results in both the transgenic strains long-term exposed to I. paraguariensis leaves extract and to the Al concentrations presented an increase in the AChE activity.