Açaí (Euterpe oleraceae Mart.) berry extract exerts neuroprotective effects against ß-amyloid exposure in vitro.

ABSTRACT

The native South American palm açaí berry (Euterpe oleraceae Mart.) has high polyphenolic and antioxidant levels. This study examined whether açaí berry extract afforded protection against ß-amyloid (Aß)-mediated loss of cell viability and oxidative stress associated with anti-fibrillar effects. PC12 cells were exposed to either Aß1-42, Aß25-35 or tert butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP), alone or in the presence of açaí extract (0.5-50µg/ml). Thioflavin T (ThT) binding assay and transmission electron microscopy were used to determine effects of açaí extract on Aß1-42 fibril morphology and compared to açaí phenolics gallic acid, cyanidin rutinoside and cyanidin glucoside. Exposure to Aß1-42, Aß25-35 or t-BHP decreased PC12 cell viability. Pretreatment with açaí extract significantly improved cell viability following Aß1-42 exposure, however Aß25-35 or t-BHP-mediated viability loss was unaltered. Açaí extract inhibited ThT fluorescence and disrupted Aß1-42 fibril and aggregate morphology. In comparison with other phenolics, açaí was most effective at inhibiting Aß1-42 aggregation. Inhibition of ß-amyloid aggregation may underlie a neuroprotective effect of açaí.