Title : Microwave assisted extraction of phytocompounds from Melissa officinalis L with neuroprotective effect
Abstract:
Cognitive dysfunction is a major health problem in the 21st century, and many neuropsychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative disorders, such as schizophrenia, depression, Alzheimer’s Disease dementia, cerebrovascular impairment, seizure disorders, head injury and Parkinsonism, can be severely functionally debilitating in nature. In course of time, a number of neurotransmitters and signalling molecules have been identified which have been considered as therapeutic targets. Neuroprotective food supplements offer a promising alternative to synthetic drugs by promoting brain health and alleviating symptoms associated with various neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroprotection involves various mechanisms, including alterations in enzymatic neuronal activity and activation of particular receptors. The aim of this study is to optimize microwave assisted extraction (MAE) of phytocompounds with neuroprotective activity form Melissa Officinalis L. The extraction efficiency was evaluated by analysing the total content of polyphenols, iridoids, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity. Phytoextracts were evaluated for their inhibitory capacities against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). Results showed that MAE led to a significant increase (ANOVA, p<0.05) of bioactives extraction yield (33% increase) and a shorter exrtraction time compared to conventional extraction method. The obtained phytoextracts by MAE have shown the highest total content of polyphenols (235.42 mg GAE/g DM), iridoids (3.54 mg AUE/g DM) and flavonoids (236 mg QE/gDM). Furthermore, MAE extracts from lemon balm leaves were found to possess a maximum antioxidant capacity. Screening of the AChE and BuChE inhibitory activities by Ellman´s method showed that the strongest inhibition was achieved for phytoextracts obtained by MAE. The resulting extracts, enhanced in bioactive compounds that exhibit neuroprotective effects, could be used to develop food supplements aimed at preserving brain health and alleviating symptoms linked with various neurodegenerative diseases.
Acknowledgment: This work was supported by a grant from the National Program for Research of the National Association of Technical Universities - GNAC ARUT 2023, project: “Encapsulated phytoextracts from autochthonous plants with neuroprotective properties”.
Audience Takeaway:
- Phytochemicals from medicinal plants play a crucial role in maintaining the brain's chemical balance by influencing the function of receptors for major inhibitory neurotransmitters.
- The research focuses on the neuroprotective active phytochemical substances found in medicinal herbs, such as polyphenols, iridoids, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity.
- Potential of phytochemicals as therapeutics and their role in Cognitive health.
- An in-depth analysis to identify the neuroprotective components of Melissa Officinalis L.
