Moringin from moringa oleifera with alpha-cyclodextrin protects motor neurons from oxidative stress and degeneration

Herbs And Phytochemicals: A Powerful New Ally in the Fight Against Neurodegenerative Diseases
Moringa oleifera, commonly known as the horseradish tree or drumstick tree, has long been celebrated for its nutritional and medicinal benefits. The seeds, leaves, and roots of this remarkable plant contain compounds that have shown promise in treating and preventing various health conditions. A recent study that is covered in this Herbs And Phytochemicals news report, highlights the potential of moringin (MOR), an active compound derived from Moringa seeds, in combating neurodegenerative diseases.


Moringin from moringa oleifera with alpha-cyclodextrin protects motor neurons from oxidative stress and degeneration

What is Moringin?
Moringin belongs to a group of compounds called isothiocyanates, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, scientists explored the effects of a new formulation combining moringin with α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) to enhance its solubility and stability in water. This combination, referred to as α-CD/MOR, was tested on motor neurons to see if it could protect these cells from oxidative stress and degeneration.
 
Why Motor Neurons?
Motor neurons are crucial for muscle control. When these neurons are damaged or degenerate, it can lead to severe conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a fast-progressing neurodegenerative disease where patients gradually lose the ability to move, speak, and eventually breathe. Scientists believe that oxidative stress, an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, plays a significant role in motor neuron degeneration.
 
The Experiment
Researchers treated differentiated motor neurons, specifically NSC-34 cells, with different concentrations of α-CD/MOR for two durations: 48 hours and 96 hours. The goal was to observe how these treatments affected the neurons' survival and function.
 
Key Findings:
 
-Cell Survival: After 96 hours, a slight decrease in cell viability was observed only at the lowest concentration (0.5 µM) of α-CD/MOR. This suggests that the treatment is generally safe for the neurons.
 
-Gene Activation: The study focused on the Nrf2 gene, a master regulator of antioxidant responses in cells. Activation of Nrf2 leads to the production of several protective enzymes that help cells combat oxidative stress.
The researchers found that α-CD/MOR significantly increased the expression of the Nrf2 gene, especially at the highest concentration (10 µM) after 48 and 96 hours.
 
-Protein Levels: Western blot analysis, a technique used to detect specific proteins in cells, showed that Nrf2 protein levels incr eased in the cytoplasm (the cell's internal fluid) after 96 hours of treatment with all concentrations of α-CD/MOR. More importantly, the highest concentration (10 µM) also increased Nrf2 levels in the nucleus, where it can activate its target genes to protect the cell.
 
-Biological Processes:
The study identified several biological processes affected by α-CD/MOR treatment. These include responses to oxidative stress, glutathione metabolism (an important antioxidant in cells), autophagy (cellular cleanup processes), and protein catabolism (breakdown of proteins).
 
These processes are crucial for maintaining cellular health and preventing the accumulation of damaged proteins and organelles, which are common features in neurodegenerative diseases.
 
The Bigger Picture
The results of this study suggest that α-CD/MOR has a strong potential as a neuroprotective agent. By activating Nrf2 and enhancing various cellular defense mechanisms, this compound could help protect motor neurons from oxidative stress and degeneration.
 
Exploring the Role of Nrf2
Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) is a critical transcription factor that helps protect cells from oxidative damage. It regulates the expression of antioxidant proteins that protect against oxidative damage triggered by injury and inflammation. Under normal conditions, Nrf2 is kept in the cytoplasm and quickly degraded. However, under stress conditions, Nrf2 translocates to the nucleus, where it binds to antioxidant response elements (AREs) in the DNA, activating the expression of genes involved in the antioxidant response.
 
In this study, the researchers demonstrated that α-CD/MOR significantly upregulates Nrf2 at both the gene and protein levels. This activation leads to a cascade of protective mechanisms that help mitigate oxidative stress and promote cell survival. The increase in Nrf2 levels in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of motor neurons treated with α-CD/MOR indicates a robust activation of the antioxidant response.
 
Protective Mechanisms Unleashed
One of the key findings of the study is the impact of α-CD/MOR on various biological processes that are essential for cellular health. The treatment modulates several processes that are typically disrupted in neurodegenerative diseases, including:
 
-Oxidative Stress Response: By activating Nrf2, α-CD/MOR enhances the cell's ability to neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative damage.
 
-Glutathione Metabolism: Glutathione is a major antioxidant in cells, and its synthesis is crucial for protecting against oxidative stress. α-CD/MOR was found to boost the genes involved in glutathione synthesis, further strengthening the cell's antioxidant defenses.
 
-Autophagy: This process involves the degradation and recycling of damaged cellular components. Enhanced autophagy helps maintain cellular health by removing dysfunctional organelles and protein aggregates. The study found that α-CD/MOR treatment increased the levels of autophagy-related proteins, suggesting improved cellular cleanup.
 
-Protein Catabolism: The breakdown of proteins is essential for removing damaged or misfolded proteins. α-CD/MOR treatment was shown to influence the expression of genes involved in protein catabolism, helping prevent the accumulation of toxic proteins.
 
Potential for ALS and Beyond
The implications of these findings extend beyond ALS. The protective effects of α-CD/MOR on motor neurons could be beneficial for other neurodegenerative diseases characterized by oxidative stress and protein aggregation, such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. The ability of α-CD/MOR to activate Nrf2 and enhance the cell's antioxidant and autophagy pathways positions it as a promising candidate for further research and development.
 
Next Steps
While these findings are promising, further research is needed to confirm the long-term safety and efficacy of α-CD/MOR in different models and eventually in human trials. Scientists are hopeful that with more studies, α-CD/MOR could become a valuable treatment for neurodegenerative diseases like ALS.
 
Conclusion
Moringa oleifera, with its potent antioxidant properties, continues to show promise in the fight against various diseases. This new formulation of moringin, combined with α-cyclodextrin, could be a significant breakthrough in protecting motor neurons and potentially treating devastating conditions like ALS. As research progresses, we move one step closer to finding effective therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, offering hope to millions affected worldwide.
 
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Antioxidants.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/7/813
 
For the latest on Herbs And Phytochemicals, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
 
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/ten-health-benefits-of-the-moringa-leaf-
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/breaking-herbs-and-phytochemicals-news-taiwanese-study-finds-that-pectolinarigenin-can-help-with-amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-als