Find in Library

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder whose pathophysiology includes the abnormal accumulation of proteins (e.g., β-amyloid), oxidative stress, and alterations in neurotransmitter levels, mainly acetylcholine. Here we present a comparative study of the effect of extracts obtained from endemic Argentinian species of valerians, namely <i>V. carnosa</i> Sm., <i>V. clarionifolia</i> Phil. and <i>V. macrorhiza</i> Poepp. ex DC from Patagonia and <i>V. ferax</i> (Griseb.) Höck and <i>V. effusa</i> Griseb., on different AD-related biological targets. Of these anxiolytic, sedative and sleep-inducing valerians, <i>V. carnosa</i> proved the most promising and was assayed <i>in vivo</i>. All valerians inhibited acetylcholinesterase (IC₅₀ between 1.08–12.69 mg/mL) and butyrylcholinesterase (IC₅₀ between 0.0019–1.46 mg/mL). They also inhibited the aggregation of β-amyloid peptide, were able to chelate Fe²⁺ ions, and exhibited a direct relationship between antioxidant capacity and phenolic content. Moreover, <i>V. carnosa</i> was able to inhibit human monoamine oxidase A (IC₅₀: 0.286 mg/mL (0.213–0.384)). A daily intake of aqueous <i>V. carnosa</i> extract by male Swiss mice (50 and 150 mg/kg/day) resulted in anxiolytic and antidepressant-like behavior and improved spatial memory. In addition, decreased AChE activity and oxidative stress markers were observed in treated mouse brains. Our studies contribute to the development of indigenous herbal medicines as therapeutic agents for AD.