Planta Med 2015; 81 - PW_127
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1565751

Sideritis scardica extracts inhibit the aggregation of α-synuclein and β-amyloid peptides in Caenorhabditis elegans used as a model for neurodegenerative diseases

F Heiner 1, B Feistel 2, M Wink 1
  • 1Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
  • 2Finzelberg GmbH & Co. KG, Koblenzer Str. 48 – 56, 56626 Andernach, Germany

Sideritis scardica Griseb. is one of over 150 species of the genus Sideritis L. (Lamiaceae) and endemic to the Balkan peninsula, where it is traditionally used as tea. Recent studies show an activity of S. scardica extracts in the CNS in vitro and in vivo. An influence on the reuptake of monoamine neurotransmitters [1], a stimulating effect on EEG patterns in rats [2] and a cognition enhancing activity in mice [3] have been reported. To further investigate CNS effects of the plant we used the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, a well investigated model organism, to explore the influence of four S. scardica extracts of different polarity (H2O; 20, 50, 70% EtOH) on characteristics of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's in vivo. Deposits of human β-amyloid formed by the transgenic C. elegans strain CL2006 were stained with thioflavin S and counted. All groups treated with S. scardica showed a significant lower number of plaques (max. 21% reduction vs. control). Furthermore, the extracts were examined concerning an alleviation of Aβ-oligomer-induced neurotoxicity by observing paralysis progression of strain Cl4176. Treated worms paralyzed significantly later with a delay of the PT50 value of max. 9% vs. control. Additionally, we included human α-synuclein, a histopathological hallmark of dementia, which is expressed by C. elegans strain NL5901. It is fused to the yellow fluorescent protein enabling to observe and quantify its aggregation. Here the treated groups showed significant lower fluorescence intensity (max. 37% reduction vs. control). In all assays S. scardica showed a dose-dependent effect influenced by the extraction medium (most potent 50% EtOH). The results confirm the potential of Sideritis scardica preparations for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

References:

[1] Knörle R J Neural Transm 2012; 119: 1477 – 82

[2] Dimpfel W J Ethnopharmacol 2013; 149: 583 – 589

[3] Feistel B, Walbroel B, Pahnke J Planta Med 2013; 79: 1142 (79-PB9)