Neuroprotective and neurochemical properties of mint extracts.
Mints are aromatic plants with a tradition as medicinal remedies and culinary herbs. With the aim of investigating potential central nervous system (CNS) activities of traditional medicinal plants, four species and one hybrid of the genus Mentha (M. aquatica, M. longifolia, M. pulegium, M. suaveolens and M. x piperita) were selected. Methanolic extracts of the plants were tested for protective effects against hydrogen-peroxide-induced toxicity in PC12 cells, antioxidant activity (by ABTS and X/XO methods) and neurochemical properties (MAO-A inhibition, AChE inhibition and affinity to the GABA(A) receptor). Mentha x piperita and Mentha aquatica produced significant (p < 0.05) protection of the PC12 cells against oxidative stress. All the plants exhibited antioxidant and MAO-A inhibitory activities, M. x piperita being the most active. M. aquatica showed the highest affinity to the GABA(A)-receptor assay. Results demonstrate that mints might have effect on the CNS.
López
Víctor
V
Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain. vlopezra@alumni.unav.es
Martín
Sara
S
Gómez-Serranillos
Maria Pilar
MP
Carretero
Maria Emilia
ME
Jäger
Anna K
AK
Calvo
Maria Isabel
MI
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers / Q000494:pharmacology; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000494:pharmacology; D027541:Mentha / Q000737:chemistry*; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D016716:PC12 Cells; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats
D000975:Antioxidants; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide