Acacia Catechu Willd extract protects neuronal cells from oxidative stress-induced damage

Oxidative stress (OS) resulting in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and inflammation, play a pivotal role in the neuronal loss occurring in neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, promising future drugs that would prevent or slow down the progression of neurodegeneration should possess potent radical-scavenging activity. Acacia catechu Willd heartwood extract (AC) contains high amount of catechins endowed of antioxidant properties. The aim of the present study was to assess AC neuroprotection in rat brain slices treated with hydrogen peroxide. AC reverted the decrease in viability as well as the increase in sub-diploid-, DAPI positive cells, reduced ROS formation, recovered the mitochondrial potential and caspase-3 activation. Neuroprotective effects occurred in rat brain slices as a reversal in the expression of the main proteins involved in apoptosis and signalling pathways related to calcium homeostasis following OS-mediated injury was demonstrated. Additionally, unbiased quantitative mass spectrometry allowed us to assess that AC partially reverted the hydrogen peroxide-induced altered proteome, including proteins belonging to the synaptic vesicle fusion apparatus. In conclusion, the present results suggest the possibility of AC as a nutraceutical useful in preventing neurodegenerative diseases.