Gaultheria leucocarpa inhibits Aβ fibrillization and enhances mitophagy-mediated degradation of pathogenic proteins.

ABSTRACT: Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology involves amyloid-beta (Aβ) accumulation and neuronal toxicity, highlighting the need for therapeutic strategies that can both inhibit Aβ aggregation and promote pathogenic protein clearance. In this study, we identified Gaultheria leucocarpa as a medicinal plant with promising neuroprotective potential. Thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence screening revealed that extracts from G. leucocarpa (GE), particularly the petroleum ether fraction of G. leucocarpa extract (GPF), effectively inhibited Aβ fibril formation in vitro. In cell-based assays, GPF significantly improved the viability of PC-12 ​cells exposed to Aβ peptides and fibrils, indicating protection against Aβ-induced cytotoxicity. Furthermore, GPF enhanced mitophagic activity, as demonstrated by increase

SUBMITTER: Zhang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12664514 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature