Neuroprotective potential of <i>Bilacunaria microcarpa</i> extracts in Mpp plus induced SH-SY5Y cell model of Parkinson's disease

Backround Bilacunaria microcarpa, a traditionally consumed yet underexplored species of the Apiaceae family, was evaluated for its neuroprotective potential in an in vitro Parkinson's disease model induced by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+). Methods and Results Differentiated SH-SY5Y neuronal cells were co-treated with MPP+ and aqueous extracts derived from the plant's flowers, stems, and leaves. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay, while nuclear morphology was examined via Hoechst 33258 staining. Enzymatic activities of AChE and caspase-3 were analyzed to investigate cholinergic and apoptotic responses, respectively. The antioxidant and oxidant status of the samples was determined by measuring the total antioxidant status and total oxidant levels. Chemical profiling analysis by HPLC-DAD identified chlorogenic acid as the predominant compound across all plant parts. The extracts demonstrated substantial enhancement in cell viability and were non-cytotoxic in fibroblast cultures. Moreover, all sample extracts caused a statistically significant reduction in caspase - 3 activity (p < 0.05). Furthermore, in silico blood-brain barrier permeability predictions indicated that some phytochemicals present in the extracts, such as resveratrol, o-coumaric acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, and vanillin, have the potential to permeate the blood-brain barrier. Conclusions These outcomes indicate that Bilacunaria microcarpa exhibits considerable potential as a neuroprotective agent, warranting further exploration as a candidate for the development of therapeutic interventions for Parkinson's disease.

Journal

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS

Year

2026

Volume

53

Issue

1

ISSN

0301-4851

eISSN

1573-4978

DOI

10.1007/s11033-026-11677-2

WoS UID

WOS:001716524300003