Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa cv. Romina) methanolic extract attenuates Alzheimer's beta amyloid production and oxidative stress by SKN-1/NRF and DAF-16/FOXO mediated mechanisms in C. elegans

Bioactive compounds from strawberries have been associated with multiple healthy benefits. The present study aimed to assess chemical characterization of a methanolic extract of the Romina strawberry variety in terms of antioxidant capacity, polyphenols profile and chemical elements content. Additionally, potential toxicity, the effect on amyloid-13 production and oxidative stress of the extract was in vivo evaluated in the experimental model Caenorhabditis elegans. Results revealed an important content in phenolic compounds (mainly ellagic acid and pelargonidin-3-glucoside) and minerals (K, Mg, P and Ca). The treatment with 100, 500 or 1000 mu g/mL of strawberry extract did not show toxicity. On the contrary, the extract was able to delay amyloid 13-protein induced paralysis, reduced amyloid-13 aggregation and prevented oxidative stress. The potential molecular mechanisms present behind the observed results explored by RNAi technology revealed that DAF-16/FOXO and SKN-1/NRF2 signaling pathways were, at least partially, involved.

Automated summary

Bioactive compounds from strawberries, such as ellagic acid and pelargonidin-3-glucoside, along with minerals like K, Mg, P, and Ca, were found in a methanolic extract of Romina strawberry variety. The extract showed antioxidant properties, prevented oxidative stress and delayed amyloid-13 induced paralysis in an experimental model. Molecular mechanisms involving DAF-16/FOXO and SKN-1/NRF2 signaling pathways were partially responsible for the observed effects.