Anti-Cholinesterase and Anti-α-Amylase Activities and Neuroprotective Effects of Carvacrol and p-Cymene and Their Effects on Hydrogen Peroxide Induced Stress in SH-SY5Y Cells

Several researchers have demonstrated the health and pharmacological properties of carvacrol and p-cymene, monoterpenes of aromatic plants. This study investigated these compounds' possible anti-cholinesterase, anti-alpha-amylase, and neuroprotective effects. We evaluated the anti-acetylcholinesterase and anti-alpha-amylase activities at different concentrations of the compounds. The maximum non-toxic dose of carvacrol and p-cymene against SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells was determined using an MTT assay. The neuroprotective effects of the compounds were evaluated on H2O2-induced stress in SH-SY5Y cells, studying the expression of caspase-3 usingWestern blotting assays. Carvacrol showed inhibitory activities against acetylcholinesterase (IC50 = 3.8 mu g/mL) and butyrylcholinesterase (IC50 = 32.7 mu g/mL). Instead, the anti-alpha-amylase activity of carvacrol resulted in an IC50 value of 171.2 mu g/mL After a pre-treatment with the maximum non-toxic dose of carvacrol and p-cymene, the expression of caspase-3 was reduced compared to cells treated with H2O2 alone. Carvacrol and p-cymene showed in vitro anti-enzymatic properties, and may act as neuroprotective agents against oxidative stress. Further studies are necessary to elucidate their possible use as coadjutants in preventing and treating AD in diabetic patients.

Automated summary

Several researchers have studied the health properties of carvacrol and p-cymene, substances found in aromatic plants. In this study, the researchers investigated the potential anti-cholinesterase, anti-alpha-amylase, and neuroprotective effects of these compounds. They found that carvacrol showed inhibitory activities against acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, while also exhibiting anti-alpha-amylase activity. Furthermore, pre-treatment with carvacrol and p-cymene reduced caspase-3 expression in cells under oxidative stress, indicating their potential as neuroprotective agents.