Impact of different processing methods on the phenolics and neuroprotective activity of <i>Fragaria ananassa</i> Duch. extracts in a <scp>d</scp>-galactose and aluminum chloride-induced rat model of aging
Marwa I. Ezzat, Marwa Y. Issa, Ibrahim E. Sallam, Dalia Zaafar, Heba M. A. Khalil, Mohamed R. Mousa, Dina Sabry, Aya Y. Gawish, Ahmed H. Elghandour, Engy Mohsen
Abstract
, orally) for 6 weeks to develop aging-like symptoms. The results of UPLC/ESI-MS phytochemical profiling revealed 36 secondary metabolites, including phenolics, flavonoids, and their glycoside derivatives. Compared with boiled and frozen extracts, the fresh extract ameliorated the behavioral deficits including anxiety and cognitive dysfunction, upregulated brain HO-1 and Nrf2 levels, and markedly reduced caspase-3 and PPAR-γ levels. Moreover, LDH and miRNA-9, 124 and 132 protein expressions were reduced. The histological architecture of the brain hippocampus was restored and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunoexpression was downregulated. In conclusion, the fresh extract has neuroprotective activity that could have a promising role in ameliorating age-related neurodegeneration.