Cytoprotective Effect of the Petroleum Ether Extract of <i>Artemisia turcomanica</i>

Abstract

Context: Oxidative stress is a trigger associated with neurodegeneration and is linked to the major forms of cell death observed in neurodegenerative diseases. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro neuroprotective effects of different fractions of the petroleum ether (PE) extract of Artemisia turcomanica in PC12 cells. The extract had previously demonstrated activity in cytoprotective assays. Evidence Acquisition: The PE extract was subjected to normal-phase vacuum liquid chromatography (NP-VLC) and fractionated. The protective effects of the different fractions against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced toxicity in PC12 cells were evaluated using the MTT assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, caspase-3 activity, and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were subsequently measured in PC12 cells. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and various spray reagents were used for a preliminary phytochemical analysis of the selected fractions. Results: Normal-phase vacuum liquid chromatography of the PE extract yielded 13 fractions (F1-F13). Pre-exposure of PC12 cells to F6 and F10 protected the cells against H2O2-induced toxicity and reduced ROS production and caspase-3 activity. The cytoprotective effects of the selected fractions were accompanied by increased MMP in the PC12 cells. Thin-layer chromatography analysis of the selected PE extract fractions suggested the presence of terpenoids and steroids. Conclusions: Artemisia turcomanica is a source of phytochemicals with neuroprotective potential. Further phytochemical and biological studies are needed to identify the active components and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action.