Bioactive And Cytotoxic Potentials of the Extract Fractions of Strophanthus Hispidus on Neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) Cell Line Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

Alzheimer disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affect memory and cognitive function. Currently, the available agents used in managing this condition are associated with severe side effects and have limited efficacy in reducing or modulating events associated with AD. Hence, there is a need for an alternative therapy with fewer side effects and better efficacy. Strophantus hispidus (SH) is a plant product widely used in Africa for its therapeutic potential.  This study was conducted to assess the bioactive constituent of the SH extract fractions, as well as the cytotoxic potential of these fractions.  The root of SH was pulverized and extracted with 80% methanol. The crude extract was then fractionated with Chloroform, Hexane, and Ethylacetate. The extract and fractions were then subjected to Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).  SH-SY5Y cell line model of AD was treated with graded concentrations (9.77 – 5000 µg/mL) of the SH extract and fractions for 24 hours. Cell viability assay was performed using WST-8 proliferation assay. The EC₅₀ was determined to be 48.4 μg/mL, 15.16 μg/mL, and 151 μg/mL for cells treated with Chloroform, Ethylacetate, and Hexane fractions of Strophantus hispidus respectively. The selectivity index (SI) greater than 3 of the hexane and ethylacetate fractions were determined to be safe, less toxic, and effective in improving cellular growth.