Phytomedicine Potential of Root and Its Constituents: Targeting Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by a gradual decline in cognitive function, for which few effective treatments exist. This study investigated the neuroprotective potential of root extract and its key constituents (baicalein, chrysin, oroxylin A) against AD hallmarks. The extract and its constituents exhibited antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay. They inhibited β-amyloid aggregation as measured by the thioflavin T assay and acetylcholinesterase activity using the Ellman method. In cell culture models, extract showed an ability to protect neurons from the toxic effects of HO. Western blot analysis revealed the extract and its major active component, baicalein, downregulated pro-apoptotic markers (cleaved caspase-3, and BAX) upon HO exposure. Furthermore, they reduced the expression of amyloidogenic proteins (BACE1) and phosphorylated tau. These findings suggest that root extract, particularly baicalein, possesses multifaceted neuroprotective properties, targeting various aspects of AD pathogenesis, including oxidative stress, cholinergic dysfunction, β-amyloid formation, aggregation, and apoptosis. root thus warrants further investigation as a promising source of therapeutic agents for AD.