Choline accumulation in mistletoe leaves (Viscum album L.) and the effect of extracts based on them on the course of the sporadic form of Alzheimer's disease in experimental animals

Abstract

Choline is an important vitamin-like compound, the deficiency of which is one of the bases of the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer's disease. Aim of the study: to evaluate the content of choline in white mistletoe leaves and to study the effect of white mistletoe leaf extract on the course of the sporadic form of Alzheimer's disease in rats. White mistletoe leaves are collected in autumn and winter from the host tree - the apple tree. The concentration of choline is measured spectrophotometrically by the changes of choline rheinecate absorbance at 400 nm. The anti- amyloid properties of the received extracts are estimated in vitro to prevent the formation of beta-amyloid aggregates. Alzheimer's disease was modeled in Wistar rats. Changes in the cognitive functions, cerebral hemodynamics, and the level of beta-amyloid and tau protein in the hippocampus of rats were observed. In mistletoe leaves collected in winter, the concentration of choline at the tendency level was higher than in leaves harvested in autumn (3.07±1.84% versus 2.88±1.03%). In vitro, extracts from white mistletoe leaves decrease aggregation of beta-amyloid plaques. In rats with experimental Alzheimer's disease, the course administration of mistletoe extracts, improve cognitive functions, increase in cerebral blood flow and a decrease in the content of beta-amyloid and tau protein in hippocampal tissues.