6th Edition of Neurology World Conference 2026

Abstract

Abstract Among the classical representations of neurodegenerative diseases, Oxidative stress and the excessive β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) accumulation are key contributors to neuronal toxicity and cell death in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. Natural flavonoids have emerged as promising neuroprotective agents due to their excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study evaluates the neuroprotective potential of flavonoid-rich extracts from Costus Afer against oxidative stress and Aβ-induced neuronal damage, alongside other classical mechanisms such as neuroinflammation, to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Flavonoids extraction was achieved using an ethanol-based solvent extraction method and characterized by highperformance liquid chromatography. Human neuronal SH-SY5Y cells were exposed to Aβ₍25–35₎ and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) to induce neurotoxicity. Cells were subsequently treated with varying concentrations of flavonoid extracts, and the neuroprotective effects were assessed using cell viability (MTT assay), intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, catalase), inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β), and apoptosis markers (caspase-3). In addition, mechanistic pathways, including PI3K/Akt signalling pathway and MAPK signalling, were evaluated. An improved neuronal cell viability was observed, alongside reduced ROS accumulation, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, and inhibition of apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that Costus afer flavonoids exert multi-target neuroprotective effects and may represent a promising strategy for mitigating neurodegenerative processes.