The neuroprotective effect of monochoria vaginalis presl. in SHSY5Y cell lines

Background: The ability to produce in-vitro cultures of neuronal cells has been the base for advancing the knowledge of the nervous system functioning. There is a rise in memory loss and associated disorders in the present era. The present day research focuses on developing cost effective medications for such conditions. There are many such medications found in classical Ayurvedic textbooks which if revalidated scientifically may get global acceptance and benefit the ailing society. Ashtangahrdaya, describes ‘Chathushkuvalaya Rasayana’ and claims it to be a potent memory enhancer. In it Kuvalaya, botanically identified as Monochoria vaginalis Presl. is the only herbal ingredient. There is scarce published work regarding the neuroprotective potential of the plant. Objective: To evaluate the Neuroprotective effect of Ethanolic extract of Monochoria vaginalis Presl. in SHSY5Y cell lines followed by flow cytometry. Method: The ethanolic extract of the plant (rhizome, leaf, stem, flower) (KEE) was used as the study material in 5 concentrations (6.25µg/ml, 12.5µg/ml, 25µg/ml, 50µg/ml and 100µg/ml). Hydrogen peroxide was used to induce toxicity. Result: The concentrations 25µg/ml and 50µg/ml was found to have statistically significant neuroprotection (p<0.01). Flow cytometry was done with concentration providing maximum protection (50µg/ml). Treatment with KEE (ethanolic extract of Kuvalaya) produced decrease of apoptotic cells to below 50%, increasing the cell viability to 46% which confirmed the fact that KEE provided neuroprotection. Conclusion: The present study focuses on the importance of exploring such locally available plants and this study may serve as a base for further higher studies on the neuroprotective potential of the Monochoria vaginalis Presl.