Work

Virtual screening and molecular dynamics of anti-Alzheimer compounds from Cardiospermum halicacabum via GC-MS

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medicinal system that uses medicinal plants for their neuroprotective effects. Ayurveda claims that the (C. halicacabum) leaves possess significant neuroprotective properties. Alzheimer’s is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-β, acetylcholinesterase, and tau tangles that interfere with neural transmission and impair cognitive abilities. Objectives This study aimed to identify novel potential anti-Alzheimer phytoconstituents of C. halicacabum leaves using in silico methods. Methods This study utilized the Box–Behnken design within the response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize and combine the effects of process variables, namely powder weight, solvent volume, and extraction time, on the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of C. halicacabum leaves. The optimization process revealed that these variables, along with microwave usage, significantly influenced the extraction yield. The ethanolic extract was examined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis, and the identified phytoconstituents were further analyzed through computer-based simulations, including docking, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) studies, assessment of drug-likeness, molecular dynamics, LigPlot analysis, and density functional theory (DFT) analysis. Results Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified 40 phytoconstituents and 37 were successfully characterized. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations revealed two lead compounds, acetic acid (dodecahydro-7-hydroxy-1,4b,8,8-tetramethyl-10-oxo-2(1H)-phenanthrenylidene)-,2-(dimethylamino)ethyl ester, [1R-(1. alpha)], and 1-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-2-methyldodecane, which exhibited superior stability in the docked complex compared to galantamine. Conclusion Based on computational predictions and observed pharmacological properties, these findings suggest that phytoconstituents may have therapeutic effects against selected AD targets.

Source: Frontiers in Chemistry

DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2025.1586728

Authors: Selvan Kaviyarasu, Nallamuthu Padmanaban, Sulekha Khute, Gokhan Zengin, Paranthaman Subash

Institution: Selçuk University

Language: English

Topic: Medicinal Plants and Neuroprotection

Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801