Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in the elderly. Without a treatment that significantly delays the progression of the disease over 14 million Americans are likely to be affected with AD by the middle of the 21st Century, presenting an enormous economic and social burden. Evidence gathered over the last two decades has implicated the abnormal accumulation of Aβ, in particular the longer more amyloidogenic form Aβ42, as a potential causative agent in the disease. To screen for compounds that reduce Aβ accumulation we have established several high throughput, cell based screens capable of the sensitive and selective detection of Aβ40 and Aβ42. Using these screens we have analyzed a proprietary library of natural product extracts for their ability to influence Aβ accumulation. Using this approach, we have identified several agents capable of influencing total Aβ concentration. In addition, we have identified one extract that selectively reduces Aβ42. Intracerebroventricular administration of this agent to mice results in a selective reduction in Aβ42 in the brain.
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Yager, D., Watson, M., Healy, B. et al. Natural product extracts that reduce accumulation of the alzheimer’s amyloid β peptide. J Mol Neurosci 19, 129–133 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12031-002-0023-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12031-002-0023-5