Hexane extract of Telosma cordata enhances neurite outgrowth via the epigenetically regulated genes expression in neuronal cells

Telosma cordata has long been consumed as foods and herbal medicine. The aim of this research is to investigate the potential biological activities of Telosma cordata flower (TCF) extracts and their molecular mechanisms in the treatment of neurological diseases, especially dementia. In general, the plant samples were successfully identified through DNA barcoding regions, utilizing matK, trnH-psbA, and rbcL markers. The ethanol extract and its fraction exhibited significantly high acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. Moreover, hexane extract of T. cordata displayed the most potent neurotrophic activity in a preliminary cell-based screening based on C6 cells neurite outgrowth. Additionally, hexane extract of T. cordata demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity. Finally, the hexane extract of T. cordata upregulated the expression of BDNF, NGF and acetyl H3 in C6 cells, affecting both mRNA and protein levels. These findings indicate that Telosma cordata could be a strong candidate for developing pharmacological drugs to treat dementia and neurodegenerative diseases.