Selective reduction of oxidative stress markers in the SAMP8 mouse brain by a distinct spearmint extract with antioxidant properties. (P4.078)

OBJECTIVE: The current study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a distinct spearmint extract (Neumentix™) standardized to rosmarinic acid on oxidative stress markers in brain tissue from supplemented SAMP8 mice. BACKGROUND: Neuronal dysfunction present in age-related cognitive impairment is thought in part to result from oxidative stress. Antioxidants with the potential to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and penetrate the cell and mitochondria provide the greatest protection from oxidative stress. Spearmint is well-known for its antioxidant properties and contains at least one molecule, rosmarinic acid, known to cross the BBB. DESIGN/METHODS: Neumentix was orally administered to nine-month old SAMP8 mice, a model of accelerated aging, at doses of 0, 32, 320, or 640 mg/kg body weight/day. After 90 days of treatment, mice were sacrificed after completing three behavioral tests and brain tissue was collected from the frontal cortex, striatum and hippocampus to assess levels of protein and lipid oxidation markers including 4-hydroxy-2-trans-noneal (HNE), 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) and protein carbonyls (PC). Tissue oxidative stress markers were quantified using immunoblotting. RESULTS: Neumentix supplementation improved T-maze acquisition (p<0.001) and retention (p<0.001) and improved object recognition (p<0.03) in SAMP8 treatment groups compared to SAMP8 controls. Neumentix supplementation significantly decreased HNE and 3-NT in frontal cortex tissue but had no effect on PC, relative to the vehicle control. In addition, Neumentix supplementation significantly reduced 3-NT and PC levels in hippocampal tissue, relative to control. Neumentix supplementation had no effect on HNE and 3-NT levels in striatal tissue, relative to control but significantly increased PC levels within the striatum compared to control. CONCLUSIONS: Neumentix supplementation improved learning and memory and selectively reduced brain tissue markers of oxidative stress in a mouse model of accelerated aging. Moreover, these results suggest Neumentix supplementation may attenuate oxidative changes that occur with aging and cognitive decline. Study Supported by: Kemin Foods,L.C. Disclosure: Dr. Farr has received research support from Kemin Foods, L.C. Dr. Fonsec has received personal compensation for activities with Kemin Foods, L.C. as an employee. Dr. Herrlinger has received personal compensation for activities with Kemin Foods, L.C. as an employee. Dr. Nieman has received personal compensation for activities with Kemin Foods, L.C. as an employee. Dr. Ceddia has received personal compensation for activities with Kemin Industries, Inc. as an employee. Dr. Fullmer has received personal compensation for activities with Kemin Foods, L.C. as an employee. Dr. Niehoff has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lewis has received personal compensation for activities with Kemin Foods, L.C. as an employee. Dr. Welleford has nothing to disclose. Dr. Butterfield has received research support from Kemin Industries, Inc. Dr. Morley has received research support from Kemin Foods, L.C.