Lithocarpus litseifolius (Hance) Chun, widely known as sweet tea, promotes neuronal differentiation and maturation of neural stem/progenitor cells.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Lithocarpus litseifolius (Hance) Chun, a traditional Chinese medicinal plant used as sweet tea, has been historically valued for its health-beneficial properties. While its neuroprotective effects have been documented, its potential to enhance neuronal differentiation and maturation remains unexplored.

AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to assessed the neurogenic potential of an 80 % ethanol extract of L. litseifolius (EELLC) on neuronal differentiation and maturation using Neuronal cell line Neuro-2a cells and neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Neuro-2a cells and NSPCs were treated with EELLC, and neuronal differentiation was assessed via immunocytochemistry (β-tubulin III staining), neurite outgrowth analysis, and Western blotting for maturation markers (MAP2, NeuN). The phytochemical constituents of EELLC were identified through UHPLC-Q-Exactive-MS/MS. Key bioactive compounds were further evaluated for their neurogenic activity.

RESULTS

EELLC treatment dose-dependent enhanced neuronal differentiation and neurite outgrowth in Neuro-2a cells. UHPLC-MS/MS analysis identified 90 compounds, with phlorizin (49.1 %) and phloretin (12.05 %) as major constituents. Correlation analysis revealed that choline, cinnamic acid, phloretin, and pipecolic acid were key active components. Additionally, EELLC increased the proportion of β-tubulin III-positive neurons and promoted morphological maturation in NSPCs, as evidenced by elevated expression of MAP2 and NeuN.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate that EELLC promotes neuronal differentiation and maturation, highlighting its potential therapeutic value for neurodegenerative diseases and neural regeneration. These bioactive compounds serve as a starting point for elucidating their mechanisms of action and exploring their therapeutic potential.