Plant foods contain several bioactive compounds, produced via secondary metabolisms as a defence against predation, herbivores, fungal attack, microbial invasion, UV irradiation, and viral infections. Many evidences point to these bioactive compounds as protective molecules active in the prevention of many degenerative diseases in humans. Polyphenols, in particular anthocyanins and flavonoids contained in vegetables, exhibit remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In this context, the aim of our project is to test the neuroprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in cellular and animal models of polyphenolic extracts from different plant sources obtained by utilizing a new green chemistry approach based on the Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NaDES). Extracts from different ecotypes of Arabidopsis thaliana plants, or from food and spices rich in polyphenols such as olive oil, grapes and Curcuma longa, will be characterized by chromatographic and spectroscopic methods, by comparing the efficiency of the extraction procedure with standard methods (i.e. extraction with organic solvents). The biological activity and anti-inflammatory potential of the extracts will be tested in cellular or animal models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) to evaluate their neuroprotective activity. The molecular mechanism underlying the signal transduction pathways activated by polyphenols will be investigated in neuronal (SH-SY5Y) or microglial (BV2) cells treated with the Abeta 25-35 fragment. The extracts will also be tested to evaluate effects on a mouse model of AD. The extracts will also be tested for their antibacterial activity by standard microbiological tests. These studies will contribute to the elucidation of the role of nutritional therapy in counteracting neurodegenerative and infectious diseases
