Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Activity of Wheat Microgreen Extracts against Rotenone Induced Neurotoxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans

Background: Wheatgrass (Triticum, Family: Poaceae) juice is considered as a living food and often consumed due to its countless health benefits. Wheatgrass juice contains many bioactive compounds which can be useful for ameliorating neurogenerative diseases. Wheat in the form of microgreen (7th day after sowing) have been reported to have higher level of bioactive compounds compared to the mature wheatgrass or grain. Objective: To evaluate the protective effects of wheat microgreen extract against rotenone induced neurodegeneration in Caenorhabditis elegans. Methods: Worms were exposed to the different concentrations of rotenone to determine the concentration that can induce neurodegeneration without causing any mortality. Wheat microgreen extract was exposed to worms along with rotenone to determine the effective concentration. Neuroprotective potential of wheat microgreen extract was assessed by foraging and locomotory performance, free radical generation, cytotoxicity assay and dopamine content. Results: 4 µM concentration of rotenone was found non lethal but able to induce behavior changes after 48 h of exposure. Wheat microgreen extract at 1 mg/mL concentration was found minimum and effective when exposed along with rotenone to worms. Rotenone exposed C. elegans were observed to have reduced locomotory and foraging behaviors along with dopamine content, while an increased level of free radical and cytotoxicity. Wheat microgreen extract improved behavior performance and dopamine content, also reduce free radical generation and cytotoxicity in the rotenone exposed worms. Conclusion: Our study concludes that wheat microgreen exhibits neuroprotective and antioxidant potential and can be considered as a possible treatment for neurodegeneration. Keywords: Wheat microgreen; Caenorhabditis elegans; Neurodegeneration; Rotenone