Effect of varying exposure to abiotic stress on the metabolic profile of Monsonia angustifolia Sond. which has potential to treat Alzheimer's disease through reduction of oxidative stress

Abstract

• High altitude, temperatures and low precipitation from Limpopo province significantly increased phytochemical content. • Harsh UV radiation and high temperature in Limpopo province reduced the plants volatile compounds. • Antioxidant activity was directly proportional to the phytochemical content level. • Diverse compound with structural feature like compounds known to decrease formation of amyloid-beta are present in Monsonia angustifolia . Environmental abiotic stress factors such as ultraviolet (UV) light radiation, water availability, drought, salinity, and soil pH significantly influence the presence and levels of secondary metabolites in wild plants. The diverse plant biomes in South Africa contribute to the country's rich plant biodiversity. Monsonia angustifolia , a common Indigenous vegetable consumed by natives, was the focus of a study aimed at evaluating the effects of varying abiotic stresses on its metabolite profile and assessing its potential for Alzheimer's disease treatment through oxidative stress reduction. The study evaluated the impact of abiotic stress on the phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of plants growing in the Gauteng and Limpopo provinces. High altitude, high temperatures, and low precipitation in Limpopo significantly impacted the phytochemical and antioxidant activity of M. angustifolia , resulting in higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents compared to plants from Gauteng. Harsh UV radiation and high temperatures in Limpopo reduced volatile compounds in the plants. However, antioxidant activity, assessed through DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity was significantly higher in Limpopo plants. These findings suggest that geographical variation significantly affects the accumulation of phytochemicals, offering a potential therapeutic strategy against Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, M. angustifolia from Limpopo offers promising alternative treatment strategies for Alzheimer's compared to those from Gauteng.