Multifunctional small molecular weight compounds from Peltiphyllum Peltatum: From antioxicant to neuroprotection and antidiabetic effects

An imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defences is considered to be an important pathogenic factor for the development of a variety of disease conditions including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging, diabetes and inflammation [1]. While antioxidant compounds offer some benefit in these disease conditions, multifunctional compounds acting at multiple targets of these diseases have tremendous therapeutic potential. In this communication, a case study on one ornamental and edible plant native the USA, Peltiphyllum peltatum, is presented. The leaves [2,3] and rhizomes of this plant are source of various antioxidant flavonoids (aglycones and glycosides) and gallic acid derivatives. The differenzial activity of these isolated compounds in cellular and cell free antioxidant assays together with potential neuroprotection and antidiabetic effects are discussed.