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The Effect of Corn Silk Extract on Neuronal Regeneration

CSEF · 2019 Zoology First Award

Zaighum R. Nagra · Portola (Gaspar de) Highly Gifted Magnet Middle School, Tarzana, Los Angeles County

Overview

Objectives This study examines effective dosage of corn silk (Zea mays Linnaeus) aqueous extract on neuronal regeneration. Methods Using planaria (Girardia tigrina) as a model for neuronal regeneration, 250 mg/mL corn silk aqueous extract (CS) is tested for its effect on neuronal regeneration. Same concentration of Astragalus membranaceus extract is used as positive; and water as normal controls. Three doses of 1, 2 and 3 mL CS extract are tested in triplicate in three separate trials. Results Dissected planaria heads in 2 mL CS grew 4.9% faster than 1 mL extract and water. The locomotive velocity of 2 mL CS was also significantly (15.3%) higher than 1 mL, using paired t test at P=0.01. The differences between 2 and 3 mL were not significant. Conclusions Faster growth rate and higher locomotive velocity of regenerating 2 mL planaria, combined with microscopic evidence of faster progressing development of neoblasts show that 2 mL dose is most effective for neuronal regeneration. The hypothesis proved to be supported by the results. CS contains proteins, vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, terpenoids and other antioxidants. The bio-active constituents confer neuroprotection and promote memory, learning, cognition and regeneration by inhibiting neuronal apoptosis.

Summary statement

Effective dose of CS determined in this study may be used for neuroprotection and neuroregeneration in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer s and Parkinson s

Help received

Initiated, discussed and completed the project at the UCLA-CURE Digestive Diseases Research Center laboratory under the supervision of Lixin Wang, MD, PhD

Awards (1)

Competition history

  • CSEF 2019 Zoology · Entry J2210

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