Gene-Based Management of Alzheimer’s Disease: Role of Coumarins of Ferulago Genus

The genus Ferulago, from the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family, comprised perennial herbs that have long been used as medicinal plants in different countries. Phytochemical and biological investigations of this genus revealed that their neuroprotective activities are mediated by a wide variety of compounds, especially coumarins. In this chapter, we introduced the coumarins from various species of the Ferulago genus, as well as different pathological pathways, and major potential genes linked to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Moreover, the possible effectiveness of these coumarins on the mentioned proteins and genes was investigated. Amyloid-β (Aβ) and secretase enzymes, tau protein, cholinergic and glutaminergic receptors, and the immune system (microglia) were identified as major key factors in AD management. At the molecular level, bergamottin, imperatorin, and oxypeucedanin could affect the BACE1 and show β-secretase inhibitory activities. Moreover, osthole, a prenylated coumarin, can improve memory function by various mechanisms, including inhibiting tau protein phosphorylation, affecting mRNA expression of BACE1, and reducing Aβ formation. According to the effectiveness of reported coumarins from Ferulago species on AD-related proteins and genes, these species and their coumarins could be considered as novel therapeutic options for AD.