Exploring spearmint
(Mentha spicata) and Exendin-4 as novel therapeutic approaches for Huntington’s
disease: a molecular insight
Asha Monica A., Swabna V. and Edward A.
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 21(1); 209-215;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/211rjbt2090215; (2026)
Abstract
Huntington’s Disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative illness resulting
from CAG trinucleotide repeat expansion in the Huntingtin (Htt) gene with a progressive
course affecting motor, cognitive and affective domains. This disease has a progressive
nature and the outcomes are fully serious motor disorders, psychotic symptoms and
death. As for the disease, its spread is rated differently worldwide and the highest
rates were identified in Europe and North America. As of now, there is really no
cure, which is why investigators embark on the consideration of cure alternatives.
Such approach includes use of plant extracts whereby the compounds used are from
the members of mint family particularly Mentha spicata; scientifically proven to
have medicinal value. This study looks at the prospect of spearmint in relation
to therapy for those suffering from HD based on the plant’s antibacterial and antioxidant
characteristics. In addition, molecular docking analysis is employed examining the
prospects of drug delivery by symptomatically acting peptides like Exendin-4 interacting
with the Htt protein to address the issues of mutant protein aggregation.
Some of the neuroprotective properties of the peptide Exendin-4 have been demonstrated
in an antic diabetes context for the enhancement of motor function to alleviate
HD symptoms in animal models. We strongly argue for future studies exploring surviving
phytochemical + peptide combinations in the context of Huntington’s disease, as
this work reveals important, hitherto uninvestigated aspects of the molecular pathology
of this condition.
