Neuroprotective Effects of Triterpenoids From Rosa laevigata Root: Identification, Molecular Docking, and In Vitro Evaluation for Alzheimer's Disease Treatment

ABSTRACT This study investigates the neuroprotective effects of triterpenoid compounds from Rosa laevigata Michx. roots against Alzheimer's disease (AD). A total of 62 compounds were identified using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐Orbitrap‐tandem mass spectrometry analysis, which included 55 triterpenoids and seven flavonoids. Among 15 isolated compounds, compound 13 demonstrated the strongest acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity, with an IC 50 of 3.38 µmol/L, and a maximum inhibition rate of 87.20%. Compound 13 exhibited favorable and stable binding with AChE in molecular docking studies, whilst demonstrating mixed‐type inhibition in enzyme kinetics. In the H 2 O 2 ‐induced SH‐SY5Y cell model, compound 13 exhibited 84.45% viability at 25 µmol/L, surpassing Trolox's 74.16%. Research indicates that R. laevigata Michx. root triterpenes exert neuroprotective effects through AChE inhibition and antioxidant activity, with compound 13 potentially serving as a multi‐target lead compound for treating AD.