Unveiling Neuroprotective Potential in Tempeh Peptide Extracts by

Background: Alzheimer's Disease (AD) incidence and prevalence increase every year, commonly related to neuron inflammation and degeneration conditions. Tempeh, a traditional fermented product from Indonesia, was reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-Alzheimer properties. However, anti-Alzheimer properties of tempeh peptide extracts have not been extensively examined. This research studied the effect of the extracted peptide from tempeh in preventing and delaying Alzheimer's disease. Methods: Tempeh peptide was extracted using water maceration and quantified using HPLC and spectrophotometry. Anti-Alzheimer properties of tempeh were analyzed with Ellman's assay of anticholinesterase and in vitro gene expression analysis using LPS-induced neural Schwann cells. Results: As a result, tempeh contained 19.27% of GABA, which is reported to have anti-Alzheimer properties, and other amino acids. Tempeh peptide extract at 12.5 µg/mL had strong inhibition activity toward acetylcholinesterase at 12.61%, and 100 µg/mL of tempeh peptide extract had 8.97% butyrylcholinesterase inhibition activity. Tempeh peptides extract also altered the expression of various genes related to Alzheimer's disease, such as TNF-α, BACE 1, Ntrk 1, BDNF 2, and APP. Conclusions: This research proved that various peptides from tempeh have anti-Alzheimer properties.