Cytoprotective properties of traditional Chinese medicinal herbal extracts in hydrogen peroxide challenged human U373 astroglia cells

Abstract

Munch, G. (2013). Cytoprotective properties of traditional Chinese medicinal herbal extracts in hydrogen peroxide challenged human U373 astroglia cells. Neurochemistry International: the journal for the publication of cellular and molecular aspects of neurochemistry, 62 (5), 522-529. Cytoprotective properties of traditional Chinese medicinal herbal extracts in hydrogen peroxide challenged human U373 astroglia cells AbstractAge is the leading risk factor for many of the most prevalent and devastating diseases including neurodegenerative diseases. A number of herbal medicines have been used for centuries to ameliorate the deleterious effects of ageing-related diseases and increase longevity. Oxidative stress is believed to play a role in normal ageing as well as in neurodegenerative processes. Since many of the constituents of herbal extracts are known antioxidants, it is believed that restoring oxidative balance may be one of the underlying mechanisms by which medicinal herbs can protect against ageing and cognitive decline. Based on the premise that astrocytes are key modulators in the progression of oxidative stress associated neurodegenerative diseases, 13 herbal extracts purported to possess anti-ageing properties were tested for their ability to protect U373 human astrocytes from hydrogen peroxide induced cell death. To determine the contribution of antioxidant activity to the cytoprotective ability of extracts, total phenol content and radical scavenging capacities of extracts were examined. Polygonum multiflorum, amongst others, was identified as possessing potent antioxidant and cytoprotective properties. Not surprisingly, total phenol content of extracts was strongly correlated with antioxidant capacity. Interestingly, when total phenol content and radical scavenging capacities of extracts were compared to the cytoprotective properties of extracts, only moderately strong correlations were observed. This finding suggests the involvement of multiple protective mechanisms in the beneficial effects of these medicinal herbs. AbstractAge is the leading risk factor for many of the most prevalent and devastating diseases including neurodegenerative diseases. A number of herbal medicines have been used for centuries to ameliorate the deleterious effects of ageing-related diseases and increase longevity. Oxidative stress is believed to play a role in normal ageing as well as in neurodegenerative processes. Since many of the constituents of herbal extracts are known antioxidants, it is believed that restoring oxidative balance may be one of the underlying mechanisms by which medicinal herbs can protect against ageing and cognitive decline. Based on the premise that astrocytes are key modulators in the progression of oxidative stress associated neurodegenerative diseases, 13 herbal extracts purported to possess antiageing properties were tested for their ability to protect U373 human astrocytes from hydrogen peroxide induced cell death. To determine the contribution of antioxidant activity to the cytoprotective ab...

An in vitro study of neuroprotective properties of traditional Chinese herbal medicines thought to promote healthy ageing and longevity

“…While the neuroprotective activity was correlated with the antioxidant capacity of the extracts, two extracts ( Polygonum multiflorum and Rhodiola rosea ) with high anti-oxidant capacity lacked neuroprotective activity in the staurosporine assay and exhibited some neurotoxic activity when they were applied in the absence of staurosporine. These results complement our previous study reporting on the cytoprotective properties of these extracts in glial cells [15]. Interestingly, some extracts exhibited selective protection in neurons but not glia ( Polygonum cuspidatum ) or glia but less so in neurons ( P. multiflorum ).…”

“…Interestingly, some extracts exhibited selective protection in neurons but not glia ( Polygonum cuspidatum ) or glia but less so in neurons ( P. multiflorum ). Together, the data appear to support the traditional practice of combining multiple herbal medicines for the treatment of complex disorders [15]. The results of this study provide a justification for further testing of these herbal extracts in neurodegenerative animal models to assess their safety and effectiveness in vivo as a basis for subsequent clinical studies in humans.…”

“…Non-cellular antioxidant capacity assays DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay and total phenol assay by Folin-Ciocalteau reagent were performed as described in detail previously [15]. …”

Anticholinesterase and Antioxidant Effects of Traditional Herbal Medicines used in the Management of Neurodegenerative Diseases in Mauritius

“…Conventional treatment consists in relieving symptoms associated with ND, but due to side effects associated with these medicines, interest has been directed towards traditional herbal medicines (TMs) as a potential treatment. A number of herbal medicines have been used to complement the conventional drug therapies in the management of neurodegenerative diseases for centuries 6 . Many active pharmacological compounds from herbal medicines have been identified to be useful in treatment of ND.…”

Isolation of biosynthesis related transcripts of 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxy stilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside from Fallopia multiflora by suppression subtractive hybridization

“…Research showed that F. multiflora has potent antioxidative and cytoprotective properties [1], enhanced purgative effects, promoted diuresis and choleretic effects [2], and exerted a neuroprotective effect against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity [3]. 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxy stilbene-2-O-ß-Dglucoside (THSG) is an active component in F. multiflora, which possesses anti-hyperlipidemic [4], anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, endothelial-protective activities [5].…”