Schisandrin B as a Hormetic Agent for Preventing Age-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases

Abstract

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction have been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, with the latter preceding the appearance of clinical symptoms. The energy failure resulting from mitochondrial dysfunction further impedes brain function, which demands large amounts of energy. Schisandrin B (Sch B), an active ingredient isolated from Fructus Schisandrae, has been shown to afford generalized tissue protection against oxidative damage in various organs, including the brain, of experimental animals. Recent experimental findings have further demonstrated that Sch B can protect neuronal cells against oxidative challenge, presumably by functioning as a hormetic agent to sustain cellular redox homeostasis and mitoenergetic capacity in neuronal cells. The combined actions of Sch B offer a promising prospect for preventing or possibly delaying the onset of neurodegenerative diseases, as well as enhancing brain health.

Hormetic effect of panaxatriol saponins confers neuroprotection in PC12 cells and zebrafish through PI3K/AKT/mTOR and AMPK/SIRT1/FOXO3 pathways

“…Similar results were observed in our previous report showed that low dose camptothecin (CPT), a topoisomerase I inhibitor, exhibited hormetic and neuroprotective effects, while high dose CPT killed the cells35. Schisandrin B, an active ingredient isolated from Fructus Schisandrae , has been shown to prevent age-related neurodegenerative diseases through inducing hormesis36. Moreover, induction of mild endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy, which were thought to be hormetic mechanisms, could inhibit neuronal cell death in drosophila and mouse models of PD3738.…”

Schisandrin A and B affect subventricular zone neurogenesis in mouse

“…Concerning any gross malformation or changes of cell density in the brain after administration of Sch A and B, we first checked the morphology in the SVZ-RMS-OB system and no obvious change was noticed, which was consistent with previous descriptions (Ko and Lam, 2002;Ko et al, 2008;Lam and Ko, 2012). Three doses of Sch A and B (1, 10 and 20 mg/kg d) were chosen in this study, which were much lower than the most tolerated or toxic dosage (Hu et al, 2012a;Ko and Lam, 2002;Ko et al, 2008).…”

“…1). The potential for Sch B to prevent brain disorders has been discussed (Hsieh et al, 2001;Ko and Lam, 2002;Ichikawa et al, 2006;Chen et al, 2008;Konishi, 2009); it improves memory (Giridharan et al, 2011;Hu et al, 2012a) and exerts neuroprotective functions (Giridharan et al, 2012;Lam and Ko, 2012;Lee et al, 2012;Zeng et al, 2012). Sch A also exerted positive effects on preventing memory impairment (Hu et al, 2012b).…”

Schisandrin B protects PC12 cells against oxidative stress of neurodegenerative diseases

“…Bail., which is a traditional Chinese herb that has been used frequently as a tonic and an astringent for centuries [4]. The major roles of Sch B are as an anti-inflammatory agent, as an antiaging agent, and in nerve protection [5][6][7]. Recent studies have revealed that Sch B could improve the antioxidant status of brain mitochondria and protect the brain from ischemia-reperfusion injury.…”