Extracts from chinese medicinal herb lycium barbarum (gou-qi-zi) as potential neuroprotective agents

Abstract

Extracts from many Chinese medicinal herbs have been reported to modulate biological activities. However, only few of them demonstrate neuroprotective effects. Long-term goals of our laboratories are to target novel drugs in therapeutic intervention against neurodegenerative diseases and advance our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms of neuroprotection. Extracts from Lycium barbarum has long been known to nourish liver and exert beneficial effects to eyes. However, little is known about its effects on neurons. Therefore, we aim to study whether extracts from L. barbarum provide NEUROPROTECTION against chemical toxins staurosporine and BETA AMYLOID (Aβ) peptide. In agreement with other reports, human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells exposed to staurosporine and primary cultured rat neurons exposed to Aβ peptide resulted in apoptosis and subsequent necrosis. Pre-treatment of L. barbarum extract from 70°C hot water significantly reduced the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as well as CASPASE-3 and -2 activities. We have also characterized the chemical composition of the extracts. Polysaccharides play significant roles in neuroprotection. The results suggested that L. barbarum can serve as potential neuroprotection agent against neuronal death in ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE.