Protective Effect of Lycii Radicis Cortex against 6-Hydroxydopamine-Induced Dopaminergic Neuronal Cell Death

Abstract

An oxidative defense system imbalance leads to overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and is implicated in the progression of neurodegenerative ailments such as Parkinson's disease (PD). In the present study, we examined the protective effects of the ethanolic extract of Lycii Radicis Cortex (LRCE) in an in vitro PD model induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), which induces selective dopaminergic cell death through oxidative stress. LRCE resulted in significant protective effects in SH-SY5Y cells and showed strong radical scavenging effects. In addition, LRCE inhibited intracellular ROS and extracellular nitrite production and glutathione depletion induced by 6-OHDA. Furthermore, LRCE blocked the destabilization of the mitochondrial membrane potential and the activation of caspase-3. Moreover, dopaminergic neuronal protection of LRCE from 6-OHDA exposure was confirmed in the rat primary mesencephalic culture system. LRCE is therefore considered to exert beneficial effects on dopaminergic neurons, resulting to antiparkinsonian effects via antioxidant activities. Practical Applications The current findings suggest that owing to its effects on antioxidant activity, Lycii Radicis Cortex may be useful as an alternative therapy to prevent and treat neurodegeneration including dopaminergic neuron dysfunction.