The neuroprotective effects of icariin on ageing, various neurological, neuropsychiatric disorders, and brain injury induced by radiation exposure.

Ling Rui Li,Gautam Sethi,Yan Huang,Cui Liu Liu,Bo Xu Ren,Qun Liu,Feng Ru Tang,Xing Zhang

doi:10.18632/aging.203893

Ling Rui Li, Gautam Sethi + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.203893

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Abstract

Epimedium brevicornum Maxim, a Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been used for the treatment of impotence, sinew and bone disorders, “painful impediment caused by wind-dampness,” numbness, spasms, hypertension, coronary heart disease, menopausal syndrome, bronchitis, and neurasthenia for many years in China. Recent animal experimental studies indicate that icariin, a major bioactive component of epimedium may effectively treat Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral ischemia, depression, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, as well as delay ageing. Our recent study also suggested that epimedium extract could exhibit radio-neuro-protective effects and prevent ionizing radiation-induced impairment of neurogenesis. This paper reviewed the pharmacodynamics of icariin in treating different neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases, ageing, and radiation-induced brain damage. The relevant molecular mechanisms and its anti-neuroinflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidant, as well as pro-neurogenesis roles were also discussed.

Highlights

Icariin (molecular formula: C33H40O15, molecular weight: 676.67 g/mol) [1], a prenylated flavonoid glycoside, is derived from the Chinese herb Epimedium sagittatum [2] or yin yang huo [3]
Icariin [1], a prenylated flavonoid glycoside, is derived from the Chinese herb Epimedium sagittatum [2] or yin yang huo [3]
In rats exposed to chronic mild stress (CMS), Pan et al (2010) found that icariin could down-regulate the levels of serum corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and corticosterone (CORT) as well as decrease the levels of CRF mRNA and protein in the hypothalamus [75]. These results suggested that icariin could reverse CRF system hyperactivity, which was further proved in the subsequent studies on rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) [76]

Summary

Introduction

Icariin (molecular formula: C33H40O15, molecular weight: 676.67 g/mol) [1], a prenylated flavonoid glycoside, is derived from the Chinese herb Epimedium sagittatum [2] or yin yang huo [3].

Results

Conclusion