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

► Oxidative stress plays a role in neurodegenerative processes. ► Thirteen herbal extracts tested for protection against H2O2 induced cell death. ► Polygonum multiflorum was the most potent antioxidant and cytoprotectant. ► Total phenol content was strongly correlated with antioxidant capacity. ► Antioxidant activity is moderately correlated with cytoprotective ability.