Involvement of activation of PI3K/Akt pathway in the protective effects of puerarin against MPP+-induced human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell death

► Puerarin prevents against MPP+-induced cell death through PI3K/Akt signal pathway. ► Puerarin-activated PI3K/Akt signal pathway blocks MPP+-induced p53 nuclear accumulation. ► Puerarin protects against MPP+-induced cell death through p53-mediated Puma, Bax and caspase-3 dependent apoptosis.