Neuroprotection of Stilbenes from Leaves of Cajanus cajan against Oxidative Damage Induced by Corticosterone and Glutamate in Differentiated PC12 Cells

ObjectiveTo investigate the neuroprotective effects of four stilbenes, namely cajaninstilbene acid (CSA), longistyline A, longistyline C, and cajanolactone A, isolated from the leaves of Cajanus cajan.MethodsNeuroprotective effects of the four stilbenes were evaluated using rat pheochromocytoma cell line (PC12 cells) damage models induced by corticosterone (Cort) or glutamate. In order to elaborate whether the neuroprotective effects of stilbenes are related to anti-oxidant properties, both oxidant and anti-oxidant parameters were measured.ResultsThe results of MTT assay and LDH release assay demonstrated that the four stilbenes possessed neuroprotective effects. Moreover, the treatment on PC12 cells with Cort or glutamate (Glu) could significantly increase the levels of ROS and MDA with decreasing the activities of SOD and CAT. However, the four tested stilbenes could significantly alleviate such situation by dropping out the levels of ROS and MDA, as well as enhancing the activities of SOD and CAT.ConclusionThese results provide a scientific basis for further studies to explore the potential neuroprotective effects on neurodegenerative diseases.