Premium
Neuroprotection by Saponins
Author(s) -
Sun Aijing,
Xu Xianxiang,
Lin Junsheng,
Cui Xiuling,
Xu Ruian
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
phytotherapy research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.019
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1573
pISSN - 0951-418X
DOI - 10.1002/ptr.5246
Subject(s) - neuroprotection , neurotrophic factors , pharmacology , neurotrophin , medicine , neuroscience , ginseng , curcumin , stroke (engine) , biology , traditional medicine , receptor , mechanical engineering , engineering , alternative medicine , pathology
Saponins, an important group of bioactive plant natural products, are glycosides of triterpenoid or steroidal aglycones. Their diverse biological activities are ascribed to their different structures. Saponins have long been recognized as key ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine. Accumulated evidence suggests that saponins have significant neuroprotective effects on attenuation of central nervous system disorders, such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. However, our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the observed effects remains incomplete. Based on recently reported data from basic and clinical studies, this review highlights the proposed mechanisms of their neuroprotective function including antioxidant, modulation of neurotransmitters, anti‐apoptosis, anti‐inflammation, attenuating Ca 2+ influx, modulating neurotrophic factors, inhibiting tau phosphorylation, and regeneration of neural networks. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.