Neuroprotective activity of the methanolic extract of Lonicera japonica in glutamate-injured primary rat cortical cells

Jin Bae Weon; Hye Jin Yang; Bohyoung Lee; Bo-Ra Yun; Ju Hee Ahn; Hyeon Yong Lee; Choong Je Ma

Articles

Abstract

Pharmacognosy Magazine,2011,7,28,284-288.

DOI:10.4103/0973-1296.90404

Published:August 2011

Type:Original Article

Authors:

Author(s) affiliations:

Jin Bae Weon¹, Hye Jin Yang¹, Bohyoung Lee¹, Bo-Ra Yun¹, Ju Hee Ahn¹, Hyeon Yong Lee¹, Choong Je Ma²
¹Department of Biomaterials Engineering, School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea
²Department of Biomaterials Engineering, School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon; Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, Korea

Abstract:

Background: We previously reported that the extracts of several Korean medicinal plants showed neuroprotective activity in glutamate-injured primary culutres of rat cortical cells. Objective: Among them, the effect of the methanolic extract of Lonicera japonica flower on the glutamate-induced neuronal cell death and its potential mechanism of action was investigated. Results: Treatment by the methanolic extract of L. japonica flower significantly protected neuronal cells against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. It decreased the calcium influx that accompanies the glutamate induced excitotoxicity of neuronal cells, and inhibited the subsequent overproduction of nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species and peroxide to the level of control cells. In addition, it preserved cellular activity of superoxide dismutase, an antioxidative enzyme reduced by glutamate insult. Conclusions: According to this data, the methanolic extract of L. japonica flower significantly protected neuronal cells against glutamate excitotoxicity via antioxidative activity.