Regulation of microglial activities by components from Schizandra chinensis

Schizandra chinensis (S. chinensis) has an 'adaptogen-type' effect, which has been implicated in the improvements in mental performance and learning efficacy in brain. In peripheral tissues, S. chinensis shows prominent anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects. In central nervous system, microglial activation is considered to contribute to neuronal injury by releasing neurotoxic products, and therefore, it is important to regulate microglial activation to prevent further brain damage. However, the effect of S. chinensis on microglial activation has not been examined yet. We have investigated the effects of four ingredients (Gomisin A, Gomisin N, Shizandrin and Shizandrol A) from S. chinensis on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced microglial activation. In this study, BV2 microglial cells were activated with LPS and the microglial activation was assessed by up-regulation of activation markers such as nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9). The results showed that all four ingredients significantly reduced the intracellular level of ROS, the release of NO and MMP-9, which were induced by LPS treatment. These results strongly suggested that S. chinensis could effectively inhibit the inflammatory stimulation-mediated brain damage by regulating microglial activation.

Acknowledgements: Korea Food & Drug Administration.

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