Synergism Between Resveratrol and Crocin for Protection of Human Neuroblastoma SHSY-5Y Cells against Oxidative Stress

Resveratrol (RES) and crocin (CRO) have shown some of the most promising anti-neurodegenerative activities. This study for the first time showed a synergistic effect between RES and CRO on SHSY-5Y neuroblastoma cells against oxidative damage (a model for Alzheimer's disease). After overnight growth of human SHSY-5Y cells, either RES, or CRO or their combination was added to the cell culture medium at increasing concentrations to assess toxicity. Cells were incubated for further 24 hours, and cell viability was measured by a colorimetric assay. To perform oxidative stress, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA, 30µM) or hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂, 50µM) was added to the overnight-grown cell cultures after the addition of the protective compounds RES, or CRO or their combination. The cells were incubated for further 24 hours and cell viability was measured as above. Each experimental point was assessed in quadruplicate and each experiment was repeated at least twice. RES and CRO at concentrations that were not toxic to SHSY-5Y cells (RES; 0.5, 1 and 2µM, and CRO; 10, 20 and 30µM) displayed significant neuroprotection against 6-OHDA and H₂O₂. A positive synergistic effect between resveratrol (1µM) and crocin (10µM) against oxidative stress was observed that was more pronounced against 6-OHDA, in which the protection was near 100%. Experimental data on the synergistic effect and safety will be presented.