Protection against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP +)- induced apoptosis by water extract of ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) in SH-SY5Y cells

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The present study investigates the protective effects of water extract of ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+)-induced cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells and explores the underlying mechanisms. The approach may be used for screening therapeutic agents for degenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Materials and methods: SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells were used to analyze the protective effects of water extract of ginseng (WEG) against multiple parameters such as MPP+-induced viability, oxidative injury, expression of Bax, Bcl-2, cytochrome c and cleaved caspase-3. Results: WEG exerted inhibitory effect on cell death, overproduction of ROS, elevated Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, release of cytochrome c and activation of caspase-3 expression in MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Conclusions: WEG exhibited significant protective effects against MPP+-induced cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells possibly through the suppression of ROS generation and the inhibition of mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway.