Panax Notoginseng Saponins Ameliorate A<i>β</i>-Mediated Neurotoxicity in<i> C. elegans</i> through Antioxidant Activities

Abstract

The deposition of amyloid beta (A<i>β</i>) is the main hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and there is no effective drug to cure the progressive cognitive loss or memory deficits caused by the aggregative toxicity of A<i>β</i> protein. Oxidative stress has been hypothesized to play a role in progressive neurodegenerative diseases like AD. Panax notoginseng saponin (PNS) from the rhizome of "<i>pseudo-ginseng</i>" exhibits potent antioxidant effects on aging process in neuron cells and animals. By using <i>C. elegans</i> as an ideal model organism, the present study shows that PNS (0.5-4 mg/mL) can significantly inhibit AD-like symptoms of worm paralysis and enhance resistance to oxidative stress induced by paraquat and aging conditions. Additionally, PNS extends lifespan and maintains healthspan of <i>C. elegans</i> by improving the swimming prowess and fertility at old age. It markedly activates the expression of SKN-1 mRNA, which further supports SKN-1 signaling pathway which is involved in the therapeutic effect of PNS on AD <i>C. elegans</i>. Our results provide direct evidence on PNS for treating AD on gene level and theoretical foundation for reshaping medicinal products of PNS in the future.