The neuroprotective effects of apocynin

Abstract

The recognition of health benefits of phytomedicines and herbal supplements lead to an increased interest to understand the cellular and molecular basis of their biological activities. Apocynin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-acetophenone) is a constituent of the Himalayan medicinal herb Picrorhiza kurroa which is regarded as an inhibitor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-oxidase, a superoxide-producing enzyme. NADPH oxidase appears to be especially important in the modulation of redox-sensitive signaling pathways and also has been implicated in neuronal dysfunction and degeneration, and neuroinflammmation in diseases ranging from stroke, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases to psychiatric disorders. In this review, we aim to give an overview of current literature on the neuroprotective effects of apocynin in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Particular attention is given to in vivo studies.

Figure 1

Decreased brain infarct volume and improved behavioral outcome after ischemia/reperfusion in mice with apocynin administration, A) Representative photographs of TTC staining at 24 h of reperfusion after a 2 h middle cerebral artery occlusion, B) Quantification of infarct volume (Data are mean ± SEM; n=5-6, *p<0.05 vs. control), C) Rotarod performance (Data are mean ± SEM; n=5-6, *p<0.05 vs. control)