The protective effects of protocatechuic acid from Momordica charantia against oxidative stress in neuronal cells

Abstract

Protocatechuic acid is an active phenolic acid compound from Momordica charantia. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of protocatechuic acid against oxidative stress under cellular system using C6 glial cell. The oxidative stress was induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and amyloid beta 25-35 (Aβ25-35), and they caused the decrease of cell viability and overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the treatment of protocatechuic acid significantly elevated the decreased cell viability and inhibited the overproduction of ROS by H2O2. In addition, protocatechuic acid significantly recovered the cellular damage induced by Aβ25-35. In particular, protocatechuic acid at the concentration 10 μg/mL decreased the elevated ROS level to normal level. These results indicate that protocatechuic acid may have neuroprotective effect through attenuating oxidative stress.