Neuronal cell protective effect of aerial parts of Chinese lizard's tail (Saururus chinensis (Lour.) Baill.)

Abstract

The antioxidant and neuronal cell protective effects of silica-gel open column chromatographic fractions, obtained from Chinese lizard's tail (Saururus chinensis) methanolic extract, were investigated. The ABTS radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays indicated that the SC4 fraction (eluted with chloroform/methanol by 4:1, v/v) obtained from Chinese lizard's tail was more potent radical scavengers and reducing agents than that of other 5 fractions. The SC4 fraction also presented protective effects against H(2)O(2)-induced neurotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, our study suggested that the SC4 fraction has strong antioxidant and neuronal protective effects which are correlated with its high level of phenolics, particularly quercitrin and quercetin.