Purification of kavalactones from Alpinia zerumbet and their protective actions against hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells.

This study found that fruit shells of shell ginger (Alpinia zerumbet) are a rich source of the kavalactones dihydro-5,6-dehydrokavain (DDK) and 5,6-dehydrokavain (DK). The fruit shell extraction with hexane resulted in good purity and higher yields of DDK and DK than did chloroform, ethanol, 10% ethanol, methanol or water. Additionally, this study examined the neuroprotective effects of DDK and DK against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells and the possible molecular mechanisms involved.

Effects of andrographolide and 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide on cultured primary astrocytes and PC12 cells.

Aims: To test the effects of andrographolide (AP1) and 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide (AP2) on pheochromocytoma cell line 12 (PC12) cells in an astrocyte-rich environment.

Main Methods: The abilities of AP1 and AP2 to reduce the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines Interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α from stimulated astrocytes were tested. In addition, the abilities of AP1 and AP2 to reduce oxidative stress in astrocytes were tested using an oxidative-sensitive fluorescent dye.