Dammarane-Type Saponins from Prevent Hypoxia-Induced Neural Injury through Activation of ERK, Akt, and CREB Pathways.

possesses neuroprotective bioactivity. However, the effect of gypenosides on hypoxia-induced neural damage remains obscure. In this study, Gyp, the active fraction extracted from and its bioactive compounds as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated. Eighteen dammarane-type saponins were isolated from Gyp. The absolute configurations of six unreported compounds (-) were assessed via electron capture detection (ECD) analyses. The results of cell viability assay showed that Gyp and its bioactive compounds (- and ) effectively protected PC12 cells from hypoxia injury. Gyp pretreatment also improved mice spatial memory impairment caused by hypoxia exposure. At the molecular level, Gyp and its bioactive compounds could activate the signaling pathways of ERK, Akt, and CREB and . In summary, Gyp and its bioactive compounds could prevent hypoxia-induced injury via ERK, Akt, and CREB signaling pathways.