A new oleanane type pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin from the husks of bunge and its neuroprotection on PC12 cells injury induced by Aβ.

A new triterpenoid saponin (), 3--[-D-glucopyranosyl(1→6)]-(2-angeloyl)--D-glucopyranosyl-28---D-glucopyranosyl(1→6)[-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)--D-glucopyranosyl]-21--acetyl-16-deoxybarringtogenol C, together with four known saponins () were isolated from the husks of . Their structures were characterized by HR-ESI-MS, 1D-NMR, 2D-NMR spectra and chemical methods. Compound exhibited excellent neuroprotection on PC12 cells injury induced by Aβ at the doses of 150 μmol/L and 200 μmol/L.

Roles of Ras and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-dependent IkappaBalpha degradation in oridonin-enhanced phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by human macrophage-like U937 cells.

Rapid recognition and ingestion of apoptotic cells by phagocytes are important for the prevention of toxic intracellular contents release, thereby attenuate inflammation and autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We have reported that oridonin isolated from Rabdosia rubescens enhanced phagocytosis of apoptotic U937 cells by macrophage-like U937 cells through TNFalpha and IL-1beta release. In this study, the molecular mechanisms involved in this phagocytic process are investigated.