The neuroprotective effects of apocynin.
The recognition of health benefits of phytomedicines and herbal supplements lead to an increased interest to understand the cellular and molecular basis of their biological activities. Apocynin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-acetophenone) is a constituent of the Himalayan medicinal herb Picrorhiza kurroa which is regarded as an inhibitor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-oxidase, a superoxide-producing enzyme. NADPH oxidase appears to be especially important in the modulation of redox-sensitive signaling pathways and also has been implicated in neuronal dysfunction and degeneration, and neuroinflammmation in diseases ranging from stroke, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases to psychiatric disorders. In this review, we aim to give an overview of current literature on the neuroprotective effects of apocynin in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Particular attention is given to in vivo studies.
Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA. simonyia@missouri.edu
Agnes
A
Simonyi
Peter
P
Serfozo
Tareq M
TM
Lehmidi
Jiankun
J
Cui
Zezong
Z
Gu
Dennis B
DB
Lubahn
Albert Y
AY
Sun
Grace Y
GY
Sun
D000098:Acetophenones / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology; D019255:NADPH Oxidases / Q000378:metabolism; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018384:Oxidative Stress
D000098:Acetophenones; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; C056165:acetovanillone; D019255:NADPH Oxidases