Smilagenin (SMI) is a lipid-soluble small-molecule steroidal sapogenin from Rhizoma anemarrhenae and Radix asparagi widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating chronic neurodegeneration diseases[1]. Smilagenin (SMI) improves memory of aged rats by increasing the muscarinic receptor subtype 1 (M1)-receptor density[2].Smilagenin (SMI) attenuates Aβ(25-35)-induced neurodegenerationvia stimulating the gene expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, may represents a novel therapeutic strategy for AD[3].
Smilagenin (10 μM; 24 hours) increases SH-SY5Y cell survival compared with Aβ(25-35) intoxicated cells[3]. Smilagenin (10 μM; 24 hours) increases neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA level by promoting CREB phosphorylation in 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridimium (MPP+) treated SH-SY5Y cells[2]. Cell Viability Assay[3] Cell Line: SH-SY5Y cells
Smilagenin (intragastric administration; 10 or 26 mg/kg, once daily; 60 days) prevents the impairment of dopaminergic neurons in chronic MPTP/probenecid-induced mouse model[2]. Animal Model: MPTP/probenecid-induced mouse model[2]
[1]. He X, et al. Smilagenin Protects Dopaminergic Neurons in Chronic MPTP/Probenecid-Lesioned Parkinson's Disease Models. Front Cell Neurosci. 2019 Feb 5;13:18. [2]. Hu Y, et al. Regulation of M1-receptor mRNA stability by smilagenin and its significance in improving memory of aged rats. Neurobiol Aging. 2010 Jun;31(6):1010-9. [3]. Zhang R, et al. Smilagenin attenuates beta amyloid (25-35)-induced degeneration of neuronal cells via stimulating the gene expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Neuroscience. 2012 May 17;210:275-85