The Neuroprotective Effect of the Extract of Traditional Mongolian Medicine Eerdun Wurile in PC12 Cells

Background: Traditional Mongolian medicine Eerdun Wurile is one of the ideal drugs for cerebral stroke and is effective on treating vascular and nervous system diseases. Numerous studies have proved that Eerdun Wurile has neuroprotective effect. However, the biological mechanism of which is still unclear. Objective: To investigatethe molecular mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effect of Eerdun Wurile. Methods: The extract from Eerdun Wurile was prepared by simulated gastric fluid first and its effect on PC12 cells differentiaton and MAPK phosphorylation was tested by neurite outgrowth assay and western blotting. Also, the target of active compounds was predicted by moleculr modeling system and the content of active compounds was examined by LC-MS/MS. Result: Result showed that the extract stimulated the differentiation of PC12 cells, exhibited nerve growth factor (NGF)-like effect. Meanwhile, the extract induced the MAPK phosphorylation in PC12 cells. In-depth analysis by molecular modeling technology predicted that genipin interact with MAPK as a target. Consistent with the prediction, genipin induced the phosphorylation of MAPK in PC12 cells. Besides, genipin was detected both in the extract and Eerdun Wurile pills. Conclusion: These results proved that the extract of Eerdun Wurile has neuroprotective effect in PC12 cells, and genipin in the extract and Eerdun Wurile might be one of the active compounds that show neuroprotective effect.