Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder and is characterized by the deposition of β-Amyloid (Aβ) plaques which contribute to its pathology. The present study was aimed at exploring the protective effects of euxanthone against Aβ-induced neurotoxicity both in vivo and in vitro. We found that euxanthone significantly attenuated Aβ1-42-induced memory and spatial learning dysfunction and also significantly reversed Aβ1-42-induced neuronal apoptosis and autophagy in the hippocampal region. Euxanthone also protected the neuroblastic PC12 cells against Aβ1-42-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis by inducing autophagy. In conclusion, euxanthone exerts its neuroprotective effect against Aβ1-42 by inducing autophagy, indicating its potential therapeutic role in AD.
Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; Autophagy; Euxanthone.