Protective effect of Toki‐shakuyaku‐san on amyloid β25–35‐induced neuronal damage in cultured rat cortical neurons

Amyloid β protein (Aβ) is the major component of senile plaques, the pathological hallmark of the neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study investigated the effect of Toki-shakuyaku-san (TSS), a traditional medicine, on Aβ25–35-induced neuronal death and lipid peroxidation assessed by measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA), respectively. Aβ25–35 at 10 µM induced neuronal damage and increased the LDH and MDA. TSS at concentrations of 100 and 300 µg/mL significantly reduced the Aβ25–35-induced neuronal death and the lipid peroxidation. These results suggest that TSS has a protective effect against Aβ25–35-induced neuronal damage. TSS may be beneficial for the treatment of AD. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.