Neuroprotective effects of Camellia nitidissima Chi leaf extract in hydrogen peroxide‐treated human neuroblastoma cells and its molecule mechanisms

Camellia nitidissima Chi (CNC) is a famous medicinal and edible plant with the name of “Tea for Longevity” in Guangxi province of China. In present study, we determined the protective effect of extract from CNC leaves on H(2)O(2)‐induced cell injury and its underlying mechanisms in human neuroblastoma (SH‐SY5Y) cells. The ethyl acetate fraction of CNC leaves (CLE, 50–200 μg/ml) treatment significantly increased the cell viability of H(2)O(2)‐treated SH‐SY5Y cells and reduced the leakage of LDH in a reversed “U”‐shape manner. It was confirmed by Hoechst 33,342 staining that CLE attenuated H(2)O(2)‐induced apoptosis in SH‐SY5Y cells. The CLE (100 and 150 μg/ml) treatment significantly relieved H(2)O(2)‐induced oxidative stress by decreasing intracellular ROS level, and increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Western blot analysis demonstrated that the CLE treatment reserved H(2)O(2)‐induced decrease of pCREB (Ser133) expression, and its downstream protein BDNF. In addition, 37 phenolic compounds in CLE were identified by UPLC‐TOF MS/MS, and the main active phytochemicals seemed to be catechins, quercetin, kaempferol, and their derivatives. In conclusion, the data analysis showed that the neuroprotective effect of CNC leaves might be achieved via synergistically boosting endogenous antioxidant defenses and neurotrophic signaling pathway. These results suggest that CNC leaves are valuable resources for functional foods and beverages.