Neuronal cell protective effect of aerial parts of Chinese lizard’s tail (Saururus chinensis (Lour.) Baill.)

The antioxidant and neuronal cell protective effects of silica-gel open column chromatographic fractions, obtained from Chinese lizard’s tail ( Saururus chinensis ) methanolic extract, were investigated. The ABTS radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays indicated that the SC4 fraction (eluted with chloroform/methanol by 4:1, v/v) obtained from Chinese lizard’s tail was more potent radical scavengers and reducing agents than that of other 5 fractions. The SC4 fraction also presented protective effects against H 2 O 2 -induced neurotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, our study suggested that the SC4 fraction has strong antioxidant and neuronal protective effects which are correlated with its high level of phenolics, particularly quercitrin and quercetin.