In Vitro: Smilagenin (10 μM; 24 hours) increases SH-SY5Y cell survival compared with Aβ(25-35) intoxicated cells. Smilagenin (10 μM; 24 hours) increases neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA level by promoting CREB phosphorylation in 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridimium (MPP+) treated SH-SY5Y cells.
In Vivo: Smilagenin (intragastric administration; 10 or 26 mg/kg, once daily; 60 days) prevents the impairment of dopaminergic neurons in chronic MPTP/probenecid-induced mouse model.