[Isolation and identification of Suavissimoside R1 from roots of Rubus parvifollus used for protecting dopaminergic neurons against MPP+ toxicity]

Objective: Suavissimoside R1 was isolated and identified as an active ingredient from Roots of Rubus parvifollus L, which exhibited protective effect on dopaminergic neurons against MPP+ toxicity.

Methods: The protective effects of crude extracts were investigated after mice were treated with 1-methyl4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). According to the protective effects of crude extracts, suavissimoside R1, one kind of triterpenoid saponin, was separated. It was investigated that whether Suavissimoside R1 can protect DA neurons from toxicity induced by MPP+ in rat mesencephalic cultures.

Results: Suavissimoside R1 was isolated from Roots of Rubus parvifollus L. Moreover, Suavissimoside R1, in dose of 100 micromol/L, alleviated the death of DA neurons induced by MPP+ obviously.

Conclusion: These results suggest that suavissimoside R1 possesses potent neuroprotective activity and can be developed to be a potential anti-Parkinson's disease drug worthy for further study.