Protective Effect of Artemisia absinthium Extract Against Glutamate- Induced Toxicity in PC12 Cells

Objectives: Glutamatergic dysfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous central nervous system disorders. Artemisia absinthium (A. absinthium), has been reported to have neuroprotective and antioxidant activities. The current study examined the effect of A. absinthium extract on glutamate-induced cytotoxicity using PC12 cells. Methods: PC12 cells were pretreated with A. absinthium extract (70% ethanol) at concentration ranges of 6.25-25 μg/ml for 2 h, followed by exposure to glutamate (8 mM) for 24 hr. The cells viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and lipid peroxidation were measured. Moreover, a propidium iodide flow cytometry assay was performed for the assessment of apoptosis. Results: Pretreatment with A. absinthium extract markedly attenuated the loss of cell viability, ROS generation, lipid peroxidation, and cell apoptosis in glutamate-injured PC-12 cells. Conclusion: Our results indicate that A. absinthium extract protects PC12 cells against glutamate-induced injury, possibly by reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis.