Kai-Xin-San, a traditional Chinese medicine formula, induces neuronal differentiation of cultured PC12 cells: Modulating neurotransmitter regulation enzymes and potentiating NGF inducing neurite outgrowth

摘要

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Kai-Xin-San, an ancient formula composed of Ginseng Radix et Rhizo-ma, Polygalae Radix, Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma and Poria, was frequently applied for major depression disorders for thousands of years. However, its molecular mechanism has not clearly been investigated. Aim of the study: We aimed to reveal the action mechanism of IOCS on anti-depression on inducing neuronal differentiation on PC12 cells. Materials and methods: A chemically standardized water extract of KXS was applied onto cultured PC12 cells in determining its effect on neurotransmitter regulation enzymes and neurite outgrowth. Results: Single KXS treatment showed obvious changes in the expression of neurofilament and neurotransmitter regulation enzymes, which in parallel to treatment of nerve growth factor (NGF). Although KXS by itself did not show significant inductive effect on neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells, KXS could potentiate the NGF induced neurite outgrowth. Among the three ratios, K-652 showed the most powerful effect and cAMP-dependent pathway might play the major role. Conclusions: KXS might exert the anti-depressant-like action of be inducing neuronal differentiation, which supported the clinically usage of this decoction.