Erxian decoction, a famous Chinese medicine formula, antagonizes corticosterone-induced injury in PC12 cells, and improves depression-like behaviours in mice

Antidepressant-like effects of Cimicifuga dahurica (Turcz.) Maxim. via modulation of monoamine regulatory pathways

Sheng-ma is recorded in the Compendium of Materia Medica and mainly originates from the rhizomes of Cimicifuga dahurica (Turcz.) Maxim. (CD), Cimicifuga heracleifolia Kom. and Cimicifuga foetida L. The alcoholic extract of Cimicifuga foetida L. (Brand name: Ximingting®) has been approved for the treatment of perimenopausal symptoms accompanying hot flash, depression and anxiety in China. However, there's no further study about the antidepressant-like effects of C. dahurica (CD). The aim of this study is to investigate the antidepressant-like effect of CD extracted by 75% ethanol and its possible mechanisms.The neuro-protective effects of CD on injured PC12 cells induced by corticosterone was measured firstly. Then, forced swim test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), reserpine-induced hypothermia, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) induced head twitch response in mice and chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) on sucrose preference tests were executed. Moreover, the potential mechanisms were explored by measuring levels of monoamine neurotransmitter in mice frontal cortex and hippocampus, testing monoamine oxidase enzyme A (MAO-A) activities in the brains of CUMS-exposed mice. Results showed that CD (60, 120 mg/kg) can significantly decreased the immobility period in FST and TST in mice without affecting locomotor activity. CD (30 mg/kg, 60 mg/kg, 120 mg/kg) could significantly counteracted reserpine-induced hypothermia and increased the number of head-twitches in 5-HTP induced head twitch response. It was also found that the monoamine neurotransmitter levels in the hippocampus and frontal cortex were significantly increased in 60 mg/kg and 120 mg/kg CD treated mice. In addition, CD (60 and 120 mg/kg) significantly inhibited MAO-A after 6-week CUMS exposure. CD can effectively produce an antidepressant-like effect, which involved with modulation of monoamine regulatory pathways.

Therapeutic potential of Erxian decoction and its special chemical markers in depression: a review of clinical and preclinical studies

The increasing prevalence of depression is a major societal burden. The etiology of depression involves multiple mechanisms. Thus, the outcomes of the currently used treatment for depression are suboptimal. The anti-depression effects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulations have piqued the interest of the scientific community owing to their multi-ingredient, multi-target, and multi-link characteristics. According to the TCM theory, the functioning of the kidney is intricately linked to that of the brain. Clinical observations have indicated the therapeutic potential of the kidney-tonifying formula Erxian Decoction (EXD) in depression. This review aimed to comprehensively search various databases to summarize the anti-depression effects of EXD, explore the underlying material basis and mechanisms, and offer new suggestions and methods for the clinical treatment of depression. The clinical and preclinical studies published before 31 August 2023, were searched in PubMed, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Database. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Clinical studies have demonstrated that EXD exhibits therapeutic properties in patients with menopausal depression, postpartum depression, and maintenance hemodialysis-associated depression. Meanwhile, preclinical studies have reported that EXD and its special chemical markers exert anti-depression effects by modulating monoamine neurotransmitter levels, inhibiting neuroinflammation, augmenting synaptic plasticity, exerting neuroprotective effects, regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, promoting neurogenesis, and altering cerebrospinal fluid composition. Thus, the anti-depression effects of EXD are mediated through multiple ingredients, targets, and links. However, further clinical and animal studies are needed to investigate the anti-depression effects of EXD and the underlying mechanisms and offer additional evidence and recommendations for its clinical application. Moreover, strategies must be developed to improve the quality control of EXD. This review provides an overview of EXD and guidance for future research direction.

Tao-Hong-Si-Wu-Tang Improves the Depressive-like Behaviors in Mice Experiencing Perimenopausal Depression Through Modulating Activity of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal-Ovary Axis and Activating the BDNF-TrkB-CREB Signaling Pathway

Tao-Hong-Si-Wu-Tang (THSWT), a traditional Chinese herbal remedy, is commonly utilized for the treatment of female perimenopausal depression through regulating menstruation, but the mechanism remains unknown. In this study, ICR mice were randomly divided into six groups: low, medium, and high dose of THSWT (0.5, 1.5, and 4.5 g/kg), soy isoflavone (250 mg/kg), ovariectomy group, and control group. All mice, except the control group, had ovaries removed and were exposed to hypoxic stimulation for 28 days to establish a perimenopausal depression mice model. The mice, having unrestricted access to food and water, were administered THSWT treatment for a duration of 14 days. The Western blotting and Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to determine protein and hormone levels, respectively. Experimental results showed that THSWT reduced the immobility time of mice from 150.8 s to 104.9 s in the tail suspension test, and it decreased the immobility time of mice from 165.7 s to 119.0 s in the forced swimming test, outperforming the results obtained with soy isoflavones. In addition, THSWT upregulated the protein expression of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor and downregulated the protein expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone-receptor 1 in the hippocampus. Compared with the oophorectomized group, treatment with THSWT decreased the levels of corticosterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone in serum by 173.7 and 23.4 ng/mL, respectively. These findings showed that THSWT could stimulate the perimenopausal nerve tissue and regulate the level of serum hormones in mice. THSWT exhibited promising potential as a viable alternative drug for hormone treatment of perimenopause in clinical use.

Network pharmacology and experimental verification of the potential mechanism of Er-Xian decoction in aplastic anemia

To investigate the potential mechanism of Er-Xian decoction (EXD) in treating aplastic anemia (AA), the active components of EXD were screened by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), and the targets of the components were predicted by the Swiss Target Prediction database. AA targets were collected from the GeneCards, OMIM, DisGeNET, PharmGKB, DrugBank, and TTD databases, the intersection of AA targets and EXD targets was calculated, and an herb-component-target network was constructed by Cytoscape 3.7.2 software. The STRING database was used for protein‒protein interaction (PPI) analysis, and Cytoscape 3.7.2 software was used to construct a PPI network and perform topology analysis. The core targets were imported into the DAVID database for gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. The molecular docking software AutoDock was used to measure the affinity between active components and key targets. Finally, we established a mouse model of AA and verified the key targets and signaling pathways of EXD by RT‒PCR, ELISA and Western blot analysis. A total of 53 active components were screened from EXD, 2516 AA-related targets were collected, and 195 common targets were obtained. An herb-component-target network and a PPI network were successfully constructed, and 36 core targets were selected from the PPI network. The main active components of EXD include luteolin, kaempferol, berberine, etc., and key targets include PIK3CA, AKT1, STAT3, etc. GO functional enrichment analysis showed that cell components, molecular functions and biological processes with significant correlations were macromolecular complexes, protein serine/threonine/tyrosine kinase activity and protein phosphorylation, respectively. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the pathways with significant correlations included the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Molecular docking results showed that the tested key targets had good affinity for the corresponding active components. In AA mice, we found that EXD significantly increased white blood cell count, red blood cell count, platelet count and hemoglobin levels, increased mRNA levels of PIK3CA, PIK3CD, AKT1, JAK2, STAT3 and MAPK1, and promoted phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, ERK1/2 and STAT3. In summary, EXD acts on PI3K, AKT, STAT3 and other targets through berberine, luteolin, quercetin and other components to regulate the PI3K-Akt pathway, JAK-STAT pathway and other pathways, thus exerting its therapeutic effect on AA. This study explained the Chinese medicine theory of treating AA with EXD by tonifying kidney-yang and provides a scientific basis for the use of EXD in treating AA.

Yamogenin Exhibits Antidepressant-like Effects via Inhibition of ER Stress and Microglial Activation in LPS-Induced Mice

Depression is a multifaceted psychiatric disorder that affects a significant number of individuals worldwide, and its pathophysiology encompasses a variety of mechanisms, including the induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which has been correlated with depressive-like behaviors in animal models. Yamogenin, a bioactive compound derived from traditional Chinese medicine Dioscorea species, possesses diverse pharmacological properties. This investigation aimed to explore the antidepressant-like effects of yamogenin and the underlying mechanisms involved. By utilizing a murine model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depressive-like behavior, we demonstrated that yamogenin enhanced sucrose preference and reduced immobility time in the forced swimming test. These effects were observed alongside the attenuation of ER stress through modulation of the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP signaling pathway in the prefrontal cortex. Moreover, yamogenin augmented the expression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 while diminishing the expression of the proapoptotic protein caspase-3. Additionally, yamogenin exhibited inhibitory effects on microglial activation but did not elicit the promotion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling. Collectively, our findings propose that yamogenin exerts antidepressant-like effects in LPS-induced mice by inhibiting ER stress and microglial activation. This study contributes novel insights into the potential utilization of yamogenin as a natural antidepressant agent.

Erxian decoction alleviates cisplatin-induced premature ovarian failure in rats by reducing oxidation levels in ovarian granulosa cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANT

Erxian Decoction (EXD) has been used empirically for more than 70 years to treat premature ovarian failure (POF), but more research is needed to understand how it works.

AIM OF THE RESEARCH

The study aims to ascertain both in vivo and in vitro rewards of EXD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

EXD is composed of Curculiginis Rhizoma, Epimedii Folium, Morindae Officinalis, Angelicae Sinensis, Anemarrhenae Rhizoma, and Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex. UPLC/MS analysis was used to investigate the components of EXD. Using a POF model created by administering cisplatin to rats intraperitoneally, the pharmacodynamic effects of EXD were investigated. Three dose groups of EXD were garaged into rats: high (15.6 g/kg), medium (7.8 g/kg), and low (3.9 g/kg). By using a vaginal smear, the impact of EXD on the rat estrous cycle was evaluated. An ELISA test was used to measure the anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in the serum of rats. By using HE stains, pathological alterations in the ovaries may be seen. MDA and SOD levels in ovarian samples were used to measure the degree of ovarian oxidation. TUNEL labeling of ovarian sections was used to find apoptosis levels. By using ATP, energy production was evaluated. The relative expression of proteins connected to aging and the RAGE pathway was assessed using Western blot. Then, using H₂O₂, a model of senescent human ovarian granulosa cells (KGN) was created in vitro. The impact of EXD and H₂O₂ on cellular senescence was discovered using-galactosidase staining. Cell apoptosis levels were found using PI/Hoechest33342. By using DCFH-DA, intracellular ROS was examined. MDA and SOD concentrations were used to measure the degree of cellular oxidation. RAGE-related mRNA and protein expression were evaluated using RT-qPCR and western blotting.

RESULTS

Using UPLC/MS analysis, 39 chemicals in EXD were found. Rats' estrous cycles were enhanced by EXD, which increased ovarian index and follicle count and reduced the proportion of atretic follicles in the rats. EXD reduced LH and FSH output while restoring AMH and E2 secretion. In ovarian tissues, EXD reduced the amount of apoptosis and MDA while raising SOD activity and ATP levels. The protein levels of p16, p21, p53, and Lamin A/C were among the senescence-related proteins that EXD lowered, along with the levels of RAGE, PI3K, BAX, and CASPASE 3. Anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2 was also raised in the RAGE pathway. Senescence, apoptosis, ROS, and MDA levels in the KGN cells were lowered in vitro by EXD. Additionally, EXD increased the anti-apoptotic potential by changing the expression of CAT, SOD2, and SIRT1. RAGE, BAX, BCL-2, CASPASE 3, and p38 expression levels were altered by EXD, enhancing its anti-apoptotic capability.

CONCLUSION

EXD boosted the ovary's antioxidant and anti-apoptotic capabilities while enhancing the estrous cycle and hormone output. These findings strongly suggested that EXD may contribute to the alleviation of POF and ovarian granulosa cells senescence.

Neuroendocrine pathogenesis of perimenopausal depression

With the development of social economics and the increase of working pressure, more and more women are suffering from long-term serious stress and showing symptoms of perimenopausal depression (PMD). The incidence rate of PMD is increasing, and the physical and mental health are seriously affected. However, due to the lack of accurate knowledge of pathophysiology, its diagnosis and treatment cannot be accurately executed. By consulting the relevant literature in recent years, this paper elaborates the neuroendocrine mechanism of perimenopausal depression from the aspects of epigenetic changes, monoamine neurotransmitter and receptor hypothesis, glial cell-induced neuroinflammation, estrogen receptor, interaction between HPA axis and HPG axis, and micro-organism-brain gut axis. The purpose is to probe into new ways of treatment of PMD by providing new knowledge about the neuroendocrine mechanism and treatment of PMD.

Tao-Hong-Si-Wu decoction improves depressive symptoms in model rats via amelioration of BDNF-CREB-arginase I axis disorders

CONTEXT

The traditional Chinese medicine formula Tao-Hong-Si-Wu decoction (TSD), used for treating ischaemic stroke, has the potential to treat depressive disorder (DD).

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effective targets of TSD on DD animal models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were modelled by inducing chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) during 35 days and treated with three dosages of TSD (2.5, 5 and 10 g/kg) or fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) by oral gavage for 14 days. Bodyweight measurements and behavioural tests were performed to observe the effect of TSD on the CUMS animals. A gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS)-based metabolomic analysis was conducted to reveal the metabolic characteristics related to the curative effect of TSD. Levels of the proteins associated with the feature metabolites were analysed.

RESULTS

Reduced immobile duration and crossed squares in the behavioural tests were raised by 48.6% and 32.9%, on average, respectively, by TSD treatment (ED₅₀=3.2 g/kg). Antidepressant effects of TSD were associated with 13 decreased metabolites and the restorations of ornithine and urea in the serum. TSD (5 g/kg) raised serum serotonin by 54.1 mg/dL but suppressed arginase I (Arg I) by 47.8 mg/dL in the CUMS rats. Proteins on the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) axis that modulate the inhibition of Arg I were suppressed in the CUMS rats but reversed by the TSD intervention.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

TSD improves depression-like symptoms in CUMS rats. Further study will focus on the antidepressant-like effects of effective compounds contained in TSD.

Anti-depression effectiveness of essential oil from the fruits of Zanthoxylum bungeanum maxim. on chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression behavior in mice

The fruits of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. Was a popular traditional Chinese herbal medicine for pain relief, itching prevention, and diarrhea relief. The fruits of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. Essential oil (HEO) had an effect of improving anxiety and other emotional disorders. In this paper, we aim to systematically research the antidepressant effects of HEO on Chronic Mild Unpredictable Stimulation (CUMS) mice and explore the relevant molecular mechanisms. Experimental mice were exposed to CUMS for 8 weeks. Meanwhile, for 8 weeks, Sertraline hydrochloride (20 mg/kg/day) and HEO (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg/day) were administered by gavage. HEO treatment increased residence time of central zone in OFT and open-arm in EPM test but decreased immobility times in FST and TST. Moreover, HEO treatment improved the levels of 5-HT, DA, NE, and BDNF, but reduced CRF and CORT levels of the HPA axis in the hippocampus. Network pharmacology predicted the possible mechanisms for the antidepressant effects of HEO by regulation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The mRNA expression of PI3K and Akt were increased, and immunofluorescence results in the hippocampus indicated that HEO treatment could increase the phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt. Besides, the viability of CORT-treated PC12 cells was significantly improved by HEO treatment. The AO-EB staining, MOMP analysis, and flow cytometry analysis results showed HEO inhibiting the CORT-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells significantly. Besides, the phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt in COTR-induced PC12 cells could increase by HEO treatment. In conclusion, HEO ameliorated depression behavior induced by CUMS, potentially via regulating HPA axis and activating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to reduce neuronal apoptosis.

The Effects of Er Xian Decoction Combined with Baduanjin Exercise on Bone Mineral Density, Lower Limb Balance Function, and Mental Health in Women with Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is a common disease in older women that can severely jeopardize their health. Previous studies have demonstrated the effect of Er xian decoction (EXD) or Baduanjin exercise (BE) on PMOP. However, reports on the effect of EXD combined with BE on PMOP are limited. This study aimed to investigate the impact of EXD combined with BE on bone mineral density (BMD), lower limb balance, and mental health in women with PMOP.

Methods

A 1 : 1 : 1 simple randomization technique was employed. Fifty participants with postmenopausal osteoporosis were allocated to three groups: the EXD group (EXD = 15); the BE group (BE = 18); and the combined group (EXD + BE = 17). After both 8 weeks and 16 weeks of intervention treatment, participants improved significantly with respect to BMD and the one-leg standing test (OLST), Berg balance scale (BBS), timed up and go (TUG) test, self-anxiety scale (SAS), and self-rating depression scale (SDS). The results were used to compare the effect of the intervention on BMD, lower limb balance function, and mental health in patients with PMOP.

Results

Compared to the EXD and BE groups, the EXD + BE group showed the strongest effects on BMD, lower limb balance function, and mental health (p < 0.01). A correlation between BMD and lower limb balance and mental health was noted in the EXD + BE group. The change in mental health (SAS score) was correlated with BMD (femoral neck) improvement.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates that EXD combined with BE (EXD + BE) may have a therapeutic advantage over both monotherapies for treating BMD, lower limb balance function, and mental health in patients with PMOP. The feasibility of the approach for a large-scale RCT was also confirmed. Er xian decoction combined with Baduanjin exercise (EXD + BE) might offer a viable treatment alternative for participants with postmenopausal osteoporosis given its promising effects in disease control and treatment, with good efficacy and safety profiles.

High-throughput screening for amyloid-β binding natural small-molecules based on the combinational use of biolayer interferometry and UHPLC−DAD-Q/TOF-MS/MS

Discovery of drugs rapidly and effectively is an important aspect for Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, a novel high-throughput screening (HTS) method aims at screening the small-molecules with amyloid-β (Aβ) binding affinity from natural medicines, based on the combinational use of biolayer interferometry (BLI) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array detector and quadrupole/time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC−DAD-Q/TOF-MS/MS) has been firstly developed. Briefly, the components in natural medicines disassociated from biotinylated Aβ were collected to analyze their potential Aβ binding affinity by UHPLC−DAD-Q/TOF-MS/MS. Here, baicalein was confirmed to exhibit the highest binding affinity with Aβ in Scutellaria baicalensis. Moreover, polyporenic acid C (PPAC), dehydrotumulosic acid (DTA), and tumulosic acid (TA) in Kai-Xin-San (KXS) were also identified as potent Aβ inhibitors. Further bioactivity validations indicated that these compounds could inhibit Aβ fibrillation, improve the viability in Aβ-induced PC-12 cells, and decrease the Aβ content and improve the behavioral ability in Caenorhabditis elegans. The molecular docking results confirmed that PPAC, DTA, and TA possessed good binding properties with Aβ. Collectively, the present study has provided a novel and effective HTS method for the identification of natural inhibitors on Aβ fibrillation, which may accelerate the process on anti-AD drugs discovery and development.

A Famous Chinese Medicine Formula: Yinhuo Decoction Antagonizes the Damage of Corticosterone to PC12 Cells and Improves Depression by Regulating the SIRT1/PGC-1α Pathway

The study aimed to explore the antidepressant effect of Yinhuo Decoction and further to explore its underlying molecular mechanism acting on depressant. Here, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was used to the composition analysis. Postmenopausal depression (PMD) model and corticosterone (CORT)-induced cell model were constructed. Adrenal coefficient and hematoxylin and eosin staining were applied to assess changes in the adrenal glands. MTT staining, Hoechst 33342 staining, and JC-1 fluorescence staining were used to detect the PC12 activity and apoptosis. CORT and oxidative stress indicators were measured using commercial kits. Western blot and immunohistochemical were used to detect the protein expression of GCR. In addition, genes related to SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway were also tested. In PMD model mice, Yinhuo Decoction evidently increased adrenal coefficient and relieved adrenal lesions. Meanwhile, we observed that Yinhuo Decoction reduced the CORT and GCR levels. In CORT-treated PC12 cells, Yinhuo Decoction remarkably reduced cytotoxicity and apoptosis. Besides, Yinhuo Decoction attenuated the oxidative stress response. Mechanically, we confirmed that Yinhuo Decoction reduced CORT-induced PC12 damage by regulating SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway. Thus, we concluded that Yinhuo Decoction antagonized CORT-induced injury in PC12 cells and improved depression in PMD mice. This provided a new direction for the treatment of depression.

Water extract of Er-xian decoction selectively exerts estrogenic activities and interacts with SERMs in estrogen-sensitive tissues

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The increasing use of "kidney"-nourishing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) like Er-xian decoction (EXD) for management of menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis has aroused concerns about their safety, and whether they interact with prescription drugs as both of them act via estrogen receptors (ERs) and regulate serum estradiol.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study aimed to evaluate whether EXD selectively exerted estrogenic activities and interacted with Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vivo, mature ovariectomized (OVX) rats were administrated with EXD or combined treatment of EXD and SERMs for 12 weeks. The tissue-selective effect of EXD and its interaction of SERMs were studied in four estrogen sensitive tissues, bone, brain, breast and uterus. In vitro, the interaction of extracts of EXD-treated serum and SERMs in four ER-positive cell lines.

RESULTS

In OVX rats, EXD selectively alleviated estrogen deficiency-induced changes in the bone and brain without inducing any estrogenic effects in the breast or uterus. Two-way ANOVA indicated the presence of interactions between EXD and SERMs in OVX rats but EXD did not significantly alter the tissue responses to SERMs in the bone, breast or brain. Indeed, the combined use of EXD and SERMs appeared to suppress the estrogenic effect of raloxifene and tamoxifen in the uterus. Extract of EXD-treated serum directly stimulated cell proliferation or differentiation in human osteosarcoma MG-63, neuroblastoma SHSY5Y, breast cancer MCF-7, and endometrial Ishikawa cells. Two-way ANOVA revealed that EXD-treated serum interacted with SERMs at various concentrations and altered the effects of tamoxifen in MG-63 and MCF-7 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

EXD exerted estrogenic effects in a tissue-selective manner and interacted with SERMs. Combined treatment of EXD and SERMs did not hamper the beneficial effects of SERMs on the bone or brain but appeared to moderate the estrogenic effect of SERMs in the uterus.

Glucuronomannan GM2 from Saccharina japonica Enhanced Mitochondrial Function and Autophagy in a Parkinson's Model

Parkinson's disease (PD), one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders, is caused by dopamine depletion in the striatum and dopaminergic neuron degeneration in the substantia nigra. In our previous study, we hydrolyzed the fucoidan from Saccharina japonica, obtaining three glucuronomannan oligosaccharides (GMn; GM1, GM2, and GM3) and found that GMn ameliorated behavioral deficits in Parkinsonism mice and downregulated the apoptotic signaling pathway, especially with GM2 showing a more effective role in neuroprotection. However, the neuroprotective mechanism is unclear. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to assess the neuroprotective effects of GM2 in vivo and in vitro. We applied GM2 in 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-treated PC12 cells, and the results showed that GM2 markedly improved the cell viability and mitochondrial membrane potential, inhibited MPP+-induced apoptosis, and enhanced autophagy. Furthermore, GM2 contributed to reducing the loss of dopaminergic neurons in 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced mice through enhancing autophagy. These data indicate that a possible protection of mitochondria and upregulation of autophagy might underlie the observed neuroprotective effects, suggesting that GM2 has potential as a promising multifunctional lead disease-modifying therapy for PD. These findings might pave the way for additional treatment strategies utilizing carbohydrate drugs in PD.