Neuroprotective potential of <i>Semen Ziziphi Spinosae</i> extracts against LPS-induced inflammation in astrocytes: a comparative study of polar solvents

Semen Ziziphi Spinosae (SZS), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been extensively studied in animal models of insomnia in vitro, but its application in cell models has been limited. Therefore, we selected a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced astrocyte model to investigate the therapeutic effects and specific active components of various solvent extracts of SZS on LPS-induced astrocyte damage. Firstly, the extraction yield and effective components (including jujuboside A, spinosin, total saponins, and total flavonoids) of SZS extracted by different solvents were evaluated. Cell experiments revealed that LPS could induce cell damage, increase the release of inflammatory factors in astrocytes, disrupt the transportation of glutamate (Glu) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and reduce the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Adding diazepam and SZS extracts to the cell culture medium protected cells from LPS-induced damage and restored their normal function. Furthermore, correlation analysis and inverted microscope observation showed that the 50% and 90% ethanol extracts exhibited more potent protective effects.