Abstract
The amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ)‐induced oxidative stress is a well‐established pathway of neuronal cell death in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Salidroside, one of the major compounds from the roots of Rhodiola species (Crassulaceae), was investigated in vitro for its cytoprotection against Aβ‐induced toxicity on rat neuronal PC12 cells. Salidroside significantly reduced Aβ‐induced cytotoxicity in a dose‐dependent manner. Salidroside also reduced Aβ‐mediated intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde (MDA), a product of lipid peroxides, by preventing Aβ‐induced decline of antioxidant enzyme activities. These results suggest that salidroside protects neuronal PC12 cells from Aβ‐induced cytotoxicity via its antioxidant pathway.