PicrosideII is a major an iridoid glucoside isolated from Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora Pennell (Scrophulariaceae). Previous studies have shown that picroside II can protect cardiomyocytes against oxidative stress induced by hypoxia/ reoxygenation (H/R) injury.

In vitro: Pretreated cardiomyocytes with picroside II was found to inhibit LDH activity in culture media and increase cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Such protective effect was accompanied with significant reduction of GSH contents and the activities of SOD and GSH-Px. Attenuated MDA and GSSG contents in response to H/R injury were observed as well. In addition, picroside II treatment also inhibited calcium accumulation and ROS production in cardiomyocytes. [1].

In vivo: A rat focal cerebral ischemic model was established, and picroside II were given intraperitoneally. Results indicated that the damage to the structures of the neurons and the blood brain barrier (BBB) in the cortex was more severe in the model group. In the picroside II treatment group, the neurological function, the morphology and ultrastructure of the neurons, and the BBB were improved. In addition, apoptotic cell number, cerebral infarct volume, EAR and pERK1/2 expression were decreased significantly compared to the model group [2].