Synergistic Protection by Araloside A with L-ascorbic Acid on Oxidative Stress Via Nrf2/CAT Activation in HEK293 Cells

The synergistic effect of different antioxidants has potential application prospect in alleviating oxidative injury. Araloside A is the most abundant active ingredient of Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem, which exhibits multiple biological activities, including antioxidant, et al. This study investigated the interaction between Araloside A and several natural antioxidants, and explored the mechanism of the combination with synergistic antioxidant effect. The results showed that only the combination of Araloside A and L-ascorbic acid (A + Vc) exhibited synergistic effects in alleviating oxidative damage. A + Vc enhanced the expression levels of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Catalase (CAT) in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner. However, the Nrf2 inhibitor-ML385 and CAT inhibitor-Pyocyanin impaired the protective effect of A + Vc. To conclude, A + Vc could ameliorate H2O2- induced oxidative injury via synergistic antioxidative effects originated from Nrf2/CAT pathway activation. Hence, dietary intake of A + Vc may be a practical, safe approach to prevent diseases associated with oxidative damage.