Schisandra chinensis water extract protects ethanol‐induced neurotoxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans

The protective effect of Schisandra chinensis water extract (SWE) on ethanol‐induced neurotoxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans and the underlying mechanism were investigated. Young worms were exposed to ethanol or a mixture of ethanol and SWE for 24 hr. Locomotion ability, tissue ethanol concentration, free radical content, antioxidant enzyme activity, lifespan, and expression of key dopaminergic nervous system‐related genes were evaluated. Ethanol affected the motion ability of worms and shortened their lifespan. Ethanol intake increased the tissue ethanol concentration, resulting in redox imbalance, and dopamine release and accumulation. SWE alleviated motility loss of C. elegans and extended their lifespan. It reduced the tissue ethanol concentration and free radical content, likely because it alleviated oxidative stress. Finally, SWE inhibited continuous dopamine excitement. These results suggest that SWE plays a protective role in dopaminergic neurons. It can be used to treat ethanol‐induced neurotoxicity, and to investigate its potential mechanism. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Schisandra chinensis is a traditional functional food that has protective effects on the liver and brain. Although S. chinensis is found in some anti‐alcohol products, the effects of S. chinensis on neurological and behavioral disorders caused by alcohol are rarely reported. The manuscript explored the protective effect of SWE on ethanol‐induced nerve injury in Caenorhabditis elegans, and we preliminarily discussed the underlying mechanism. The results suggested that SWE can alleviate ethanol‐induced neurotoxicity. Meanwhile, the results provide a theoretical basis for better use of S. chinensis to develop products to antagonize the side effects of alcohol. In addition, the method of using C. elegans model to evaluate the protective effect of S. chinensis on ethanol‐induced nerve injury can provide practical reference for the screening and utilization of other plant functional components.