Neuroprotective effects of diarylpropionitrile against β-amyloid peptide-induced neurotoxicity in rat cultured cortical neurons.

•Treatment with DPN alleviated Aβ1–42-induced cell death and morphological changes.•DPN also reduced production of ROS induced by Aβ1–42.•DPN prevents Aβ1–42-induced toxicity by attenuating apoptosis and inflammation.•DPN effects may involve inhibition of JNK and p38 including activation of ERK1/2 and Akt.