The neuroprotective effects of tubuloside B, one of the phenyl ethanoids isolated from the Chinese herbal medicine Cistonche salsa, on 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+)-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in PC12 neuronal cells were inves tigated. PC12 cells treated with MPP+ underwent apoptotic death as determined by MTF assay, flow cvtometry and DNA agarose gel electrophoresis; intracellular accumulation of reactive oxy gen species (ROS) was measured by DCFH-DA staining with laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). Simultaneous treatment with tuhuloside B markedly attenuated MPP+ -induced cytotoxi city, DNA fragmentation, and intracellular accumulation of ROS. These results strongly indicate that tubuloside B prevents MPP+ induced apoptosis and oxidative stress. Tubuloside B may be applied as an antiparkinsonian agent,