Neuroprotective activityof Cymbopogon martinii against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion-induced oxidative stress in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Cymbopogon martinii (Roxb.) Watson (Family: Graminae), commonly known as Palmarosa, is traditionally prescribed for central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as neuralgia, epileptic fits and anorexia. Although the plant possesses diverse pharmacological actions, the neuroprotective action has got little attention.

Aim of the study

The present study evaluated neuroprotective effect of essential oil of Cymbopogon martinii (EOCM) against global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced oxidative stress in rats.

Materials and methods

Global ischemic brain damage was induced by bilateral common carotid artery (BCCA) occlusion for 30 min, followed by 60 min reperfusion on Wistar albino rats. The biochemical levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total thiols and glutathione (GSH) were estimated and brain coronal sections and histopathological studies were performed.

Results

BCCA occlusion, followed by reperfusion caused varied biochemical/enzymatic alterations viz. increase in LPO and decrease in SOD, CAT, total thiols and GSH. The prior treatment of EOCM (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, p.o. for 10 days) markedly reversed these changes and restored to normal levels as compared to I/R groups. Moreover, brain coronal sections and histopathological studies revealed protection against ischemic brain damage in the EOCM-treated groups.

Conclusion

This study, for the first time, shows potent neuroprotective effect of EOCM against global cerebral I/R-induced oxidative stress in rats, suggesting its therapeutic potential in cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) including stroke.     

Therapeutic effect of Korean red ginseng on inflammatory cytokines in rats with focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

This study aims to identify the therapeutic effect of Korean red ginseng (KRG) on the expression of inflammatory cytokines in rats with focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) for two hours. They were fed KRG extract (100 mg/kg/day per orally) or saline after reperfusion. Tests for neurological deficits, using the modified neurologic severity score and the corner turn test, were performed before the ischemic event, and one, three, and seven days after tMCAO. Serum levels of cytokines were measured three and seven days after the operation, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The infarct volume was assessed after seven days by staining brain tissue with 2% 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride. Oral administration of KRG significantly reduced the infarct volumes and rapidly improved neurological deficits. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and IL-6 were higher in tMCAO-operated rats than in the sham-operated rats. These changes were attenuated by daily KRG intake for seven days. Serum IL-10 levels were significantly increased in KRG-fed rats, as compared to sham-operated and saline-fed rats. Our results suggested that KRG provides neuroprotection for rats with focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. This neuroprotection may be due to raised IL-10 expression and a reduction in the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6.     

Prevention of cerebral oxidative injury by post-ischemic intravenous administration of Shengmai San

Shengmai San (SMS) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) comprising three different herbal components, Panax ginseng, Ohiopogon japonicus and Fructus schisandrae and has been used for treating coronary heart diseases (Bensky and Barolet, 1990). It was shown that SMS effectively prevented cerebral oxidative injury in rats when it administered into the duodenum before cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. In the present study, we examined whether post-ischemic administration of SMS can ameliorate cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats as well. Results showed that SMS injected immediately after ischemia also prevented the ischemia-reperfusion injury, when the effect was evaluated by the formation of protein carbonyl and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), and the loss of glutathione peroxidase (GPX). The preventative potential of SMS was decreased rapidly dependent on the time lag until SMS was injected after ischemia. However, it was noted that intravenously administered SMS protected the oxidative injury approximately 30% even after 60 min of reperfusion in terms of protein carbonyl formation. It is thus suggested that SMS injection might be useful for preventing the progression of injury in cerebral infarction after stroke.     

Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Decotion induced protective autophagy against the injury of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion via MAPK-mTOR signaling pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Decotion (HLJDD, Hwangryun-Hae-Dok-Decotion in Japan), an ancient antipyretic and detoxifying traditional Chinese medicine formula, was reported to have protective effect on ischemic stroke.

Aim of the research

To investigate the therapeutic effect of HLJDD on ischemic stroke and explore its mode of action.

Material and methods

A model of ischemic stroke in the rat was established after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) followed by reperfusion. Rats were assigned randomly to groups of control, sham, transient ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), and three treatment groups by HLJDD at 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 mg/kg. The neurological deficit, the cerebral infarct size, morphology abnormality, biochemical parameters were examined, and the levels of relevant proteins were determined by immunoblotting analysis to evaluate the protective effects of HLJDD on ischemic stroke and explore the underlying mechanism.

Results

Compared with I/R group, HLJDD significantly ameliorated neurological deficit and histopathology changes, decreased infarct area, and restored the levels of biochemical indicators including nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione disulfide (GSSG), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), Cu/Zn-SOD, Mn-SOD and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX). HLJDD also notably elevated the levels of microtubule-associated protein1 light chain 3 (LC3), Beclin-1, and other autophagy related genes (Atgs), promoted the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), protein kinase B (Akt), 3-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase (PDK1), and inhibited the activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), c-Jun N-terminal protein kinases (JNK), p38, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN).

Conclusion

HLJDD showed neuroprotective effects on ischemic stroke, at least in part to the induced protective autophagy via the regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signals. This Akt-independent protective autophagy is favorable in the treatment of stroke, avoiding unfavorable side-effects associated with the inactivation of Akt. The efficacy of HLJDD on ischemic stroke and its safety warranted by its long-term clinical use in traditional Chinese medicine favored further study to develop HLJDD as an effective therapeutic agent to treat ischemic stroke.     

Siberian ginseng reduces infarct volume in transient focal cerebral ischaemia in Sprague-Dawley rats

Siberian ginseng, the root and stem bark of Acanthopanax senticosus Harms, has been used as a tonic and adaptogen to strengthen qi in traditional Korean medicine. The neuroprotective effects of water extracts of A. senticosus (ASW) were investigated in transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo, 90 min occlusion, 24 h reperfusion) of Sprague-Dawley rats. The infarct volume was significantly reduced by 36.6% after the peritoneal injection of ASW (100 mg[sol ]kg) compared with the control. In the immunohistochemical study, ASW markedly inhibited both cyclooxygenase-2 and OX-42 expressions in the penumbral region at 24 h after MCAo. These results suggest that A. senticosus has a neuroprotective effect by inhibiting inflammation and microglial activation in brain ischaemia.     

野山参与园参抗坏血酸-谷胱甘肽循环代谢差异的比较

目的通过比较野山参与园参在抗坏血酸-谷胱甘肽(AsA-GSH)循环中代谢相关酶活性及代谢物的量,探讨野山参与园参抗氧化能力差异。方法氮蓝四唑法测定超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性,高锰酸钾滴定法测定过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性,UV法测定抗氧化酶活性和抗氧化物的量,利用氨基酸自动分析仪检测谷氨酸、半胱氨酸、甘氨酸量。结果野山参中SOD、CAT活性高于园参,在AsA-GSH循环中野山参抗坏血酸过氧化物酶(APX)、单脱氢抗坏血酸还原酶(MDHAR)、谷胱甘肽还原酶(GR)等抗氧化酶活性均高于园参,谷胱甘肽(GSH)、抗坏血酸(AsA)、脱氢抗坏血酸(DHA)等抗氧化物的量有高于园参的趋势。比较谷胱甘肽合成前体的上游氨基酸(谷氨酸、半胱氨酸、甘氨酸)量,发现野山参亦高于园参,保障了AsA-GSH再循环的平衡。结论 AsA-GSH循环中关键抗氧化酶活性及抗氧化物量均为野山参高于园参,导致野山参抗氧化能力强于园参,为野山参与园参功效差异研究提供了理论依据。     

Comparing the Effects of Kamikihito in Japan and Kami‐Guibi‐Tang in Korea on Memory Enhancement: Working Towards the Development of a Global Study

Traditional medicine is widely used in East Asia, and studies that demonstrate its usefulness have recently become more common. However, formulation‐based studies are not globally understood because these studies are country‐specific. There are many types of formulations that have been introduced to Japan and Korea from China. Establishing whether a same‐origin formulation has equivalent effects in other countries is important for the development of studies that span multiple countries. The present study compared the effects of same‐origin traditional medicine used in Japan and Korea in an in vivo experiment. We prepared drugs that had the same origin and the same components. The drugs are called kamikihito (KKT) in Japan and kami‐guibi‐tang (KGT) in Korea. KKT (500 mg extract/kg/day) and KGT (500 mg extract/kg/day) were administered to ddY mice, and object recognition and location memory tests were performed. KKT and KGT administration yielded equivalent normal memory enhancement effects. 3D‐HPLC showed similar, but not identical, patterns of the detected compounds between KKT and KGT. This comparative research approach enables future global clinical studies of traditional medicine to be conducted through the use of the formulations prescribed in each country. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Ginseng flowers stimulate progesterone production from bovine luteal cells

Our previous report first showed evidence that polysaccharides isolated from ginseng leaves obtained from Jilin, China possess luteotropic activities. In this study, we made further investigations on the root and flowers of Korean ginseng by means of the same bioassay system described briefly as follows. Frozen-thawed bovine luteal cells (1 x 10(5) cells/ml/well) in M199 were incubated in 24-well culture plates at 37 degrees C in a 5 % CO2 incubator. Ten microl of tested drugs with 1, 10 and 100 microg/ml were added into each well. After 4- and 24-hr incubation, the media were harvested and assayed for progesterone by an enzyme immunoassay. The production of progesterone from cells is the indicator for evaluating the action of tested drugs. Results showed that hot water extracts ofginseng flowers (GF-1) with 10 to 100 microg/ml significantly increased progesterone production, whereas those from ginseng root (GR-1) could not. Crude polysaccharides (GF-2) isolated from GF-1 is the active component and the small molecules (mw < 10,000 dalton) are excluded, indicating that the ginseng root has no luteotropic activities, but the polysaccharides of ginseng flowers have.     

Increase of Active Oxygen in Rats after Nephrectomy is Suppressed by Ginseng Saponin

Subtotally nephrectomized rats were found to have decreased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase, and spin-trapping with 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide showed that the amount of hydroxyl radical (·OH) in the residual kidney tissue was greater than that in the normal kidney. In contrast, rats given ginseng saponin (25 mg/kg body weight) orally for 30 days after subtotal nephrectomy showed restoration of catalase activity to almost a normal level. A significant increase in SOD activity was observed. ·OH, which is highly reactive and for which there is no scavenger system in the body, was decreased markedly in kidney homogenates obtained from rats given ginseng saponin. The increased levels of uraemic toxins in the blood were also reduced in rats given ginseng saponin. These findings indicate that ginseng saponin helps to inhibit the progression of renal failure by scavenging radicals.     

人参、三七提取物与牛磺酸对兔心肌缺血再灌注损伤中ET、CGRP影响的实验研究

目的：探讨人参、三七提取物与牛磺酸配伍防治心肌缺血再灌注损伤（MIRI）的作用机理。方法：雄性比利时兔18只,随机分为对照组（生理盐水组）与治疗组（益气活血解毒组）各9只,均于同等条件下口服给药7d。结扎冠脉造成MIRI模型,术中动态监测心电;分别在服药前（T1）、冠状动脉结扎10min（T2）、再灌注10min（T3）取血,抗凝,测定血清内皮素（TE）、降钙素基因相关肽（CGRP）含量。结果：治疗组与对照组比较,可显著降低ET、ET／CGRP水平,CGRP水平有升高趋势。结论：人参提取物、三七提取物、牛磺酸对MIRI有良好的保护作用,其机制之一是通过降低血清中ET含量和升高血清中CGRP水平。     

Preventive effects of North American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) on Diabetic Retinopathy and Cardiomyopathy

Ginseng (Araliaceae) has multiple pharmacological actions because of its diverse phytochemical constituents. The aims of the present study are to evaluate the preventive effects of North American ginseng on diabetic retinopathy and cardiomyopathy and to delineate the underlying mechanisms of such effects. Models of both type 1 (C57BL/6 mice with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes) and type 2 diabetes (db/db mice) and age‐matched and sex‐matched controls were examined. Alcoholic ginseng root (200 mg/kg body weight, daily oral gavage) extract was administered to groups of both type 1 and type 2 diabetic mice for 2 or 4 months. Dysmetabolic state in the diabetic mice was significantly improved by ginseng treatment. In both the heart and retina of diabetic animals, ginseng treatment significantly prevented oxidative stress and diabetes‐induced upregulations of extracellular matrix proteins and vasoactive factors. Ginseng treatment in the diabetic animals resulted in enhancement of stroke volume, ejection fraction, cardiac output, and left ventricle pressure during systole and diastole and diminution of stroke work. In addition, mRNA expressions of atrial natriuretic factor and brain natriuretic factor (molecular markers for cardiac hypertrophy) were significantly diminished in ginseng‐treated diabetic mice. These data indicate that North American ginseng prevents the diabetes‐induced retinal and cardiac biochemical and functional changes probably through inhibition of oxidative stress. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect and putative mechanism of action of ginseng on the formation of glycated hemoglobin in vitro

As a non-enzymatic, covalent binding between glucose and protein, glycation is a well-known cause of various forms of diabetic complications. This study was undertaken to determine the effect and mechanism of action of ginseng on the formation of glycated protein. A solution containing hemoglobin and glucose was incubated for 5 days by adding ginseng extract or glutathione. The quantitative measurement of glycated hemoglobin was determined using the ion capture component set. The anti-oxidative effect of ginseng and quercetin was determined through the TBA method. The amount of glycated hemoglobin (%GHb) significantly increased with the addition of glucose (27.8 mM) compared to the non-addition group. Nonetheless, this significantly decreased when ginseng extract (2 g/dl) was added and further dropped when glutathione (50 mM) was added. The amount of hemoglobin A1c (%HbA1c), a sub-fraction of glycated hemoglobin, was lower than that of glycated hemoglobin, but it showed a similar tendency. Compared to a non-addition group, the optical density of the organic layer that was separated through the addition of chloroform in oxidized linoleic acid significantly and dose-dependently decreased when ginseng extract or quercetin was added. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of ginseng on the formation of glycated hemoglobin could be attributed to the anti-oxidative activity of ginseng.     

Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Boswellia serrata Protect Against Focal Cerebral Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury in Rats

Oxidative stress and cell apoptosis play major roles in neuronal injury after ischemia–reperfusion (I‐R) injury. Boswellia serrata is a medicinal plant with antioxidant properties. Acetyl‐11‐keto‐β‐boswellic acid (AKBA) is an active triterpenoid compound from B. serrate. In the current study, the neuroprotective effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of B. serrata (named ABS and EBS, respectively) and AKBA were investigated against middle cerebral artery occlusion‐induced cerebral I‐R injury in rats. ABS and EBS with doses of 125, 250 and 500 and AKBA with a dose of 50 mg/kg were administered (intraperitoneally) just after middle cerebral artery occlusion induction for 30 min and reperfusion for 24 h. HPLC analysis suggested that ABS and EBS had AKBA of 8.8% and 9.5% (w/w), respectively. B. serrata and AKBA significantly improved neurological deficit and reduced brain infarction, neuronal cell loss and apoptosis and also attenuated lipid peroxidation while increasing glutathione content and superoxide dismutase activity in the cerebral cortex following a stroke. Apoptosis suppression was found to be mediated through regulating caspase‐3 and bax/bcl‐2 expressions. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that B. serrata and AKBA attenuate oxidative damage and inhibit cell apoptosis, subsequently protecting cerebral I‐R injury in rats. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Comparative root protein profiles of Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) and Indian ginseng (Withania somnifera)

Ginsenosides and withanolides are the secondary metabolites from Panax ginseng and Withania somnifera, respectively. These compounds have similar biological properties. Two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) analysis was utilized to reveal the protein profile in the roots of both plants, with the aim of clarifying similarly- and differentially-expressed proteins. Total proteins of Korea ginseng (P. ginseng) and Indian ginseng (W. somnifera) roots were separated by 2-DE using a pH 4-7 immobilized pH gradient strip in the first dimension and 12% sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the second dimension. The protein spots were visualized by silver staining. Twenty-one P. ginseng proteins and 35 W. somnifera proteins were chosen for identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry; of these, functions were ascribed to 14 and 22 of the P. ginseng and W. somnifera proteins, respectively. Functions mainly included general cell metabolism, defense and secondary metabolism. ATPase and alcohol dehydrogenase proteins were expressed in both plants. The results of this study, to our knowledge, are the first to provide a reference 2-DE map for the W. somnifera root proteome, and will aid in the understanding of the expression and functions of proteins in the roots of Korean ginseng and Indian ginseng.     

Neuroprotective effect of a ginseng (Panax ginseng) root extract on astrocytes primary culture

A standardized aqueous extract of Panax ginseng radix was tested for its antioxidant effect on primary astrocytes culture on an oxidant stress model generated by H(2)O(2). The results indicated that this extract had a significant effect on the reduction of astrocytic death induced by H(2)O(2). Dose-response experiments revealed that this ginseng extract increased cell viability at a wide range of concentrations. Therefore, we investigated the effects of this extract on antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidases (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR), on glutathione content (reduced and oxidized forms and red/ox index) and on the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. Exposure of astrocytes to H(2)O(2) decreased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, and increased ROS formation. Ginseng root extract reversed the effect of almost all of these parameters in H(2)O(2)-injured primary cultures of rat astrocytes.     

L‐theanine Administration Results in Neuroprotection and Prevents Glutamate Receptor Agonist‐Mediated Injury in the Rat Model of Cerebral Ischemia‐Reperfusion

While the neuroprotective effect of green tea (Camellia sinensis) might be explained by the presence of amino acid L‐theanine in the tea leaves, it is not known whether postischemic administration of L‐theanine could also provide neuroprotection. In the present study, we investigated the neuroprotective effect of L‐theanine (1 and 4 mg/kg) administered at 3, 12, and 24 h after reperfusion in the rat model of stroke. We also studied the effect of L‐theanine on brain injury caused by exogenous administration of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate and α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐isoxazole‐4‐propionate/kainate receptor agonists during reperfusion. Rats were subjected to 30‐min middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by 48‐h reperfusion. Neurological deficit and infarct size were determined at the end of reperfusion. At 3 and 12 h, but not at 24 h of reperfusion, L‐theanine substantially reduced the size of brain infarct. Neurological status was improved when L‐theanine was administered 3, 12, and 24 h after reperfusion. Repeated intrastriatal injections of L‐theanine at a total dose of 800 µg/kg during reperfusion prevented brain injury caused by glutamate receptor agonists. In conclusion, L‐theanine at reperfusion exerts neuroprotective effect in the in vivo rat model of stroke. Local treatment with L‐theanine at reperfusion prevents glutamate receptor agonist‐mediated brain injury. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Neuroprotective effect of calycosin on cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Radix Astragali has been commonly used as traditional herbal medicine in China for reinforcing vital energy, strengthening superficial resistance and promoting the discharge of pus and the growth of new tissue.

Aim of the study

The present study was to investigate the neuroprotective effect of calycosin isolated from the roots of Radix Astragali on cerebral ischemic/reperfusion injury.

Materials and methods

After 24 h of reperfusion following ischemia for 2 h induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), Sprague-Dawley rats were intragastrically administered different doses of calycosin (7.5, 15, 30 mg/kg, respectively). Neurological deficit, infarct volume, histopathology changes and some oxidative stress markers were evaluated after 24 h of reperfusion.

Results

Treatment with calycosin significantly ameliorated neurologic deficit and infarct volume after cerebral ischemia reperfusion. Calycosin also reduced the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and up-regulated the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, calycosin can also inhibit the expression of 4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE).

Conclusion

These results suggest that calycosin has a neuroprotective effect against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. The mechanism might be attributed to its antioxidant effects.     

Study on improving blood flow with korean red ginseng substances using digital infrared thermal imaging and doppler sonography: randomized,double blind,placebo-controlled clinical trial with parallel design

Objective

To examine the efficacy of Korean red ginseng for improving blood flow in healthy people.

Methods

Participants were randomized and treated with 1500 mg of Korean red ginseng extract or placebo for 8 weeks. The effect of Korean red ginseng was evaluated by digital infrared thermal images, and Doppler sonography, and blood test.

Results

Forty subjects completed the protocol. Imbalance in local thermal distribution was significantly decreased in the Korean red ginseng group confirmed by digital infrared thermal images. Doppler sonography showed no significant change in maximum and average rates of blood circulation in single or complex areas. Blood analyses for coagulation and lipid metabolism factors revealed no significant changes. No abnormal reactions to the Korean red ginseng were observed.

Conclusion

Digital infrared thermal imaging showed that the temperature deviation in the whole body decreased safely in the Korean red ginseng group, which mitigated the body-temperature imbalance. This result suggests that the Korean red ginseng improves blood circulation in the human body.     

卡维地洛对大鼠急性缺血再灌注损伤的心肌保护作用研究

 目的研究卡维地洛对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用及其作用机制。方法将大鼠随机分为假手术(sham)组、缺血再灌注(IRI)组、卡维地洛(CVD)组。结扎左冠状动脉前降支致缺血30min后复灌4h,制作心肌缺血再灌注损伤模型。于再灌4h末测定左室收缩压(LVP)、左室舒张末压(LVEDP)、左室发展压(LVDP=LVP-LVEDP)、左室最大收缩及舒张速度(±dp/dt);测定血液中肌酸磷酸激酶(CK)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)及丙二醛(MDA)和超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)含量以及心肌梗死范围。结果与假手术组相比,IRI组LVP,LVDP,±dp/dt及SOD降低,LVEDP,CK,LDH及MDA均升高,伴梗死范围扩大(P<0.01);与IRI比较,CVD组LVP,LVDP,±dp/dt及SOD升高,LVEDP,CK,LDH及MDA均降低,伴梗死范围缩小(P<0.01)。结论卡维地洛具有防止心肌再灌注损伤的作用,该作用与其β受体阻断和抗氧化有关。     

Neuroprotective activity of Matricaria recutita Linn against global model of ischemia in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Traditionally, the whole plant is used for various diseases, including neuronal disorders.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the neuroprotective effect of Matricaria recutita L. against global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury-induced oxidative stress in rats.

Materials and methods

Neuroprotective activity was carried out by global cerebral ischemia on Sprague–Dawley rats by bilateral carotid artery (BCA) occlusion for 30 min followed by 60 min reperfusion. The antioxidant enzymatic and non-enzymatic levels were estimated along with cerebral infarction area and histopathological studies.

Results

The Matricaria recutita L. methanolic extract showed dose-dependent neuroprotective activity by significant decrease in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and increase in the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and total thiol levels in extract treated groups as compared to ischemia/reperfusion group. Cerebral infarction area was significantly reduced in extract treated groups as compared to ischemia/reperfusion group.

Conclusion

The methanolic extract of Matricaria recutita L. showed potent neuroprotective activity against global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury-induced oxidative stress in rats.