Neuroprotective and antioxidant role ofPhoenix dactylifera in permanent bilateral common carotid occlusion in rats

• Published in: 急性病杂志（英文版） 2014 (2), p.104-114
• Main Authors: Rohini R Pujari, Neeraj S Vyawahare, Prasad A Thakurdesai
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2221-6189; 2221-6189
• DOI: 10.1016/S2221-6189(14)60026-3

Objective:To investigate neuroprotective and antioxidant effect ofPhoenix dactylifera (P. dactylifera)(PD) fruits.Methods:Methanolic extract ofP. dactylifera fruits(MEPD) at doses of 30,100 and300 mg/kg was studied against permanentBCCAO(long-term hypoperfusion) in rats. Chronic occlusion of bilateral common carotid arteries(BCCA) caused significant elevation in malondialdehyde levels due to increased lipid peroxidation as well as decrease in levels of other biochemical enzymesi.e. glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferse, catalase and superoxide dismutase.Results:Post occlusion treatment for15 d with 100 and300 mg/kg doses ofMEPD significantly reduced the enhanced malondialdehyde levels and reversed the alterations in the declined levels of antioxidant enzymes in brain homogenates of hypoperfused rats.Long-term cerebral hypoperfusion in rats caused a propensity towards anxiety and restlessness(open field paradigm) accompanied by deficits of spatial learning and memory(Morris water maze testing).Additionally, histopathological observations in hypoperfused brains revealed reactive changes like shrinkage and necrosis of neurons.100 and300 mg/kg doses ofMEPD significantly alleviated these alterations.Conclusions:These results confirmed the protective role ofP. dactylifera in ischemia hypoperfusion and thereby it’s beneficial role in cerebrovascular insufficiency states and related complications.