Neuroprotection of Prunus avium Linn. extract on cerebral ischemic stroke in rats associated with neuroendocrine effects

Abstract

The fruits of Prunus avium Linn. protect from neurological diseases and produce a rejuvenating effect on the brain system, calming down nervous system disorientation and controls the insomnia and headache. The experiment is designed to evaluate the neuroprotective property of P. avium on cerebral ischemia in rat models. The neuroprotective effect of P. avium was studied in wistar rats of either sex by inducing ischemia through bilateral carotid artery occlusion. The ethanolic extract of P. avium (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) were administered and evaluated for the neuroprotection. The biochemical parameters such as acetylcholinesterase, glutamate, corticosterone and antioxidant parameters were determined in the homogenate of brain. Open field and y-maze video tracking was determined to evaluate the behavioural learning and memory. The ethanolic extract of P. avium exhibited a significant decrease in AChE, glutamate, and corticosterone levels, restored the antioxidant enzyme levels and improved the learning and memory. The open field exploration and the alternation behaviour exhibited significant (p<0.001) improvement after the treatment with P. avium extracts. In biochemical parameters, the AChE and corticosterone were regulated significantly (p<0.001) in high dose treatment of P. avium. In conclusion, this study reveals the pharmacotherapeutic property and neuroendocrine regulation in cerebral ischemia induced rats and indicates the neuroprotective potential of P. avium.