Neuroprotective activity of Stereospermum suaveolens against global cerebral ischemia rat model

Abstract

Context: Stereospermum suaveolens DC. (Bignoniaceae) is a medicinal tree species native to India. Traditionally, the whole plant is used for various diseases including neuronal disorders. Objective: The present study evaluated the neuroprotective activity of Stereospermum suaveolens against global cerebral ischemia in a rat model. Materials and methods: Neuroprotective activity was carried out by global cerebral ischemia on Sprague-Dawley rats and divided into five groups of eight rats each; sham and control groups received normal saline (10 ml/kg) and treated groups received methanol extract of Stereospermum suaveolens (MES) orally (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) for 10 days prior to the experiment. Global cerebral ischemia was induced by bilateral carotid artery (BCA) occlusion for 30 min followed by 4-h reperfusion. The antioxidant enzymatic and non-enzymatic levels were estimated by UV spectroscopic method along with cerebral infarction area; histopathological studies were carried out. Results: LD50 of MES was found to be 5000 mg/kg of body weight. The entire test was performed at dose levels 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg of body weight. The results of the study indicate that the Stereospermum suaveolens methanol extract showed neuroprotective activity by a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation (p50.001) and an increase in superoxide dismutase (p50.01), catalase (p50.01), glutathione (p50.001), and total thiol (p50.001) levels in extract-treated groups as compared to control group. Measurement of cerebral infarction area and histopathological studies further supported the protective effect of the extract. Discussion and conclusion: These findings suggest a potential protective role of Stereospermum suaveolens against global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion-induced brain injury. © 2013 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.