Neuroprotective Effect of Chloroform Fraction of Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb Bark and its Isolated Compound (Afzelechin)

Background

Neuroprotection is crucial in the development of novel therapy for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. The present study was aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of Chloroform Fraction of Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb Bark (CFPMB) and its isolated compound (Afzelechin) on Aluminium Chloride (AlCl3) induced neurodegeneration in Sprague Dawley rats.

Materials and Methods

Acute toxicity was assessed for CFPMB and its isolated compound (Afzelechin). All the animals except the vehicle-treated group received AlCl3 (17 mg/kg/p.o) for 21 days for the induction of neurodegeneration. Group III, IV, V and VI were administered Donepezil Hydrochloride (3 mg/kg/p.o), CFPMB (200 mg/kg/p.o), CFPMB (400 mg/kg/p.o) and isolated compound (Afzelechin) (30 mg/kg/p.o) respectively. Body weight changes were measured on day 0, 7, 14 and 21^st day. At the end of 3^rd week study, behavioural changes were measured by Water maze test, elevated plus maze test, Pole climbing test and Open field test. Biochemical parameters such as Acetylcholine, Acetylcholinesterase, Dopamine, Glutamate and antioxidant level such as Superoxide dismutase, Catalase, Nitric oxide, Total protein and TBARS level were measured. After that one brain from each group were examined for histopathological changes.

Results

CFPMB and its isolated compound (Afzelechin) significantly attenuated the AlCl3 induced alterations in body weight, and behavioural parameters and increased neurotransmitters such as Acetylcholine and dopamine level. CFPMB and its isolated compound (Afzelechin) also reduced oxidative stress by increasing SOD, Catalase, Total protein level and decreasing Nitric oxide, TBARS levels and exhibited best regenerative and healing property in histopathological studies.

Conclusion

The findings propose that CFPMB and Afzelechin isolated from CFPMB may be a possible therapeutic option for neurodegenerative disorders.