Lasianthera africana Aqueous Extract Protects the Cerebral Cortex and CA1 Hippocampal Region against Ischemic-reperfusion Insult by Bilateral Common Carotid Artery Occlusion in Adult Male Wistar Rats
Animal models of cerebral ischaemia make a significant contribution to the knowledge of the pathogenesis of stroke and its methods of management. Many treatments have failed to reduce neuronal injury in cerebral ischaemia, prompting the exploration of new treatment models. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antioxidant potential of Lasianthera africana aqueous extract (LAAE), which is rich in phenols, flavonoids, and vitamin C, against induced ischemic stroke in adult male albino rats. Forty adult male albino rats were randomly divided into five groups, each with eight rats. The control was group A, which received water only. Group B received 2500 mg/kg of LAAE orally daily for 10 days. Group C had bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) only. Group D received 2500 mg/kg of LAAE orally for 10 days before BCCAO, and Group E underwent BCCAO before receiving 2500 mg/kg of LAAE for 10 days. The study assessed various parameters, namely morphology, neurobehavioral, biochemical, and histological. Biochemical factors assessed were: superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH). Lasianthera africana aqueous extract ameliorated certain neurobehavioral impairments and attenuated the decreased activities of SOD, CAT, GSH, and reduced lipid peroxidation, caused by acute cerebral ischaemia. Additionally, it improved BCCAO-induced histopathological alteration in the cerebral cortex and CA1 hippocampal neurons. In conclusion, L. africana extract demonstrated neuroprotective effects against acute cerebral ischaemia induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion. Notably, its neuroprotective potential was more pronounced when administered before the onset of cerebral ischaemia.
Key Words: Lasianthera africana, cerebral ischaemia, stroke, reperfusion, neuroprotective