Anti-oxidant potential of aqueous root extract of Coleus edulis mediating cerebroprotection against ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats

Abstract

BackgroundColeus edulis is traditionally prescribed for central nervous system disorders. Although the plant possesses diverse pharmacological actions, the cerebroprotective action has got little attention. Oxidative stress plays a key role in cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury. The present study evaluated the cerebroprotective action of Coleus edulis against global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) induced oxidative stress in rats. Materials and methodsGlobal cerebral infarction was induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (30 min) and reperfusion (4 hr) in Wistar rats. The biochemical levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) were estimated and Percentage infarction was determined. Results and discussionBCCA occlusion, followed by reperfusion caused varied biochemical alterations viz. increased percentage of infarction, increased malondialdehyde levels and decreased superoxide dismutase, catalase. 15 days pre-treatment with aqueous root extract of Coleus edulis produced significant dose dependent reduction in percent cerebral infarct volume. At 250 mg/kg po selected dose, there is a significant reduction in oxidative parameter like thiobarbituric acid reactive substance i.e. malondialdehyde and significant increase of anti-oxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase and catalase. ConclusionThis study provided first evidence of effectiveness of aqueous root extract of Coleus edulis in global cerebral ischemia most probably by the virtue of its anti-oxidant property.