Effect of Centella asiatica Supplementation on Striatum Function in Mice According to Various Developing Stages

Abstract

This study is directed to investigate the ‘golden period’ of herbal Centella asiatica (CA) administration towards striatum’s function and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) concentration to achieve its maximum efficacy during various developmental stages of prepubertal, postpubertal, adolescent and young mature period. Mices of age 5, 8 ,12, and 15 weeks old were put into control group. CA aqueous extract with dose of 100 mg/kgBW/day was administered to CA groups of age 5–12, 5–15 and 8–15 weeks old. At the end of intervention, striatums were collected, homogenized and centrifuged at 3500 rpm. Glutathione peroxidase activity was observed using Randox kit at wavelength 340 nm. Behaviour initiation time was recorded using Paired-Associative-Cognitive-Test while mice tried to solve a maze with food as reward stimuli. GPx concentrations were found to increase in all CA-consuming groups with CA 5-12 having significant elevation (p = 0.032). Mice given CA supplementation also spent lesser time in solving the maze with statistical significance found in group CA 5-12 (p = 0.029). Overall, mice given C. asiatica supplementation at earlier developmental stage have greater benefits compared to those who obtain the intervention in later developing period, reflected by greater GPx concentration in striatum and faster record in solving the maze.