Neuroprotective effect of berberine by amelioration of behavioural, biochemical and histological anomalies on valproate induced autistic features in experimental animals

Abstract

ObjectiveThe goal of the current investigation was to establish the therapeutic prospective of berberine (BBR), the golden alkaloid of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of valproic acid (VPA)-induced oxidative stress and neuronal damage in a postnatal model of autism, which is characterized by behavioural, biochemical, and histopathological changes. MethodsPups of the Wistar albino rat were divided into five categories of six at the age of 13 days: the vehicle-treated group (1 mg/mL normal saline), the VPA group (VPA 400 mg/kg, s.c.), the BBR per se, low (50 mg/kg, p.o.) and high dose (100 mg/kg, p.o.), marked as BBR I and BBR II. On postnatal day (PND) 14, everyone received 400 mg/kg (s.c.) of valproic acid (VPA), with the exception of the group that had received vehicle therapy. Berberine was given every day between PND 14 and 40. All the groups (II-V) getting routine therapy, were assessed for various neuro-behavioural indicators. Towards the conclusion of the study, animals were euthanized on PND 41 for antioxidant, inflammatory and histopathological computations. Results: Autism was effectively caused with a single dosage of 400 mg/kg s.c. of VPA. Treatment with berberine considerably improved neuro-behavioural activity, biochemical and inflammatory alterations, along with histological abnormalities in comparison to animals of autistic group. The results were more prominent at larger doses of berberine, providing proof that the deficiencies in autistic behaviour caused by valproic acid may be reversed. ConclusionBerberine exhibited neuro-protective benefits, perhaps as a result of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, thus may be beneficial in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Future research is needed to fully understand berberine's mode of action and potential contribution to human autism spectrum disorders.