Spondias mombin leaf extract ameliorates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion-induced cardiohepatorenal oxidative stress in rats

Abstract

BackgroundStroke remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Ischemic stroke is the most prevalent type of stroke and it is characterized by increased oxidative stress and other pathophysiological processes resulting from the reduction of blood flow to the brain. Medicinal plants have been reported to protect against oxidative stress and possess therapeutic potential for the management of stroke. In particular, Spondias mombin leaf extracts have been reported to possess antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. However, the ability of Spondias mombin leaf extract to protect distant organs against ischemicstroke mediated oxidative stress is not yet established. This study therefore evaluated the protective effects of Spondias mombin leaf extract (SML) on bilateral common carotid artery occlusion/reperfusion (BCCAO/R) ischemicstroke model-induced cardiac, hepatic, and renal oxidative stress in rats. MethodMale Wistar rats underwent 30 min of BCCAO and 24 h of reperfusion. Some groups of animals were post-treated with SML (25–100 mg/kg) or quercetin (20 mg/kg). Markers of oxidative stress were evaluated in the heart, liver, and kidney of the experimental animals. ResultsBCCAO/R significantly (p < 0.0001) induced oxidative stress in the heart, liver, and kidney of rats. This was reflected in decreased superoxide dismutase activity and reduced glutathione level. Also, there was increased lipid peroxidation, elevated nitric oxide level, and increased activity of myeloperoxidase. Post-treatment with SML significantly (p < 0.05) ameliorated BCCAO/R-induced oxidative stress in all the organs. ConclusionsCerebral ischemia/reperfusion significantly induced oxidative stress in the heart, liver, and kidney of rats and Spondias mombin leaf extract showed appreciable therapeutic potential against post-stroke cardiohepatorenal oxidative damage.