The protective effects of MPLC isolated glycyrrhizin and mangiferin against brain toxicity in rats

Abstract

The present study was conducted to demonstrate a method for preparative isolation of glycyrrhizin and mangiferin using medium-pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC) and to further investigate their protective effects against aluminum-induced brain toxicity in rats compared to melatonin (classical neuroprotective drug). Brain toxicity was determined through assessment of lipid profile, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), lipid peroxide (malondialdehyde), nitric oxide (NO), cytokines level such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukins (IL-22 and IL-1β), as well as gene expression of brain SOD, CAT, and IL-22. Glycyrrhizin and mangiferin were isolated employing reverse phase MPLC and their structures were confirmed using NMR spectroscopy. Glycyrrhizin and/or mangiferin alone or in combination, as well as melatonin co-treatment prior to AlCl3 entoxication in rats revealed significant amelioration in all biochemical parameters relevant to brain function. Enhanced brain functions in AlCl3 intoxicated rats was attributed to a mechanism related to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential.