Neuroprotective effect of Neuroprotective effect of Neuroprotective effect of Ziziphus Ziziphus Ziziphus spina spina spina---christi christi christi on brain injury inon brain injury inon brain injury induced by transient global cerebral duced by transient global cerebral duced by transient global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion in rat ischemia and reperfusion in rat ischemia and reperfusion in rat
BJP
IntroductionCerebral ischemia occurs when the blood supply to the brain is halted or reduced (Bhuiyan and Kim, 2010). Several factors such as thrombosis, embolism, and systemic hypoperfusion can lead to ischemia (Lakhan et al., 2009). Ischemia reduces the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the cell which eventually leads to organ dys -function. A reduction of oxygen supply reduces cellular ATP. Required ATP is produced through anaerobic respiration. This leads to an accumulation of lactate, acidosis and finally cell death (Wells et al., 2010).The hippocampus, which plays important roles in learning, memory and emotion, is highly vulnerable to ischemic insults. Hypoxia in this region can lead to inhibition of synaptic potential which is a key mechanism to reduce energy consumption (Meilandt et al., 2004). I/R-induced generation of reactive oxygen species can cause oxidative damage to biomolecules such as lipids, proteins and DNA (Chan, 2001). Increased production of ROS during cerebral ischemia has been considered as a major factor in delayed neuro-nal cell death, especially in hippocampal CA1 pyrami-dal neurons (Hara and Mori, 2000). Anti-oxidant agents may be effective in the treatment of memory and learning deficits. Recently, natural anti-oxidants from plant materials have been reported to reduce neuronal damage caused by free radical (Pham-Huy et al., 2008).Sidr tree (Ziziphus spina-christi, Family Rhamnaceae) is an evergreen tree native to the South of Iran. It has pulpy edible fruits. Traditionally, its leaves are used to treat sores, pneumonia, dysentery, ulcer and as an antiseptics. The leaves contain phytosterols such as β-sitosterol, glycoside, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and lactone (Asgarpanah and Haghighat, 2012). Hydroalcoholic extract of Ziziphus spina-christi was found to be effective against scopolamine-induced anxiety in rats (Setorki, 2016). There is no previous study on the learning and memory-enhancing activities of Z. spina-
AbstractThis study evaluated the protective effect of Ziziphus spina-christi on the cerebral oxidative stress and damage induced by ischemia. Male Wistar rats were divided randomly into six groups (seven in each group): Control group did not undergo surgery and received distilled water; shame group underwent surgery without ischemia; ischemic group underwent ischemia without any medication; extract-treated groups underwent ischemia and orally received 50, 100, 200 mg/kg/day doses Z. spina-christi extract. After behavioral tests, anti-oxidant capacity and malondialdehyde level of brain and serum were determined. Treatment of ischemic rats with extract significantly i...
