Withania somnifera and Eclipta alba Ameliorate Oxidative Stress Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction in an Animal Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

Objective: To investigate the protective effects of the methanolic extract of Withania somnifera roots and Eclipta alba whole plant inameliorating oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction in the rat brain. Methods: The methanolic extracts of W. somnifera and E. alba were analyzed for their total phenolics and flavonoid content. In vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by employing DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. Anti-amnesic activity of methanolic extracts of W. somnifera and E. alba (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p. o.) after 8 days dosing was studied in comparison with the standard drug Donepezil hydrochloride and Piracetam treatment. On 8th day, 90 minutes after the administration of last dose, elevated plus maze was carried out and subsequently animals were sacrificed and brain homogenate was prepared to estimate lipid peroxidation and MTT reduction as current markers of antioxidant status and cell viability, respectively. Results: The methanolic extracts showed high phenolic and flavonoid content and also showed comparable antioxidant activity with standard reference. Results of elevated plus maze demonstrated protection from memory deficit. MEW Sand MEEA at doses 100 and 200 mg/kg showed significant decrease in the transfer latency as compared to the toxicant and control group. MEWS and MEEA at 200mg/kg produced a reduction MDA content of 51.49±0.15 nmol/g tissue and 50.23±0.50 nmol/g tissue, respectively comparable to 47.96±0.06 nmol/g tissue of Donepezil hydrochloride 3 mg/kg. 200mg/kg dose of MEWS and MEEA were effective in increasing the reduction of MTT 72.01% and 71.59%, respectively comparable to 66.33% of Piracetam 200mg/kg. Conclusion: Withania somnifera and Eclipta alba could be potential candidates demonstrating neuroprotective activity in oxidative stress induced mitochondrial dysfunction.

Author(s): Manju Bhaskar and Mena Chintamaneni

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