Evaluation of neuroprotective activity of Mucuna pruriens against experimentally induced neurotoxicity in animal models
Keywords:
Mucuna pruriens, monosodium glutamate, aluminium fluoride, excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, neurodegeneration, neuroprotection, antioxidantsAbstract
Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the neuroprotective efficacy of Mucuna pruriens extracts against experimentally induced neurotoxicity in rat models, elucidating their potential in mitigating oxidative stress and neurodegeneration.
Materials and Methods: Extracts of Mucuna pruriens were meticulously prepared using petroleum ether, methanol, and hydroalcoholic solvents. Following extraction, a comprehensive phytochemical analysis was conducted to quantify key antioxidant phytonutrients—polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins—using advanced spectroscopic techniques, with validation through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The 70% ethanolic extract, enriched with flavonoids, tannins, and polyphenols, was selected for subsequent antioxidant and pharmacological evaluations. Methanolic and hydroalcoholic extracts of Mucuna pruriens (MEMP and HAEMP) were subjected to in-depth pharmacological studies. Neurotoxicity was induced in rats using monosodium glutamate (MSG) and aluminium fluoride (AlF3), established models known to trigger neuronal degeneration via oxidative stress and inflammation. Given the well-documented role of oxidative stress in MSG- and AlF3-induced neurotoxicity, and the recognized antioxidant potency of MEMP and HAEMP, this study was designed to investigate their neuroprotective effects in these models.
Results: The methanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens (MEMP) at a dose of 100 mg/kg demonstrated significant neuroprotection against MSG- and AlF3-induced neurotoxicity in rats. The robust antioxidant properties of the extract, attributed to its high polyphenol, flavonoid, and tannin content, likely underpin its neuroprotective mechanism, effectively counteracting oxidative stress and neuronal damage..
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