10/10/2018 / By Ellaine Castillo
A study, published in the European Journal of Medicinal Plants, has uncovered the potential of the “False Iroko” tree (Antiaris africana) as a treatment for nervous disorders. Traditionally, the A. africana is used in Nigeria to treat mental and nervous disorders. Previous studies have established the neuroprotective properties crude extracts from A. africana. What this study focuses on are the neuroprotective properties of different solvent fractions derived from A. africana and their mechanism of protection.
The different solvent fractions came from A. africana leaves that were dried, pulverized, macerated in 80 percent ethanol, then dissolved in their corresponding solvents. Solvents that were used include n-hexane, dichloromethane, and methane.
Cerebellum and cerebral cortex samples were acquired from the brains of male Wistar rats for use in in vitro biochemical assays. These were incubated in different solvent fractions as well as in potassium cyanide (KCN).
Potassium cyanide is a chemical that can induce asphyxiation by interfering with body’s ability to use oxygen. This affects the entire body, however, some organs are more sensitive to oxygen loss, including the nervous, cardiovascular, and pulmonary systems. It is used in this experiment to make the cells mimic a nervous disorder.
The cytotoxicity of KCN can be attributed to its ability to inhibit cytochrome oxidase in the mitochondria, which leads to the destruction of the mitochondria. To determine if the mitochondria was damaged, the researchers looked at NADH succinate dehydrogenase (NSD). NSD is an enzyme present in the inner membrane of the mitochondria that serves as an effective marker for mitochondrial damage. Results showed that KCN inhibited NSD activity but treatment with the solvent fractions was able to reverse this effect. It was also observed that the reversal of NSD inhibition occurred in a dose-dependent manner.
Aside from mitochondrial damage, KCN also induces oxidative stress. This can be observed in the high levels of malonedialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), lipid peroxidation (LPO) activity, and monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity. Additionally, a decreased concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH) also indicates oxidative stress. In this study, they were able to observe that the addition of A. africana was able to reverse the aforementioned effects of oxidative stress on MDA, PC, MAO, LPO, and GSH.
Based on these results, it can be concluded that all solvent fractions of A. africana can mitigate KCN-induced mitochondrial damage.
“The neuroprotective effects of A. africana in this study suggest that the plant may be a promising candidate for the treatment or management of neuronal damage.” the researchers said. (Related: 7 simple health tips for protecting your brain and cognitive function.)
Aside from the “False Iroko” tree, other plants that exhibit neuroprotective properties include:
Learn more studies about different treatments for nervous disorders by visiting Brain.news today.
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Tagged Under: Antiaris africana, brain damage, false iroko, KCN, mitochondrial damage, nervous disorders, nervous system, neuroprotective, potassium cyanide