Grape seed proanthocyanidin lowers brain oxidative stress in adult and middle-aged rats

There is growing concern over the increasing instances of decline in cognitive abilities with aging in humans. The present study evaluated the benefits of the natural antioxidant, grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) in treating the effects of age-related oxidative stress (OS) and accumulation of lipofuscin (LF) on the cognitive ability in rats. Female Wistar rats of 3- and 12-months of age received a daily oral supplement of GSPE until they attained 6- and 15-months of age. During this period, rats were tested for their cognitive ability. At the end of this period, blood glucose and markers of OS were assessed in the hippocampus. GSPE lowered blood glucose, lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide level, and increased protein sulphydryl (P-SH) content in the hippocampus. In addition, GSPE significantly improved cognitive performance in the two age groups. These results demonstrate that the extent of OS-related LF accumulation is reducible by GSPE. They also suggest a critical role for GSPE as a neuroprotectant in the hippocampus and in preventing cognitive loss with aging.

► Middle-aged female rats are benefited by GSPE supplementation.
► GSPE reduces blood glucose.
► GSPE alleviates lipid and protein oxidations and hydrogen peroxide generation in the hippocampal neurons of these animals.
► Extent of oxidative stress-related lipofuscin accumulation is reducible by GSPE.
► GSPE as an antioxidant significantly reduces the extent of age-related loss in cognitive performance.