Neuroprotective effect of Bacopa monniera on ischemia induced brain injury

PurposeBrain stroke is a leading cause of death without effective treatment. B. monniera, an Indian herbal medicine, exerts antioxidant activity and antistress activity by modulating the antioxidative defence system. We wanted to test if B. monniera could alleviate the ischemia induced brain injury and cognitive dysfunction in Wistar rats.ProcedureWe studied the effect of B. monniera (120 mg kg− 1, 160 mg kg− 1 and 240 mg kg− 1 P.O.) on transient intracarotid artery (ICA) occlusion induced ischemia by testing the neurobehavioral and biochemical parameters on treated and control rats.FindingsB. monniera attenuated the reduced transfer latency in ischemic rats in a step through test and showed a protective effect on ischemia induced memory impairment in the plus maze task. It also showed a marginal improvement in neurodeficit score and fore limb muscle grip strength. B. monniera reduced the infarct size in the ischemic brain. It also decreased nitrite, nitrate and lipid peroxidation and significantly improved catalase activity.ConclusionThese observations suggest the neuroprotective and antioxidant activity of B. monniera on ischemia induced brain injury and pave the way for future investigations.

Research Highlights
► We studied the effect of B. monniera on transient intracarotid artery (ICA) occlusion induced ischemia.
► B. monniera attenuated ischemia induced brain injury.
► It also reversed impaired neurobehavioral and biochemical parameters in rats.
► This study observation suggests the neuroprotective and antioxidant activity of B. monniera.