Neuroprotective Effect of Dracocephalum moldavica L. Total Flavonoids in Transient Cerebral Ischemia in Rats

Aims: The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of Dracocephalum moldavica L. total flavonoids (DMTF) on cerebral oxidative stress and damage as well as apoptosis induced by transient cerebral ischemia in rats.
Methodology: Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: model group, sham group, DMTF high, middle, low dose groups (50, 25, 12.5 mg/kg). Focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2 h, followed by 22 h reperfusion. The reduced glutathione/ oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio, antioxidant enzyme activities, malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) contents were determined. The neuron apoptosis was measured by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. At last, the neurological deficit was observed.
Results: Transient cerebral ischemia led to significant depress in GSH/GSSG ratio, depletion in antioxidant enzyme activities, rise in MDA, protein carbonyl, 8-OHdG contents, neuron apoptosis and neurological deficit scores. Pre-treatment with DMTF obviously attenuated the brain oxidative stress and damage, apoptosis and neurological deficits.
Conclusion: These findings suggested that DMTF has neuroprotective effect on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury which might be related to its antioxidant and anti-apoptosis activity.