Neuroprotective effects of Aframomum pruinosum seed extract against stroke in rat: Role of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms

Background: Stroke is a major cause of disability and neurological impairment worldwide. Effective prevention and management strategies are needed to reduce its burden. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of the seed ethanolic extract of Aframomum pruinosum (EEAP) on stroke and its related motor and cognitive deficits in rats. Materials and methods: Stroke was induced by either middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) or bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO). In the MCAO model, rats received EEAP (75, 150, or 300 mg kg(-1)) or N-acetyl-L-cysteine (100 mg kg(-1)) orally for one week before 2 h of occlusion, followed by reperfusion. Twenty-four hours after ischemia, brain was collected for infarct size using 2, 3, 5 -TriphenylTetrazolium Chloride (TTC) staining, oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta) measurements. In the BCCAO model, rats underwent occlusion for 30 min and received EEAP or quercetin (25 mg kg(-1)) for 7 days post-induction. Behavioral parameters were evaluated at the end of the treatment. Oxidative stress and inflammatory markers were measured in the cerebrum and cerebellum. Results: MCAO caused significant brain infarction, and increased lipid peroxidation, TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta contents. EEAP, rich in nerolidol, prevented these changes in a dose-dependent manner. BCCAO impaired the neurological function, mobility, and muscle strength of rats. It also increased lipid peroxidation and inflammatory cytokines in the cerebellum. EEAP significantly ameliorated these impairments. Conclusion: EEAP exerts preventive and curative neuroprotective effects against ischemic stroke and its associated motor impairments at least partially through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and its nerolidol content.