Neuroprotection in traumatic brain injury: effects of alpha-asarone and Acorus calamus extract in mice using weight drop model.

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant public health concern characterized by severe neurological consequences. The management of TBI remains a formidable challenge, necessitating a multifaceted approach aimed at reducing secondary injury and promoting neuroprotection. This study assessed the neuroprotective potential of Alpha-asarone (AA) at 12.5, 25, 50 mg/kg, p.o (phytoconstituent of Acorus calamus) at, and Acorus calamus (AC) extract at 190 mg/kg, p.o in a murine TBI model induced by weight drop method. Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) permeability and oxidative stress were evaluated on 1^st and 3^rd day, while Neurological Severity Score (NSS) was assessed on 1^st, 3^rd, 7^th, 14^th, and 21^st day after TBI. The administration of AA and AC extract at all tested doses demonstrated a dose-dependent restoration of blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and oxidative stress markers. Specifically, AA at doses of 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg, as well as AC extract at 190 mg/kg, administered orally, exhibited significant effects on BBB integrity and oxidative stress at 1^st and 3^rd day post-treatment. Furthermore, enhanced neurological outcomes were observed at 14^th and 21^st day post TBI, evidenced by improved NSS, particularly with the 50 mg/kg dose of AA and the 190 mg/kg dose of AC extract. This research underscores the potential of AA and AC extract as neuroprotective agents. The findings highlight their efficacy in improving BBB integrity, mitigating oxidative stress-induced cellular damage and enhancing neurological impairments following TBI. These results hold promise for the development of innovative neuroprotective therapies and advocate for the exploration of natural compounds as adjunctive interventions in TBI management.