Antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of Launaea taraxacifolia extract against aluminum-induced neurotoxicity

Abstract

This study evaluated the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of ethanol leaf extract and fractions of Launaea taraxacifolia against aluminum chloride-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Sixty-six female Wistar rats were divided into eleven groups, receiving either control treatment, aluminum chloride, donepezil, or different doses/fractions of the plant extract for 21 days. Aluminum chloride significantly reduced antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GPx) and increased lipid peroxidation (MDA). Co-treatment with the ethanol extract, dichloromethane, ethylacetate, and n-butanol fractions restored antioxidant defenses and reduced MDA levels, whereas the n-hexane and aqueous fractions showed little effect. These findings indicate that Launaea taraxacifolia contains bioactive compounds with protective effects against oxidative stress and neuronal injury, supporting its potential as a natural neuroprotective agent.