Neuroprotective potential of phenolic rich fractions of Solanum nigrum leaves on oxidative and inflammatory reactions in a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) induced sepsis model in experimental animal

The present work aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of Solanum nigrum leaves against CLP-induced septic encephalopathy in rats. The study was designed to evaluate the effect of Solanum nigrum leaves on behavioral and biochemical changes that occur during septic encephalopathy. Adult male Wistar rats were distributed into five experimental groups and subjected to caecal ligation and puncture, while the control animals were subjected to a sham operation. Solanum nigrum leaf aqueous extract (doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg), ethanolic extract (doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg), and vehicle, given orally, were administered for one week after the surgery procedure. Behavioral parameters like anxiety, depressive behavior, and nonaversive memory were evaluated. Anti-inflammatory activity was measured by the membrane stabilization method. At the end of the study, animals were sacrificed and their brains removed. Brain homogenates were prepared to assess antioxidant activity (SOD, CAT, MDA, and GSH). Brain tissue sections were stained by hematoxylin and eosin to examine the histopathologic changes such as neuron degeneration, and perinuclear spaces in the brain. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, showed significant improvement in behavioral parameters, prevention of oxidative stress, neuron degeneration, and perinuclear edema respectively. Aqueous extract and ethanolic fraction at a concentration of 200μg/mL significantly protected the lysis of the erythrocyte membrane induced by the hypotonic solution. Collectively, these results demonstrate that Solanum nigrum leaf aqueous extract and ethanolic extract could be used for the prevention of sepsis-associated encephalopathy.