Neuroprotective activity of Matricaria recutita against fluoride-induced stress in rats.

CONTEXT: Oxidative stress plays a key role in pathophysiology of many neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and so on. Although Matricaria recutita L. (Asteraceae), German chamomile, is traditionally used for central nervous system (CNS)-related diseases, its antistress properties have received little attention. OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluated the neuroprotective effect of German chamomile against aluminium fluoride (AlF4⁻)-induced oxidative stress in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Sprague-Dawley rats of either sex (200-250 g) were selected and grouped as: group I received normal saline; group II received AlF4⁻ (negative control); groups III, IV, and V received 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg, orally, German chamomile methanol extract (GCME) along with AlF4⁻; and group VI received quercetin (25 mg/kg, i.p.) + AlF4⁻, respectively. After 10 days treatment with GCME, oxidative stress was induced by administering AlF4⁻ through drinking water for 7 days. Then, the protective antioxidant enzyme levels were measured and the histopathological studies were carried out. RESULTS: The GCME showed dose-dependent neuroprotective activity by significant decrease in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and increase in the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and total thiol levels in extract-treated animals as compared with negative control group (P < 0.001). The histopathological studies also revealed the potent neuroprotective action of German chamomile against oxidative brain damage. CONCLUSION: The present study for the first time shows potent neuroprotective activity of the methanol extract of German chamomile against AlF4⁻-induced oxidative stress in rats.

Neuroprotective activity of Matricaria recutita Linn against global model of ischemia in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Traditionally, the whole plant is used for various diseases, including neuronal disorders. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the neuroprotective effect of Matricaria recutita L. against global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury-induced oxidative stress in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Neuroprotective activity was carried out by global cerebral ischemia on Sprague-Dawley rats by bilateral carotid artery (BCA) occlusion for 30 min followed by 60 min reperfusion. The antioxidant enzymatic and non-enzymatic levels were estimated along with cerebral infarction area and histopathological studies. RESULTS: The Matricaria recutita L. methanolic extract showed dose-dependent neuroprotective activity by significant decrease in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and increase in the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and total thiol levels in extract treated groups as compared to ischemia/reperfusion group. Cerebral infarction area was significantly reduced in extract treated groups as compared to ischemia/reperfusion group. CONCLUSION: The methanolic extract of Matricaria recutita L. showed potent neuroprotective activity against global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury-induced oxidative stress in rats.