Investigation of protective effects of moringa oleifera extract against valproate-induced brain injury

Consuming large amounts of oxygen, containing high levels of redox-active iron and copper ions, having a high metabolic rate and a weaker antioxidant defense system makes brain tissue highly vulnerable to oxidative damage/stress that plays an important role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Sodium valproate (SVP), the well-known anti-seizure drug, is used to treat epilepsy, bipolar disorder and other mental health disorders. Moringa oleifera Lam. (MO), a plant belonging to the Moringaceae family, contains high amounts of antioxidant compounds, especially vitamin C, vitamin E and flavonoids, which can protect tissues against oxidative stress caused by free radicals. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of MO extract against SVP-induced oxidative brain damage. In our study, 46 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups as follows: Group 1: Control (given 0.9% NaCl for 15 days), Group 2: 0.3 g/kg %70 ethanol extract of MO given by gavage technique for 15 days, Group 3: 0.5 g/kg SVP given group for 15 days by gavage technique and Group 4: SVP and MO were given group (in the same way and at similar doses). On 16th, overnight fasted rats were sacrificed under anesthesia and brain tissue homogenates were prepared. In the SVP group, advanced oxidized protein products and protein carbonyl levels and enzyme activities of acetylcholine esterase, xanthine oxidase and lactate dehydrogenase were increased, while enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, paraoxonase1, aryl esterase, sodium/potassium ATPase and carbonic anhydrase were decreased. When MO extract was administered to SVP group, oxidative modification of proteins and alterations in the activities of all enzymes were reversed. It may be concluded that the antioxidant secondary metabolites present in its composition are responsible for the ability of MO extract to reduce SVP-induced oxidative stress in brain tissue.