Neuroprotective action of Astragalus mongholicus aqueous extract in experimental rats suffering from spinal cord injury

摘要

Astragalus mongholicus?aqueous extract (AMAE) is widely used for its medicinal properties. In the present study, we evaluated the role of AMAE on spinal cord lipid peroxidation (LPO), antioxidant status, apoptosis index and inducible nitric oxide synthases (iNOS) positive expression rate in rats. Male albino rats of Wistar strain were divided into four groups: Group I, normal control rats; Group II, model rats suffering from spinal cord injury (SCI); Group III and V, AMAE rats supplemented with AMAE. Results showed that increased spinal cord LPO, apoptosis index, iNOS positive expression rate and decreased antioxidant enzymes activities were observed in model rats (Group II). Administration of AMAE significantly dose-dependently decreased spinal cord LPO, apoptosis index, iNOS positive expression rate and increased antioxidant enzymes activities in AMAE rats. These findings demonstrated that AMAE can enhance the antioxidant status and decrease the incidence of free radical-induced LPO, and display strong neuroprotective activity in the experimental rats.