Neuroprotective effect of Launaea taraxacifolia against neuroinflammation, memory loss and neurobehavioral deficit in a rat model of hypertension: biochemical and immunohistochemical approaches

Introduction: Alterations of antioxidant defense, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration are common pathological occurrences associated with neurodegenerative diseases. This study evaluated the neuroprotective effect of Launaea taraxacifolia (LT), popularly known as African Wild lettuce, against neuroinflammation, memory loss, and neurobehavioral deficit. Methods: Adult Wistar rats were used following random assignment into groups ۱ to ۵. Group one was the normal control. Groups four to five received ۴۰ mg/kg Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). In addition to L-NAME exposure, groups three and four received ۱۰۰ and ۲۰۰ mg/kg LT, whereas group five received ۱۰ mg/kg lisinopril. The experiment lasted for five weeks. Markers of oxidative stress, neurobehavioural studies, histology, and immunohistochemistry of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ionised calcium-binding adaptor molecule ۱ (Iba-۱), as well as anti-calbindin for staining astrocytes, microglia, and Purkinje cells were determined. Results: Malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl in the L-NAME alone group were heightened compared to those treated with LT. However, treatment with LT significantly reduced neuronal oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neurobehavioural changes. Quantitative analysis of immunohistochemical staining revealed heightened glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ionised calcium-binding adaptor molecule ۱ (Iba-۱), as well as anti-calbindin as indicated by astrogliosis, microgliosis, and Purkinje cell degeneration in untreated rats. Moreover, the observed ultrastructural anarchy induced by L-NAME was restored in rats treated with LT (P<۰.۰۵). Conclusion: Together, the leaf extract of LT can be effective as a neuroprotective drug candidate.