Screening of Neuroprotective Plants of Ayurvedic Origin for its Toxicological and Pharmacological Actions on Propionic Acid Induced Autism Model in Rats

Abstract

Present study proved the neuroprotective effects of Ayurvedic medicinal plants - Clitoria ternatea L. and Acorus calamus L. against the propionic acid induced behaviour and memory impairment in autistic rat model. Present study serves as the first step in new drug development for ASD by incorporating our traditional wisdom. Roots of Clitoria ternatea L. and rhizomes of Acorus calamus L were collected and authenticated by a taxonomist. ASD is a common neurocognitive disease marked by problems with behaviour and memory. Every year, the prevalence rate of autism increases. Drug development for ASD has proven to be very difficult because of the lack of understanding of the pathogenesis of ASD. Currently FDA approved drugs for ASD provide only symptomatic relief, but each medication is having its own profile of serious side effects. In Ayurveda, many herbal formulations are prescribed for treating various neurological disorders. For the first time, we have conducted an extensive preclinical trial on two Ayurvedic medicinal plants (Clitoria ternatea L and Acorus calamus L.) for its protective effects against PPA induced neuronal damage. Study gave further scientific validation for Clitoria ternatea L and Acorus calamus L for its promising role in neuroprotection and memory enhancement, also gave a new insight on its ability to prevent ASD progression. Brain cytokines estimations, oxidative stress markers estimations, histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis clearly demonstrated the role of neuroinflammation, excessive immune mediated response and severe oxidative stress in the progression of ASD, as they are the few postulated causes for ASD. The present study further proved that the ICV infusion of PPA in rodents as one of the reliable techniques to produce ASD animal models for preclinical screening. Further research can be carried out in these plants to isolate the effect producing phytoconstituents and evaluate the same to find the receptor level mechanism. newline