Neuroprotective Activity of Cassia fistula and Hibiscus sabdariffa Flos Combined Extracts on the Brain Cell Count of Stressed Male Mice
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36733/medicamento.v12i2.13150Keywords:
Cassia fistula, chronic stress, Hibiscus sabdariffa Flos, hippocampus, neuroprotectiveAbstract
Background: Chronic stress induces excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, leading to oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and hippocampal neuronal degeneration. Natural products rich in antioxidant phytochemicals are potential neuroprotective agents. Cassia fistula and Hibiscus sabdariffa flowers contain bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; however, evidence regarding the neuroprotective effects of their combined extracts remains limited.
Objective: To evaluate the neuroprotective effects of combined Cassia fistula and Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extracts on hippocampal neuronal damage and normal neuronal cell counts in male mice exposed to chronic immobilization stress.
Methods: A laboratory experimental study with a Completely Randomized Design was conducted using 25 male Mus musculus randomly assigned to five groups (n = 5): a normal control, a stress control, and three treatment groups receiving combined extracts at doses of 100, 200, or 300 mg/kgBW. Stress was induced by immobilization for 2 h/day for 14 days, followed by extract administration for 35 days. Neuroprotective activity was evaluated histopathologically on hematoxylin and eosin-stained hippocampal sections by assessing neuronal damage and normal neuron counts. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Duncan's Multiple Range Test (p < 0.05).
Results: Chronic stress significantly increased hippocampal neuronal damage and reduced normal neuron counts. Combined extract treatment significantly reduced neuronal damage and increased normal hippocampal neurons in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05), with the 300 mg/kg group showing the greatest effect.
Conclusion: Combined Cassia fistula and Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extracts exerted dose-dependent neuroprotective effects against chronic stress-induced hippocampal injury in male mice, supporting their potential as natural neuroprotective agents and warranting further pharmacological and phytochemical studies.
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