Background: This study was aimed to evaluate the protective effects of n-butanol extract of Chrysanthemum fontanesii against oxidative stress induced by sodium Valproate (VPA) in the brain of female mice in comparison to Vitamin E (Vit E).
Methods: Mice were divided into 5 groups and treated daily for 12 days. They received VPA (300 mg/kg i.p. injection), C. fontanesii butanolic extract (100 mg/kg), and Vit E (100 mg/kg). Glutathione Peroxidase Activity (GPx), Reduced Glutathione (GSH), and lipid peroxidation end products in the brain were measured.
Results: Subacute treatment of mice with VPA resulted in a significant increase in oxidative damage. At a dose of 100 mg/kg, both C. fontanesii and Vit E significantly reduced VPA-induced oxidative stress by inhibiting lipid peroxidation, increasing brain GSH content, and restoring the activity of GPx.
Conclusion: It may be concluded that the phytoconstituents present in the n-butanol extract of aerial parts of C. fontanesii are responsible for the ameliorative effect of brain antioxidant/oxidant status affected by VPA.
Keywords: Sodium valproate, brain, neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, chrysanthemum fontanesii, vitamin E.