Phytomedicine Plus (Aug 2024)
Neuroprotective potentials of the essential oil of Curcuma aeruginosa Roxburg rhizomes in mice with cerebral malaria
Abstract
Background: One of the three principles that govern the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria (CM) is the activation of immunological and systemic inflammatory responses. Available reports have revealed the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of the essential oils of Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb. rhizomes (CAEO). Therefore, CAEO may improve treatment outcome in CM induced mice. Purpose: To investigate the neuroprotective potentials of CAEO in mice induced with CM, when administered alone or in combination with quinine. Methods: The CAEO was obtained by subjecting macerated rhizomes of Curcuma aeruginosa to hydro-distillation for 4 h using Clevenger-type apparatus. Swiss mice of either sex induced with CM were divided into 14 groups, namely: parasitized and quinine controls, CAEO (6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) and their corresponding combinations with quinine. The CAEO was administered once daily while quinine was administered at a dose of 20 mg/kg stat, then 10 mg/kg bid. Non parasitized (n = 6) and parasitized controls were treated with vehicle (5 % tween 80 in distilled water). The progression of CM was daily monitored via parasitemia, weight, and SHIRPA functional and behavioural indices. Brains were harvested from surviving mice for histomorphological examination. Phytochemical profiling of CAEO was performed using GC–MS, and the detected phytochemicals were subjected to ADMET screening. Result: The CAEO was mildly toxic, restored weight loss in mice with CM, showed potential to prolong the survival rate of mice with CM, acted synergistically with quinine in a dose-dependent manner as antiplasmodial agent, and showed neuroprotective potential in mice with CM, when used alone or in combination at lower doses. GC–MS analysis detected twelve phytochemicals, with good ADMET profiles, having potentials to have contributed to the observed biological effects. Conclusion: Antiplasmodial and central nervous system protective activity of CAEO increased synergistically when used in combination with quinine. However, to prevent associated toxic effects, low dose combination is recommended.
