Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology
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Pertanika ยท Universiti Putra Malaysia Press

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology

Official journal of Universiti Putra Malaysia for scholarly work across science, engineering and related technologies.

e-ISSN 2231-8526 ISSN 0128-7680
Research article

Exploring Potential Neuroprotective Properties of Aqueous Centella asiatica Extract in Chronic Stress-induced Rats

Muhamad Zulhusni Abdul Wahab, Muhammad Zaim Zainal Abidin, Fatin Nadzirah Zakaria, Mohamad Aris Mohd Moklas, Zulkhairi Amom, Nina Keterina Hashim and Razif Dasiman

KeywordsCentella asiatica, chronic stress, neuroprotectivity
Article content

Abstract

Centella asiatica is one of the traditional herbs consumed by many communities due to its wide range of applications such as treating Parkinsonism, promoting memory enhancement, and preventing oxidative stress. This study was conducted to investigate the neuroprotective potential of aqueous C. asiatica extract (CAE) against neurodegeneration induced by chronic stress. Administration of CAE at three different dosages (200 mg/kg/day, 400 mg/ kg/day and 800 mg/kg/day) was conducted for a period of 21 days along with exposure to chronic stress using restrainer and forced swimming regimes. The administration of CAE significantly improved the thickness of dentate gyrus and reduced the amount of neuronal cell death at dentate gyrus and CA3 (p<0.05). Additionally, administration of CAE significantly alleviated the expression c-fos protein (p<0.05). Thus, this study highlighted the neuroprotective effect of CAE against neurodegeneration from chronic stress exposure.