Evaluation of neuro-protective activity of Brihatvata Chinthamani Rasa
The objective of the study was to screen the neuroprotective role of Brihatvata Chinthamani Rasa, a compound mineral formulation extensively used in stroke condition in the Indian system of medicine. The selected animals were grouped into four different categories and administered with group specific drugs for seven consecutive days. On seventh day an hour after drug administration all the rats were anesthetised. A midline incision was made and soft tissues were pulled apart and both bilateral common carotid arteries were exposed. The cerebral ischemia were induced by simultaneous occlusion of both common carotid artery for 30min, followed by acute ischemic reperfusion injury was produced by untying the temporary ligature and releasing the thread. At the end of the experiment, under anaesthesia animals were sacrificed and brain has been removed. Anti oxidant and histopathological investigation were carried out of brain tissue. Control group rats have shown increased lipid peroxidation and decreased levels of catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity, while the test drug administration significantly elevated catalase and considerable decrease in the lipid peroxidation in comparison to control group. Histopathological examination revealed there is a decreased cellularity and predominance of immature neurons in the granular layer was observed in hypothalamus in control rats while the test drug has shown normal cytoarchitecture. In conclusion the test drug possesses storing anti oxidant and retained normal cellular integrity of different brain regions.