Hydroalcoholic extract of Anchusa italica injection protects against global cerebral ischemia– reperfusion injury via nitric oxide mechanism in rats

Introduction: In models of stroke, expression of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is responsible forcytotoxicity through the production of large amounts of nitric oxide (NO). Anchusa- italica is an importantmedicinal herb with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and nerve protection. This study evaluates antioxidant effectof hydroalcoholic extract of Anchusa italics (HEAI) in the experimental stroke model in rat.Methods: at stroke model was induced by bilateral occlusion of both common carotid arteries for 60 min.HEAI (50, 100 mg/kg i.p.) was injected for 10 consecutive days. mRNA expression levels of the NOS subtypesand brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus were analyzed by real-time PCR, as well asserum NO levels and serum and brain malondialdehyde (MDA) levels.Results: HEAI (50 and 100 mg/kg) groups decreased MDA in serum and the brain injury and increased theserum nitric oxide. In addition, HEAI (50 and 100 mg/kg) groups down-regulated mRNA expression of iNOSand up-regulated mRNA expression of eNOS and BDNF.Conclusion: The results indicate that administration of HEAI even after ischemia onset protects the brain fromfree radical injury, and inflammation via inhibiting nitric oxide and up-regulation of BDNF gene.