Oxidative stress is a pivotal factor in the pathogenesis of many neurological disorders including ischemic stroke. Several scientific studies reveal that the peel fractions of some fruits are a source of bioactive compounds and exhibit stronger antioxidant activities. Here, we have elucidated the neuroprotective and cognitive enhancing effects of Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels or wampee (WP) peel crude extract administration on neuronal damage and memory deficit in rats exposed to focal cerebral ischemia. The antioxidant potential of WP peel extract was investigated in vitro. Furthermore, male Wistar rats received orally WP peel extract (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg) for a period of 7 days before and 21 days following permanent right middle cerebral artery occlusion (Rt. MCAO). WP peel extract possessed strong antioxidant activities in scavenging free radicals. However, in vivo analysis, only the dose of 400 mg/kg showed significantly attenuated brain infarction and oxidation indices, restored memory and antioxidant enzyme activity, and improved the densities of survival neurons and cholinergic neurons in the hippocampal region compared to the MCAO-treated rats (all p < 0.05). Our results provide new information about the cognitive enhancement and neuroprotective effects of WP peel extract. This suggests that WP peel extract may prove to be useful as an adjunct to ischemic stroke treatment.
Key words: Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeel, wampee peel, oxidative stress, ischemic stroke, memory impairment
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