Effect of Indigofera tinctoria on ?-amyloid (25-35) mediated Alzheimer’s disease in mice: Relationship to antioxidant activity

The oxidative stress reducing effect of methanol extract of Indigofera tinctoria leaves (250 and 500 mg/kg) was investigated on β-amyloid (25-35) peptide-induced Alzheimer’s disease in mice. All the antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxide and glutathione reductase) in brain were reduced significantly (p<0.001) in the β-amyloid peptide injected group, whereas lipid peroxidation was increased significantly (p<0.001). The reduced enzyme level were restored significantly (p<0.01; p<0.001) by the administration of extract at the tested dose levels. A significant (p<0.001) reduction in lipid peroxidation was observed in the groups of animals administered with extract. Histopathological sections of the hippocampal region showed the extent of neuronal loss and its restoration upon administration of extract. Treatment with extract at the tested doses moderately prevented the neuronal loss.