Amaranthus paniculatus (Linn.) improves learning after radiation stress

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Radiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• The brain's high oxygen consumption and limited antioxidant defenses make it vulnerable to oxidative stress.
• Ionizing radiation significantly increases free radical formation, leading to cerebellar damage and impaired locomotor activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antioxidant and radioprotective efficacy of Amaranthus paniculatus (A. paniculatus) extract.
• To assess the impact of A. paniculatus supplementation on learning and survival rates following gamma radiation exposure.

Main Methods:

• Healthy Swiss albino mice were trained in Hebb William's Maze.
• Two groups received daily oral doses of A. paniculatus methanolic extract (600 and 800 mg/kg bw) for 15 days.
• Mice were subsequently exposed to 9 Gy of gamma radiation, and learning performance and survival were monitored.

Main Results:

• A. paniculatus extract supplementation reduced the time to reach the goal in maze tasks compared to controls.
• Post-irradiation, supplemented mice showed improved learning and significantly higher survival rates (70%) compared to non-supplemented controls.
• Males exhibited faster learning abilities than females, with greater recovery observed in males receiving 600 mg/kg bw of the extract.

Conclusions:

• Amaranthus paniculatus extract possesses significant antioxidant and radioprotective properties.
• Supplementation with A. paniculatus can mitigate radiation-induced cognitive deficits and improve survival.
• The extract shows promise as a natural protective agent against radiation damage.