A Natural Formulation Increases Brain Resistance to Oxidative Stress

Aims: Oxidative stress is an imbalance in the pro-oxidant/antioxidant homeostasis,
characterized by excess accumulation of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS)
and free radicals that can be toxic for cells by initiating disruptive peroxidation reactions
on cellular substrates such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Neurons have a high
content of unsaturated fatty acids which are easily peroxidable by the elevated levels of
ROS and RNS produced by brain oxygen metabolism, yielding isoprostanes among which
8-iso-PGF2α derived from arachidonic acid represents a stable marker of lipoperoxidation,
in vivo . Numerous findings pointed to the protective role of natural products against
oxidative stress in the brain.
Methodology: In the present work we evaluated the effects of a natural formula
containing bacopa extract, vitamin E, astaxanthin and phosphatidylserine on
lipoperoxidation in rat brain cortex, both in vivo and in vitro .
Results: The results demonstrate that the natural formula could reduce basal and
Original Research Article
European Journal of Medicinal Plants, 4(2): 171-182, 2014
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hydrogen peroxide- and amyloid β peptide-induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by the
reduction of 8-iso-PFG2α and ROS/RNS production in the rat brain.
Conclusion: Results could account for a rational use of herbal products in the treatment
of conditions characterized by increased burden of oxidative stress and defective
antioxidant mechanisms, such as aging and neurodegenerative disorders.