Neuroprotective effects of Fructus Chebulae extracts on experimental models of cerebral ischemia

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the neuroprotective effects of Fructus Chebulae extract using both in vivo and invitromodels of cerebral ischemia.METHODS:As an in vitro model,oxygen glucose deprivation followed by reoxygenation(OGD-R)and hydrogen peroxide(H2O2)induced cellular damage in rat pheochromocytoma(PC12)cells was used to investigate the neuroprotective effects of extract of Fructus Chebulae.3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was used to calculate cell survival.For in vivo,occlusion of left middle cerebral artery on rats was carried out as a focal cerebral ischemic model.RESULTS:Fructus Chebulae extract increases the PC12 cell survival against OGD-R and H2O2by 68%and 91.4%respectively.Fructus Chebulae also de-creases the cerebral infarct volume by 39%and extent of hemisphere swelling from 17%in control group to 10%in FructusChebulaetreated group.CONCLUSION:Fructus Chebulae,as a traditional medicine,can rescue the neuronal cell death against ischemia related damage.The possible mechanism for the neuroprotection might be the inhibition of oxidative damages occurring after acute phase of cerebral ischemia.

Potential therapeutic applications for Terminalia chebula in Iranian traditional medicine

Terminalia chebula(family:Combretaceae)is widely used in the traditional medicine of India and Iran to treat diseases that include dementia,constipation,and diabetes.This tree is known in Iranian traditional medicine(ITM)as halileh or halilaj and the fruit is used to develop treatments.It is described in ITM as an astringent that has a"cold"and"dry"temperament.References to the medicinal properties of Terminalia chebula were collected from important ITM sources and from modern medical databases(Pub Med,Scirus,Science Direct,and Scopus).The medicinal properties described for thistree in ITM were compared with those reported in studies of modern phytotherapy.The results confirm that the tree referred to as halileh in traditional books is the Terminalia chebula used in present-day studies.Treatments that have not been evaluated in modern phytotherapy but have been traditionally treated with Terminalia chebula include fever,and psychological and psychiatric issues.This article confirms the medicinal uses of Terminalia chebula.