Background: Restoration of blood flow to ischemic brain is associated with generation of reactive oxygen species. In Ayurveda, the medicinal properties of Hypericum perforatum Linn have been attributed to its anxiolytic, antioxidant, antidepressant and nootropic properties. Purpose: The present study investigates the effect of standardized extract of H. perforatum on acute cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats. Methods: Acute cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (30 min occlusion of bilateral common carotid arteries followed by 45 min reperfusion) in Charles Foster (C.F.) strain rats was produced following standard technique. Effect of H. perforatum on lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, ascorbic acid, cyclic AMP level and total tissue sulfhydryl (T-SH) group in fore brain region in acute cerebral ischemia-reperfusion were evaluated. Results: H. perforatum pre-treatment (100 mg/kg p.o. for 7 days) attenuated the reperfusion induced biochemical alterations. Conclusion: The results suggest protective role of H. perforatum in cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury.

doi : 10.5214/ans.0972.7531.2009.160104

Competing interests: None.     Source of Funding: None

Received Date: 02 March 2009     Revised Date: 21 March 2009     Accepted Date: 09 April 2009