Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Oxidative stress plays a causal role in neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of Mentha rotundifolia (L.) Huds (M. rotundifolia), a widely used Moroccan plant in traditional medicine. METHODS: The chemical composition of M. rotundifolia aqueous extract was analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS). 2,2-diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS(+)) assays were used to assess its in vitro antioxidant activity. H(2)O(2) was utilized to induce oxidative stress and neurotoxicity in vivo. Behavioral changes were evaluated using Open Field, Y-maze and Rotarod tests. Hyperalgesia was assessed using the tail immersion test. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The LC-MS/MS analysis revealed high content of kaempferol glucuronide (85%) at the extract. IC(50) values of the DPPH and ABTS were 26.47 and 41.21 μg/mL, respectively. Pre-treatments with M. rotundifolia extract attenuated the behavioral changes induced by H(2)O(2). In addition, the latency of tail withdrawal increased significantly in the treated groups suggesting central analgesic effect of M. rotundifolia extract. Moreover, the extract attenuated the deleterious effects of H(2)O(2) and improved all liver biomarkers. The obtained results suggested that M. rotundifolia had remarkable antioxidant and neuroprotective effects and may prevent oxidative stress related disorders.