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PhD dissertation-Aparna Raghavan.pdf (3.35 MB)

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Neuroprotective Potential of Withania Somnifera in Cerebral Ischemia

Raghavan, Aparna
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=mco1416570371

Abstract Details

2014, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), University of Toledo, Medicinal Chemistry.
Withania somnifera (WS), popularly known as `Ashwagandha', has been used for centuries in the treatment of neurological disorders, although its effects on cerebral ischemia are not well understood. We used a combination of in vitro and in vivo methods to examine the neuroprotective properties of an aqueous extract of WS in cerebral ischemia. In a mouse model of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO), WS (200mg/kg) improved functional recovery and significantly reduced the infarct volume in both pre-treatment and post-treatment paradigms. Upon investigating the protective mechanism/s induced by WS, we found that it upregulated the expression of hemeoxygenase 1 (HO1) and attenuated the expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) and apoptosis inducing factor (AIF), via the PARP-1-AIF pathway. WS also reduced levels of the negative guidance cue-semaphorin3A (Sema3A), which suggests a potential role in stroke recovery. Overall, the protective effects of WS could, at least in part, be attributed to a combination of its anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, and restorative effects. Our results suggest that WS could be a potential prophylactic as well as a therapeutic agent aiding stroke repair.
Zahoor Shah (Committee Chair)
Hermann von Grafenstein (Committee Member)
James Slama (Committee Member)
Youssef Sari (Committee Member)
Alternative Medicine; Molecular Biology; Neurosciences; Pharmacy Sciences
Withania somnifera; Ischemic stroke; anti-oxidant; anti-apoptotic

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Raghavan, A. (2014). Neuroprotective Potential of Withania Somnifera in Cerebral Ischemia [Doctoral dissertation, University of Toledo]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=mco1416570371

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Raghavan, Aparna. Neuroprotective Potential of Withania Somnifera in Cerebral Ischemia. 2014. University of Toledo, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=mco1416570371.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Raghavan, Aparna. "Neuroprotective Potential of Withania Somnifera in Cerebral Ischemia." Doctoral dissertation, University of Toledo, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=mco1416570371

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

mco1416570371
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© 2014, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Toledo Health Science Campus and OhioLINK.