Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmacognosy Research · Published 2026-03-01 · DOI 10.56499/jppres_14.2.2412
Context: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of disability and mortality worldwide. In addition to the primary insult, secondary mechanisms such as oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neuronal apoptosis worsen neurological outcomes. Existing treatments like corticosteroids offer limited protection, underscoring the need for novel therapies. Aims: To investigate the neuroprotective potential of nanoformulated Paraboea leuserensis B.L.Burtt, an Indonesian medicinal plant with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, in a rat TBI model. Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into six groups: control, untreated TBI, TBI + methylprednisolone (10 mg/kg), and TBI + P. leuserensis nanoparticles (150, 250, or 350 mg/kg). Biomarkers of oxidative stress (GSH), inflammation (IL-6, IL-1β, HIF-1α), neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and apoptosis (TUNEL assay) were measured using ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Regression analysis was applied to evaluate correlations between apoptosis and biomarker changes. Results: TBI increased IL-6, IL-1β, HIF-1α, and apoptosis, while decreasing GSH and BDNF. Treatment with nanoformulated P. leuserensis reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, with optimal effects at 250 mg/kg. Regression showed apoptosis positively correlated with IL-1β and HIF-1α, and negatively with BDNF. Conclusions: Nanoformulated P. leuserensis demonstrated significant neuroprotection, supporting its potential as an adjunct therapy for TBI.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
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