Cynodon dactylon alleviates radiation-induced behavioral and biochemical changes in the cerebral cortex of mice

Abstract

Cynodon dactylon is herb with its rich antioxidant phytoconstituents it has been widely used in traditional medicine. The present study was aimed to investigate the ameliorative role of hydro alcoholic extract of Cynodon dactylon on cerebral cortex in the mice exposed to lethal dose of radiation. Swiss albino mice were treated with 0.25 and 1 g/kg body weight of Cynodon dactylon extract (CDE) via oral gavage for 7 days and subjected to 5 Gy of gamma radiation. All mice were subjected to behavioral and cognitive functions tests. Further, potent markers of radiation including biochemical parameters were evaluated in the cerebral cortex. Mice irradiated with γ- rays displayed a significant decline in the behavior and cognitive functions. Further, decline in antioxidant status and increase in the oxidative stress markers was observed. Pretreatment of hydroalcoholic extract of Cynodon dactylon before exposure to γ-radiation showed significant improvement in the cognitive and behavioral analysis. Further, increase in antioxidant status and a decline in level of oxidative stress markers was observed. The present study confirms the potent protective role of Cynodon dactylon on radiation induced oxidative damage to the cerebral cortex.