Morus alba Leaves Extract Improves Memory Impairment, Oxidative Stress and Neurodegeneration in Hippocampus of the VPA-Rat Model of Autism
Wattanathorn J, BSc, PhD1,2, Klongrum J, BSc, PhD2, Muchmapura S, BSc, PhD1,2
Affiliation : 1 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 2 Integrative Complementary Alternative Medicine Research and Development Center in Research Institute for Human High Performance and Health Promotion, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Background : Due to limitation of the current therapy against autism, the novel regimen to improve autism is required. Based on
crucial roles of oxidative stress on the pathophysiology of autism and the benefit against autism of the medicinal plants possessing
neuroprotective effect, the health benefit of Morus alba leaves for autism was focused. However, no supported evidence for this
issue is available.
Objective : To determine the effect of Morus alba (M. alba) leaves extract on autism-like behaviors and to explore the possible
underlying mechanisms in animal model of autism induced by valproic acid (VPA).
Materials and Methods : VPA rat model of autism were orally given M. alba leaves extract at doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg.kg-1 between
PND14-PND40. Behaviors were assessed using hot plate, open-field, elevated plus-maze, Morris water maze and social behavior
tests at the end of study, MDA level and the activities of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px together with the alteration of neuron density in the
involved brain area were also evaluated.
Results : All doses of the extract improved memory impairment and the elevated oxidative stress in hippocampus. The increased
neuron density in hippocampus was also observed in VPA rats treated with low and medium doses of the extract.
Conclusion : Morus alba leaves extract can improve memory impairment in autism model. The memory enhancing effect of the
extract may occur partly via the improvement of oxidative stress status and the increased neuron density in hippocampus. However,
further research is still necessary to understand the precise underlying mechanism.
Keywords : Autism, Morus alba, Oxidative stress, Neurodegeneration
