Antioxidant and Astroprotective Effects of aPulicaria incisaInfusion
Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cells in the brain, protect neurons from reactive oxygen species (ROS) and provide them with trophic support, such as glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Thus, any damage to astrocytes will affect neuronal survival. In the present study, an infusion prepared from the desert plantPulicaria incisa(Pi) was tested for its protective and antioxidant effects on astrocytes subjected to oxidative stress. ThePiinfusion attenuated the intracellular accumulation of ROS following treatment with hydrogen peroxide and zinc and prevented the H2O2-induced death of astrocytes. ThePiinfusion also exhibited an antioxidant effectin vitroand induced GDNF transcription in astrocytes. It is proposed that thisPiinfusion be further evaluated for use as a functional beverage for the prevention and/or treatment of brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases in which oxidative stress plays a role.