Prangos ferulacea (L.) ameliorates behavioral alterations, hippocampal oxidative stress markers, and apoptotic deficits in a rat model of autism induced by valproic acid.

Scientists tested whether a plant extract called Prangos ferulacea could help with autism-like behaviors in rats. They gave pregnant rats a medication (valproic acid) that causes autism-like features in baby rats. When they later treated the baby rats with the plant extract, it improved their behavior and reduced brain damage. The plant extract seemed to protect brain cells and reduce harmful stress in the brain.

This preclinical study examined whether Prangos ferulacea (PF), a plant extract, could ameliorate autism-like behaviors in a rat model. Pregnant rats were given valproic acid (VPA) to induce autism-like features in offspring. Postnatal treatment with PF (100-200 mg/kg) from day 30-58 was tested. Results showed VPA exposure caused behavioral changes, increased oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde), reduced antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione), dysregulated apoptotic proteins (Bax/Bcl2), and increased neuronal death in hippocampal regions.

PF treatment reversed these effects, improving behavioral outcomes and reducing oxidative stress and neuronal death. The researchers suggest PF's antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties may offer therapeutic potential for autism management.

While promising preclinical results suggest Prangos ferulacea may have neuroprotective and behavioral benefits, human clinical trials are needed before considering therapeutic applications. The antioxidant and antiapoptotic mechanisms identified warrant further investigation in autism research.

Animal model study only - results may not translate to humans. Sample size not reported. Single study without replication. VPA-induced autism model may not fully represent human autism spectrum conditions. Long-term safety and efficacy of Prangos ferulacea unknown.

Prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) may enhance the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. This study investigated the effect of Prangos ferulacea (L.) on behavioral alterations, hippocampal oxidative stress markers, and apoptotic deficits in a rat model of autism induced by valproic acid. Pregnant rats received VPA (600 mg/kg, intraperitoneally [i.p.]) or saline on gestational day 12.5 (E 12.5). Starting from the 30th postnatal day (PND 30), the pups were i.p. administered Prangos ferulacea (PF, 100 and 200 mg/kg), or the vehicle, daily until PND 58.

On PND 30 and 58, various behavioral tasks were used to evaluate pups, including the open field, elevated plus-maze, hot-plate, and rotarod test. On PND 65, the animals were euthanized, and their brains were removed for histopathological and biochemical assay. Prenatal exposure to VPA caused significant behavioral changes in the offspring, reversed by administering an extract of Prangos ferulacea (L.). Additionally, prenatal VPA administration resulted in increased levels of malondialdehyde and deficits in antioxidant enzyme activities in the hippocampus, including catalase and glutathione, ameliorated by PF.

Likewise, postnatal treatment with PF improved VPA-induced dysregulation of Bax and Blc2 in the hippocampus and reduced neuronal death in CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus. The findings of this study suggest that postnatal administration of PF can prevent VPA-induced ASD-like behaviors by exhibiting antiapoptotic and antioxidant properties. Therefore, PF may have the potential as an adjunct in the management of ASD.