Neuromodulatory role of Bacopa monnieri on oxidative stress induced by postnatal exposure to decabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE -۲۰۹) in neonate and young female mice

Objective(s):Bacopa monnieri (BM),a traditional ayurvedic medicine,is a well-known memory enhancer. We have explored the role of BM against decabrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE-۲۰۹)-induced alterations in neonate and young female mice. Materials and Methods: Mice were orally administered with B. monnieri at the doses of ۴۰, ۸۰ or ۱۲۰ mg/kg body weight along with PBDE-۲۰۹ (۲۰ mg/kg body weight) from postnatal day (PND) ۳-۱۰. Levels of malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl and activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were measured at both ages. The correct choices and reference/working memory errors of young mice were evaluated by Morris water and radial arm maze. Results: The results showed that BM at the dose of ۱۲۰ mg/kg significantly (P<۰.۰۵) restored the levels of oxidants and the activities of antioxidant enzymes in frontal cortex and hippocampus of neonates against PBDE-۲۰۹-induced toxicity.   Conclusion: BM plays a neuroprotective role against PBDE-۲۰۹-induced alterations in oxidative            status.