Protective Effects of Jujube Extract against Permeability of Blood-Brain Barrier, and the Activity of Glutathione Peroxidase and Catalase in Stroke Model

Jujube is a medicinal plant, with strong antioxidant properties that is consumed in worldwide as food and medicine. Recent studies indicate that jujube extracts can suppress inflammation and reduce oxidative stress. Considering that brain ischemia is the third most common cause of death in developed countries, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of juvenile neuronal protection against stroke-induced damage on the blood-brain barrier, and the activity of two anti-oxidants, glutathione peroxidase and catalase.
In this experimental study, 15 groups of 7 Wistar male rats were used as follows: 2 control groups of saline, 2 sham groups, 2 groups of stroke, and control and stroke groups at doses of 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg/day of jujube extract. After 30 days of oral administration, the animals were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 60 minutes. After 24 hours of reperfusion, the activity levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase were investigated in the areas of cortex and hippocampus; the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) was investigated as well.
Findings: Oral administration of jujube extract at the dose of 250 mg/kg/day reduced the permeability of the blood-brain barrier in stroke model. Doses of 500 and 250 mg/kg/day of jujube in the cortex and hippocampus, and the dose of 100 mg/kg/day in the hippocampus increased catalase activity.
The results of this study clearly show that jujube has a significant potential for stroke prevention.