Protective Effects of Withania coagulans Extract Against Ethanol-Induced Oxidative Stress in the Cerebral Cortex of Male Rats

Abstract

Background: Chronic alcohol consumption is a major cause of oxidative stress in the central nervous system, leading to excessive generation of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, impairment of endogenous antioxidant defenses, and neuronal damage. Withania coagulans is rich in bioactive constituents including withanolides, flavonoids, polyphenols, and alkaloids, which exhibit potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Withania coagulans extract against ethanol-induced oxidative stress in the cerebral cortex of rats.

Materials and Methods: Forty-eight adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into six groups: control, ethanol, ethanol plus Withania coagulans extract (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg), and Withania coagulans extract alone (100 mg/kg). At the end of the experimental period, cerebral cortex tissues were collected for biochemical analyses. Oxidative stress markers including malondialdehyde (MDA), total thiol concentration, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activity were measured using standard biochemical methods. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test.

Results: Ethanol administration significantly increased MDA levels while significantly reducing total thiol concentration, SOD activity, and CAT activity compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Treatment with Withania coagulans extract dose-dependently attenuated lipid peroxidation and significantly restored antioxidant defenses. The greatest protective effect was observed at the dose of 100 mg/kg, which markedly reduced MDA levels and significantly increased total thiol concentration, SOD activity, and CAT activity compared with the ethanol-treated group (P < 0.05–0.001).

Conclusion: Withania coagulans extract effectively ameliorated ethanol-induced oxidative stress by reducing lipid peroxidation and enhancing endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms in the cerebral cortex. These findings suggest that Withania coagulans may represent a promising natural neuroprotective agent for preventing or alleviating alcohol-induced oxidative brain injury.