Cerebroprotective Effect of Date Seed Extract (Phoenix dactylifera) on Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Male Rats

In the present study, we investigate the role of Date Seed Extract (DSE) in protection against cerebral ischemic damages. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by using Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion (MCAO) method in male rats. DSE was administrated at the dose of 80 mg kg super( -1) i.p. 30 min after MCAO. Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Total antioxidant Activity (TAS) were measured. Morphological studies and behavioral activity were also done. MCAO significantly decreased SOD and TAS activities. MDA content significantly was elevated by MCAO. Motor coordination was also decreased due to transient ischemia. Treatment with DSE attenuated all of alterations and neuronal damage induced by MCAO in male rats. The data showed that treatment with DSE could protect cortical neurons against cerebral-induced injuries most probably due to its antioxidant properties.