Modulation of BDNF Expression by Bryophyllum pinnatum Extract: Implications for Oxidative Stress and Cognitive Function in Pain-induced Wistar Rats

This research work investigated modulatory effects of Bryophylum pinnatum extract on BDNF expression, and cognitive functions in repetitive pain-induced oxidative stress in Wistar rats. Animals weighing between 80–100g were acquired from the animal house of the Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, and all animals received standard laboratory rat feeds and water ad libitum. The study was designed to assess the time dependent effects with a total of 30 rats divided into 6 groups. Group 1(Control), Group 2 (Pain Only), Group 3 (Pain + 5mg/kg Morphine), Group 4 (Pain + 10mg/kg Morphine), Group (Pain + 25mg/kg Bryophylumm Pinnatum), Group 6 (Pain + 50mg/kg Bryophylumm Pinnatum), Hydromethanolic extracts was prepared accordingly, and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis were carried out. Neurobehavioral studies were conducted weekly to assess the effects of the interventions on cognitive and neurological parameters, using radial maze and navigational maze test. Assay of BDNF was done using the Elisa method. The Results showed that Morphine and Bryophyllum pinnatum both significantly improved BDNF expression, showed antioxidant effects, improved cognitive functions, and provided possible mechanisms of pain relief. Pharmacokinetic studies on the binding affinities and drug-likeness properties of the active compounds from these extracts revealed some favorable properties with regard to management of oxidative stress and promotion of cognitive function in states of pain. The study therefore provide indication of the therapeutic potential of Bryophyllum pinnatum in the effective management of Pain, oxidative stress and cognitive functions.