EXPOSURE TO THE ANTIOXIDANT FOLIUM ALLEVIATES OXIDATIVE STRESS IN A VALPROIC ACID-INDUCED ANIMAL MODEL OF AUTISM

Emerging evidence suggests that accumulated oxidative stress may be one of the key mechanisms causing cognitive disorders. It is also known that autism spectrum disorder is associated with increased levels of oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant capacity. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the herbal antioxidant supplement Folium Relax, Folium P53, Folium pX, and Folium Immuno - on reducing the severity of oxidative stress in a rat model of ASD. To induce an autism-like animal model, the pregnant rats were intraperitoneally injected with 500 mg/kg valproic acid (VPA) on gestation day 12.5. Rats in the VPA-treated groups (group - VPA) at 2 months of age received intraperitoneally (17 mg/kg, for 21 days) different types of Folium. At the end of treatment, measurements were taken in both the control and VPA-treated behaviorally characterized groups, including systemic blood pressure, heart rate, as well as oxidative reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROM) and antioxidant (PAT) status. The results showed that treatment with all types of Folium restored blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) to the normal range; d-ROMs levels and the oxidative stress index in the VPA group were not significantly different from those in the VPA + Folium pX group. Accordingly, it can be assumed that Folium Relax, Folium P53, and Folium Immuno, which showed positive effects on oxidative stress markers, may be suitable for use in individuals with ASD to alleviate oxidative stress and regulate blood pressure. This study highlights the need for further research at research institutions and medical schools.