[Protective effect of Rheum tanguticum polysaccharides (RTP) on traumatic brain injury in rats].

Objective: To evaluate protective effects of Rheum tanguticum polysaccharides (RTP) on traumatic brain injury (TBI) in rats.

Method: The polysaccharides (RTP) were extracted from Tanguficum Maxim. 120 rats were divided into 15 groups, with 8 rats in each group. RTP at 100, 200 and 400 mg x kg(-1) were administrated orally once a day for five days, and model of brain injury was made by dropping weight method.

Result: RTP reduced water content and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and increased total SOD activity and Na+-K+ ATPase activity after injuried.

Conclusion: The polysaccharides may be one of the effective comptents in Rheum tanguticum, showing significant neuroprotective effects.