Modulation of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress by Echinacea purpurea extract: Therapeutic potential in maternal separation-induced autism spectrum disorder.

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is defined by ongoing problems in social interaction and communication and repetitive, constrained behavior patterns. The link between oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation with ASD has been shown in previous studies. E. purpurea is well-known for its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pharmacological properties. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of E. purpurea hydroalcoholic extract on autistic-like behaviors following a mouse model of maternal separation (MS) stress, focusing on possible anti-neuroinflammation and antioxidative stress.

Methods: 70% hydro-ethanolic extract was macerated from the aerial parts of E. purpurea. Standardization was done by determining the amount of chicoric acid in the extract using the UHPLC method. Then, behavioral analysis was done on 75 male mice that underwent MS. Mice were treated with normal saline or 75, 150, and 300 mg/kg of the extract. Sociability behaviors and stereotyping behaviors have been evaluated. Also, their total antioxidant capacity (TAC), nitrite levels, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in the hippocampus. In addition, the expression of inflammatory factors, including interleukin-1 (IL-1), NLRP3, and TLR4, has been determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Data were analyzed after collection using PRISM statistical software.

Results: Our findings indicated that MS caused autistic-like behaviors in mice (increased sociability index and social preference index) and increased repetitive behaviors (increased number of buried marbles). These autistic-like behaviors are associated with increased MDA, nitrite, over-expression of inflammatory genes, decreased MDA, nitrite, over-expression of inflammatory genes, and decreased TAC in the hippocampus. E. purpurea extract significantly reversed these adverse effects of MS.

Conclusion: The results of this study showed that E. purpurea extract might reduce autistic-like behaviors in MS by attenuating neuroinflammation and oxidative stress states.