Modulatory effects of saffron and ginseng on phoenixin-20 levels and oxidative stress markers in wistar rats

Effects of Medicinal Herbs on Rat Phoenixin Levels

Abstract

Aim: Phoenixin-20 (PNX-20), a neuropeptide implicated in stress regulation via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, plays a critical role in neuroprotection and antioxidant defense. This study investigates the effects of two traditional medicinal herbs, saffron and ginseng, on PNX-20 levels, oxidative stress markers, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in Wistar rats.

Methods: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: a control group (saline-treated), a dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-treated group (vehicle group), a ginseng-treated group, and a saffron-treated group. They were treated intraperitoneally for five days.

Results: Results revealed a significant increase in brain PNX-20 and glutathione (GSH) levels in both the saffron and ginseng groups, suggesting enhanced antioxidant capacity. Conversely, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels remained stable compared to the DMSO control group, indicating protection against lipid peroxidation. Importantly, both saffron and ginseng treatment mitigated the DMSO-induced increase in brain AChE activity, suggesting improvement in cholinergic signaling and neuroprotection. No significant changes in serum parameters, including uric acid and AChE activity, were observed, supporting the central nervous system specificity of these treatments.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that saffron and ginseng may hold therapeutic potential for oxidative stress-related neurodegenerative disorders.