Neuroprotective Properties of Melissa Officinalis L. Extract Against Ecstasy-Induced Neurotoxicity

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 . Anatomy Department, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 . Toxicology - Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

3 . Herbal Plants Department, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

4 4. Anatomy Department, Anatomical Sciences Research Center, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran

Abstract

Objective
The aim of the present study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of Melissa officinalis, a major antioxidant plant, against neuron toxicity in hippocampal primary culture induced by 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or ecstasy, one of the most abused drugs, which causes neurotoxicity. Materials and Methods: 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2 thiazoyl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to assess mitochondrial activity, reflecting cell survival. Caspase-3 activity assay and Hoechst / propiedium iodide (PI) staining were done to show apoptotic cell death. Results: A high dose of ecstasy caused profound mitochondrial dysfunction, around 40% less than the control value, and increased apoptotic neuronal death to around 35% more than the control value in hippocampal neuronal culture. Co-treatment with Melissa officinalis significantly reversed these damages to around 15% and 20% respectively of the MDMA alone group, and provided protection against MDMA-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in neurons. Conclusion: Melissa officinalis has revealed neuroprotective effects against apoptosis induced by MDMA in the primary neurons of hippocampal culture, which could be due to its free radical scavenging properties and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitory effects.

Keywords

Cell Journal (Yakhteh)
Volume 13, Issue 1
April 2011
Pages 25-30

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