Ethanol Extract of Solanum campylacanthum Mitigates Hypoxia-Induced Neurobehavioural and Biochemical Alterations in Male Wistar Rats

Introduction: Hypoxic stress disrupts homeostatic balance, triggering neuroendocrine and oxidative responses that manifest as behavioural impairments and biochemical alterations. Elevated corticosterone and oxidative damage are hallmark features of such stress-induced pathology. Solanum campylacanthum, a plant traditionally used as a pest deterrent, lacks empirical evidence supporting its medicinal application. However, its taxonomic synonym Solanum incanum has demonstrated antioxidant activity. This study investigates the potential of ethanol extract of S. campylacanthum leaves (EESC) to counteract hypoxia-induced neurobehavioral and biochemical disturbances in male Wistar rats.

Methods: Acute toxicity was evaluated using Lorke’s method, revealing an oral LD₅₀ exceeding 5000 mg/kg. Rats (150–200 g) were randomized into five orally treated groups (n=6): Group 1—vehicle (10mL/kg, distilled water) without exposure to hypoxia; Groups 2–5—10mL/kg, distilled water, EESC (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg), respectively, one hour before exposure to hypoxia which was induced by placing animals in sealed 450 mL chambers for 20 minutes daily over 14 days. Behavioural assessments (anxiety, depression, memory, and locomotion); serum corticosterone; brain oxidative markers, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA); and adrenal weights were evaluated.

Results: Oral administration of EESC significantly alleviated hypoxia-induced behavioural impairments, including anxiety, depressive-like symptoms, motor deficits, and memory decline. Biochemical analysis revealed that treatment with EESC dose-dependently reduced serum corticosterone and brain MDA levels when compared to hypoxic control, indicating suppressed stress and oxidative damage. Concurrently, antioxidant defenses were enhanced, with marked dose-dependent increases in SOD, catalase, and GSH concentrations. Additionally, EESC treatment significantly prevented adrenal gland hypertrophy, suggesting the modulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis.

Conclusion: These findings collectively indicate that S. campylacanthum extract confers adaptogenic and antioxidant benefits under sustained hypoxic stress, supporting its potential for further pharmacological investigation.