Puerarin and dextran complex alleviates heat stress-induced hippocampal apoptosis and oxidative damage: therapeutic potential for hypothalamic neuronal damage in mice

Puerarin (Pn), a naturally occurring flavonoid, possesses numerous therapeutic qualities, while Dextran (Dn) is a naturally derived polysaccharide. Here, we examined the puerarin-dextran complex (Pn/Dn), characterization to confirming its functional groups through morphological and structural properties. Cytocompatibility assessments on HT22 cell lines along with ROS and MDA content analysis revealed higher cytocompatibility with Pn/Dn complex treatment, when compared to heat-stressed and control groups. Additionally, elevated oxidative stress levels were found to reduce after treatment with Pn/Dn complex. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that HT22 cells treated with puerarin, dextran, and the Pn/Dn complex exhibited preserved viability, with a reduced percentage of cells undergoing early and late apoptosis, particularly at concentrations below 20%, indicating effective prevention of cell death. Importantly, In vivo results proposed that neuronal death in various histopathological observations involves both neurons and surrounding glial cells. These findings demonstrate that the Pn/Dn complex effectively influenced in reduced hippocampal neuronal injury in mice, as confirmed by histological examination. Overall, this study highlights the protective effects of Pn/Dn complex against heat-induced neuronal injury and oxidative stress, emphasizing their potential therapeutic applications.