Ashwagandha Diminishes Hippocampal Apoptosis Induced by Microwave Radiation by Acetylcholinesterase Dependent Neuro-Inflammatory Pathway in Male Coturnix coturnix Japonica

Microwave radiation (MWR) has been linked to neurodegeneration by inducing oxidative stress in the hippocampus of brain responsible for learning and memory. Ashwagandha (ASW), a medicinal plant is known to prevent neurodegeneration and promote neuronal health. This study investigated the effects of MWR and ASW on oxidative stress and cholinergic imbalance in the hippocampus of adult male Japanese quail. One control group received no treatment, the second group quails were exposed to MWR at 2 h/day for 30 days, third was administered with ASW root extract orally 100 mg/day/kg body weight and the fourth was exposed to MWR and also treated with ASW. The results showed that MWR increased serum corticosterone levels, disrupted cholinergic balance and induced neuro-inflammation. This neuro-inflammation further led to oxidative stress, as evidenced by decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and GSH. MWR also caused a significant decline in the nissil substances in the hippocampus region of brain indicating neurodegeneration through oxidative stress mediated hippocampal apoptosis. ASW, on the other hand, was able to effectively enhance the cholinergic balance and subsequently lower inflammation in hippocampus neurons. This suggests that ASW can protect against the neurodegenerative effects of MWR. ASW also reduced excessive ROS production by increasing the activity of ROS-scavenging enzymes. Additionally, ASW prevented neurodegeneration through decreased expression of caspase-3 and caspase-7 in hippocampus, thus promoting neuronal health. In conclusion, this study showed that MWR induces apoptosis and oxidative stress in the brain, while ASW reduces excessive ROS production, prevents neurodegeneration and promotes neuronal health.