Unlocking the Potential of Freeze-Dried Broccoli Powder: A Novel Approach to Enhancing Cognitive Resilience in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Cognitive impairment frequently accompanies temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), which is linked to oxidative stress. Freeze-dried broccoli powder (BROC) exhibits diverse biological activities, particularly its antioxidant properties. Our study explored the effects of BROC on post-epileptic cognitive function. Male mice with lithium-pilocarpine-induced epilepsy were randomly divided into three groups: control group, model group (basal diet), and broccoli intervention group (basal diet supplemented with 4% BROC). Following 60 days of intervention, cognitive function was evaluated using IntelliCage Learning Tests, Novel Object Recognition, and Shuttle Box Tests. The hippocampal levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzyme activities were measured, and the protein expression levels of HO-1, NQO1, and Nrf2 were analyzed by Western blot. The results demonstrated that broccoli intervention significantly ameliorated cognitive deficits in epileptic mice, decreased hippocampal MDA levels while enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities, and upregulated the expression of HO-1, NQO1, and Nrf2. Consequently, BROC effectively attenuates OS and ameliorates cognitive deficits in TLE mice, suggesting its potential therapeutic value for post-epileptic cognitive dysfunction.