The neuroprotective action of naringenin on oseltamivir (Tamiflu) treated male rats

The aim of this study is to evaluate the protective action of naringenin (a flavonoid) on the brain functions of oseltamivir treated rats. 24 rats were divided into 4 groups as follows: control, naringenin treated rats (Nar, 50 mg/kg bwt/day), oseltamivir treated rats (Tam, 0.75 mg/kg bwt twice daily) and naringenin + oseltamivir treated rats (Nar + Tam). All the drugs were received via oral gavage for five days. The animals on the 5th day were trained in Y maze. Then, on the 6th day, rats were decapitated and the brain was excised for determination of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant capacity (TOC), total nitric oxide (TNO), Ca ATPase, total cytochrome P450 (CYP450) contents and brain fatty acid binding proteins FABP7. The results showed a significant increase in the TOC, TNO and CYP450 in Tam treated rats while a significant decrease was noticed in TAC, Ca ATPase and FABP7 in the same group in comparison with the control. Nar + Tam treated rats exhibited a significant decrease in TOC, TNO and CYP450 and a significant increase in TAC, Ca ATPase and FABP7 in comparison with Tam treated rats. An improvement in Y maze behavior and all the investigated parameters was noticed in Nar + Tam treated rats as compared with the oseltamivir treated rats. The results suggest that Nar has a neurophysiological and behavioral protective effect on oseltamivir side effects on the brain functions.