Dose-Dependent Immunohistochemical Modulation of Astrocyte Activation by Phyllanthus amarus in Paraquat- Induced Hippocampal Neurotoxicity

Background: Neurotoxicity, characterized by adverse effects on the structure or function of the central and peripheral nervous systems as a result of exposure to biological, chemical, or physical agents, remains a significant challenge in medical science. Available drugs often provide only symptomatic relief and are associated with various side effects, necessitating the exploration of novel protective agents. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of Phyllanthus amarus, a medicinal plant known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, in paraquat-induced neurotoxicity in Wistar rats. Results: The results of the study showed that Phyllanthus amarus attenuated paraquat-induced neurotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. While the low (200 mg/kg) and medium (300 mg/kg) doses produced mild to moderate reductions in GFAP immunoreactivity, the high dose (400 mg/kg) exhibited a more pronounced protective effect, indicating enhanced neuroprotection at higher doses. Conclusion: Phyllanthus amarus demonstrates dose-dependent neuroprotective properties in paraquatinduced neurotoxicity, and these findings emphasize the importance of dosage optimization for therapeutic application. These results support further investigation into the therapeutic application of Phyllanthus amarus in neurodegenerative conditions involving oxidative stress and glial activation.