Harish Kumar, Seema Bansal, Rishabh Chaudhary, Wandeep Dagar, Neha Goyal, Khushboo Aggarwal, Sumeet Gupta, and Sunayna Choudhary

M. M. College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India

Corresponding author(s):

Seema Bansal, M. M. College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana 133206, India. E-mail: 2006.seema@gmail.com

Corresponding author(s):

Sunayna Choudhary, M. M. College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana 133206, India. E-mail: sanachoudhary1988@gmail.com Abstract

Background Oxidative stress is the primary factor responsible for the development of neuroinflammation and brain deficits. As aging occurs, the chances of oxidative stress increase due to lifestyle modification, environmental, and genetic factors. The brain is especially susceptible to oxidative damage because of its elevated oxygen consumption, lipid composition, and comparatively inadequate antioxidant defenses. Oxidative stress associated with aging results in DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and compromised repair mechanisms. Objectives To investigate the efficacy of Cordyceps militaris extract (CME) and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in mitigating oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in aged rats and to assess their potential therapeutic effects on cognitive performance, antioxidant enzyme activity, and oxidative stress markers. Materials and Methods This study involved using aged rats to evaluate the impact of CME and ALA on oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. The rats were administered CME and ALA, and various assessments were conducted to measure cognitive performance, antioxidant enzyme activity, and oxidative stress markers. Results The administration of CME and ALA to aged rats significantly improved cognitive performance. Additionally, there were an enhancement in antioxidant enzyme activity and a reduction in oxidative stress markers. These findings indicate that both CME and ALA positively mitigate oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Conclusion CME extract and ALA exhibit therapeutic potential in treating aging-related oxidative stress and inflammation. Their use could be beneficial in combating brain disorders caused by aging, highlighting their importance in the field of geriatric healthcare.

Keywords: Aging, oxidative stress, neurodegeneration, Cordyceps militaris, alpha-lipoic acid, antioxidants