Puerarin and dextran complex alleviates heat stress-induced hippocampal apoptosis and oxidative damage: therapeutic potential for hypothalamic neuronal damage in mice

Puerarin (Pn), a naturally occurring flavonoid, possesses numerous therapeutic qualities, while Dextran (Dn) is a naturally derived polysaccharide. Here, we examined the puerarin-dextran complex (Pn/Dn), characterization to confirming its functional groups through morphological and structural properties. Cytocompatibility assessments on HT22 cell lines along with ROS and MDA content analysis revealed higher cytocompatibility with Pn/Dn complex treatment, when compared to heat-stressed and control groups. Additionally, elevated oxidative stress levels were found to reduce after treatment with Pn/Dn complex. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that HT22 cells treated with puerarin, dextran, and the Pn/Dn complex exhibited preserved viability, with a reduced percentage of cells undergoing early and late apoptosis, particularly at concentrations below 20%, indicating effective prevention of cell death. Importantly, <i>In vivo</i> results proposed that neuronal death in various histopathological observations involves both neurons and surrounding glial cells. These findings demonstrate that the Pn/Dn complex effectively influenced in reduced hippocampal neuronal injury in mice, as confirmed by histological examination. Overall, this study highlights the protective effects of Pn/Dn complex against heat-induced neuronal injury and oxidative stress, emphasizing their potential therapeutic applications.