Germinated Fava Bean (Vicia faba L.) extract attenuates acrylamide-induced neuroinflammation in rats via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neurotransmitter modulation

Abstract Acrylamide (ACR) is a neurotoxic and carcinogenic compound found in many foods and industrial products, raising significant public health concerns. It induces oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurotransmitter disruption, all of which contribute to neuroinflammation. This study assessed the neuroprotective potential of germinated faba beans (Vicia faba L., cultivar Giza 843) against ACR-induced neurotoxicity in a rat model and compared two methods of germination (traditional germination (in light) and (germination in the dark)) to enhance their neuroprotective properties. The total phenolic, flavonoid, and antioxidant contents, as well as the profile of faba beans, were assessed via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and an amino acid analyser. Thirty-two Sprague‒Dawley rats ( n = 8/group) were randomly divided into the following groups: control, ACR-exposed, ACR coadministered with traditionally germinated fava bean extract (GFB), and ACR coadministered with ungerminated fava bean extract. Neuroinflammation was induced via the oral administration of ACR (35 mg/kg/day for 12 days), while GFB and ungerminated extracts were coadministered at 300 mg/kg/day for 12 days. Gait scores were assessed. Antioxidants (GSH, SOD), oxidative stress markers (MDA, NO), inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), neurotransmitters (GABA, serotonin, dopamine), and acetylcholinesterase activity were measured in brain tissues (cerebrum, cerebellum, hippocampus). Histopathology and immunohistochemistry (with anti-GFAP and anti-caspase-3 antibodies) were performed to assess structural damage and apoptotic cell death. The results revealed that, traditionally, germination yielded relatively high levels of bioactive compounds and increased antioxidant activity. Compared with the ACR and ungerminated groups, the optimised traditional germinated faba bean extract significantly reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurotransmitter disruption. The increased neuroprotection was attributed to increased polyphenolic, flavonoid, and amino acid levels from traditional germination. The neuroprotective potential of faba beans against ACR toxicity can be enhanced through traditional germination methods. This finding presents a compelling, natural therapy for mitigating the serious public health concerns associated with ACR exposure, and further clinical trials are therefore needed. Graphical Abstract