Effect of Sumac Nano-phytosome on Memory and Oxidative Stress in Valproic Acid-induced Rat Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is an advanced neurological disorder characterized by symptoms such as deficits in social interaction, communication, and cognition. Although sumac fruit contains compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, its effectiveness is limited due to its low bioavailability.  Objective: This study aims to investigate the neuroprotective effect of sumac extract and sumac nano-phytosome on memory and oxidative stress in the hippocampal area of ASD rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, pregnant female rats were first divided into healthy and patient groups. In the patient group, 500 mg/kg body weight valproic acid was injected intraperitoneally on day 12.5 of pregnancy. Male rats born in the healthy group were further divided into two healthy control and positive control groups, and those in the patient group were divided into two treatment groups of Sumac Extract (n=6) and Sumac Nano-Phytosome (n=6) 21 days after birth. The control groups received only saline, while treatment groups received SE and SNP (40 mg/kg/PO) for 4 weeks. Novel object recognition test was performed to assess recongnition memory of rats on day 49 after birth. Finally, Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), Glutathione Reductase (GRx) and Catalase (CAT) were measured in the hippocampus of rats. Results: Valproic acid significantly decreased the discrimination index in novel object recognition test as well as GPx, GRx and CAT, and TAC levels in the hippocampus (P<0.001). Treatment with sumac nano-phytosome significantly improved the memory and the activity of antioxidant enzymes (GPx, GRx and CAT) and TAC (P<0.001). Conclusion: Sumac nano-phytosome can improve memory deficits and oxidative stress more compared to sumac extract in ASD rats due to increased bioavailability.