Histopathological blood-brain barrier, and brain cellular profile in preeclampsia rat model treated with andaliman (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC.) seed extract

Histopathology BBB, and brain cellular profile

Abstract

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by hypertension and proteinuria after mid-gestation, which can impair the integrity of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and lead to brain tissue damage. Andaliman (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC.) contains flavonoids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may provide neuroprotection against such pathological changes. This study aims to analyze the histopathology of the BBB and the cellular profile of brain tissue in a preeclampsia mouse model treated with different doses of andaliman seed extract. Pregnant rats were allocated into four groups: healthy controls, preeclampsia controls, and preeclampsia models treated with andaliman seed extract at 100 mg/kg body weight (BW) or 200 mg/kg BW. Preeclampsia was induced through high-salt exposure, and brain tissues were processed and evaluated histologically. The preeclampsia control group exhibited severe BBB disruption, including endothelial swelling, perivascular edema, and neuronal disorganization. Treatment with 100 mg/kg BW of andaliman extract resulted in moderate improvement, reducing edema and partially restoring endothelial and neuronal morphology. Conversely, 200 mg/kg BW produced more substantial recovery, characterized by well-preserved vascular boundaries, minimal perivascular spaces, and organized neuronal layers. These findings suggest that andaliman seed extract exerts a dose-dependent neuroprotective effect by maintaining BBB integrity and brain cell architecture in preeclampsia. The 200 mg/kg BW dose demonstrated the most effective outcome, indicating the potential of andaliman as a natural therapeutic agent for hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.