Abstract: The present study investigated the role of methanolic root extract of Asparagus racemosus Willd. (MEAR) in the levels of antioxidants, metabolic enzymes, neurotransmitters and histopathology studies in a model of global cerebral ischemia in rats. Global cerebral ischemia was induced by temporary bilateral carotid artery occlusion for 15 min followed by reperfusion in Wistar rats and the animals were pretreated with MEAR (200 and 400 mg kg-1) for 7 days before induction. After induction of ischemia by BCAO animals were again treated with MEAR for 7 days and the animals were sacrificed. Homogenized content of brain were estimated in control, sham and treatment groups. MEAR showed the significance of p<0.01 done by ANOVA and Dunetts in the levels of antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, lipid peroxidation, catalase, protein levels, metabolic enzyme acetylcholine esterase and neurotransmitters glutamate, dopamine and serotonin levels. At the 7 days after ischemia a maximum of 85% protection of neurons in CA1region showed in treatment group at the dose 400 mg kg-1. The results showed cerebroprotective nature of MEAR and protection may be due to reduction of oxidative stress which occurs by alteration in levels of antioxidants, neurotransmitters and MEAR had the potential to use in treatment of ischemia.
