The Impact of Kaempferia galanga L. Extract on Nerve Growth Factor Expression in A Rat Model of Traumatic Brain Injury

Introduction: Head injuries contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality globally, and there is need of effective treatment. This study focuses on evaluating NGF (Nerve Growth Factor) expression in a rat model of traumatic brain injury, exploring the potential therapeutic effects of Kaempferia galanga L. extract. Methods: Male Wistar rats were used in the experiment, and traumatic brain injury was induced using Marmarou's weight drop model. Four groups of rats were studied: a negative control group, a group with traumatic brain injury without Kaempferia galanga L. extract, and two groups with traumatic brain injury treated with different doses of Kaempferia galanga L. extract. Rats were divided further based on the time of decapitation, either 24 or 48 hours post-injury. NGF expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry. Results: The study confirmed NGF expression variations among groups, with stronger expression observed 48 hours post-injury in rats receiving 1200 mg/kgbb of Kaempferia galanga L. extract. This suggests a potential impact of the extract on NGF expression, likely attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Discussion: Kaempferia galanga L. extract has known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may contribute to increased NGF expression observed in this study. Conclusion: This study sheds light on the potential benefits of Kaempferia galanga L. extract in promoting NGF expression and improving outcomes in traumatic brain injury, emphasizing the need for further investigation to translate these findings into clinical practice.