Evaluating the Therapeutic Potential of Morin on Vaporic Acid Induced Autism in Wistar Rat

^1,3Ugwu Valentine Ifebuchechukwu; ²Ebunoha Chukwuka Stanley, ³Ezeugwu Lilian Nnenna and ²Uzoefuna Chima Casmir

¹Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno, Enugu State, Nigeria.

²Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno, Enugu State, Nigeria.

³Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Maduka University Ekwegbe.

Corresponding author: Ebunoha, Chukwuka Stanley (chukwuka.ebunoha@sumas.edu.ng)

ABSTRACT

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Valproic acid (VPA) exposure during gestation in rodents’ models core features of ASD. This study evaluated the therapeutic potential of morin, a natural flavonoid, on VPA-induced autism in Wistar rats.

Methods: Pregnant Wistar rats received intraperitoneal doses of VPA (80mg/kg) on gestational days 12 to 18. After weaning, offspring were divided into five groups: VPA only, VPA + low-dose morin, VPA + high-dose morin, VPA + folic acid, and negative control. Neurobehavioral assessments using the Open Field Test (OFT), Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), and Y-Maze were conducted on three post-weaning dates.

Results: The VPA-only group exhibited reduced exploratory behavior, increased anxiety, and impaired spatial memory. High-dose morin and folic acid significantly improved behavioral outcomes, as indicated by increased line crossing, arm entries, and time spent in exploratory zones. Low-dose morin showed no significant effects.

Conclusion: Morin, particularly at higher doses, demonstrated therapeutic potential in mitigating behavioral deficits associated with prenatal VPA exposure, comparable to folic acid. These findings support morin’s promise as a natural agent for ASD intervention.

Keywords: Autism, valproic acid, morin, Wistar rats, neurobehavioral tests, folic acid, animal model.

CITE AS: Ugwu Valentine Ifebuchechukwu; Ebunoha Chukwuka Stanley, Ezeugwu Lilian Nnenna and Uzoefuna Chima Casmir (2026). Evaluating the Therapeutic Potential of Morin on Vaporic Acid Induced Autism in Wistar Rat. INOSR Experimental Sciences 16(1):18-21. https://doi.org/10.59298/INOSRES/2026/161182100