Neuroprotective Effect of Stachytarpheta angustifolia Methanol Extract Against Aluminium Chloride (AlCl3) Induced Alzheimer’s Disease in Albino Rats

Aim: This study was aim to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of Stachytarpheta angustifolia methanol extract on aluminium chloride induced Alzheimer’s disease in Albino rats.

Study Design: This is an experimental study.

Location and Duration of the Study: The research was conducted at the Central Research Laboratory of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria from 7th October, 2022 to 12th January, 2023.

Methodology: The whole plant was extracted using soxhlet extraction method with methanol as solvent. Thirty Albino rats of both sexes were divided into six groups with five rats in each. Aluminum chloride (AlCl3) was used to induced Alzheimer and treated with vitamin E and various doses of the plant extract. Behavioural test was carried out using T-maze to assess learning and memory. Antioxidant parameters (SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH, MDA and NO), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were determined using ELISA kits. Histopathological examination was carried out using hematoxylin and eosin.

Results: The results showed a significant (p = .05) decrease in the correct percentage number of alternations and a significant (p = .001) increase in latency time spent in the maze in the aluminum chloride (AlCl3) induced and untreated group compared to the control. There were significant (p = .05) decreased in SOD, CAT activities and GSH (p = .001) level. While, there were significant increase in MDA (p = .001), NO (p = .01), COX-2 (p = .05) and AChE (p = .05) compared to the control. Treatment with the plant extract significantly (p = .001) increased the SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH compared to the aluminum chloride (AlCl3) group. While, MDA, NO, COX-2 and AChE decreases significantly (p = .001) compared to the aluminum chloride (AlCl3) group. Histopathological examination of hippocampus sections tallied with the biochemical parameters.

Conclusion: These results may justify the ethnomedicinal use of Stachytarpheta angustifolia, especially in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.