Adansonia digitata ameliorates carbon tetrachloride-induced cerebello-pituitary dysfunction in adult male Wistar rats

Abstract

Background: The use of Adansonia digitata (AD) as a multipurpose tree is gaining worldwide acceptance, and it is readily available in many parts of Africa and other parts of the world. Several functions of AD are well documented, but little is known on the neuroprotective effect of AD. We hereby hypothesize that administration of AD would ameliorate carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 )-induced cerebellar and pituitary gland dysfunction. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were randomly allotted into groups; control (vehicle; received 1 ml of distilled water), AD - treated (received 500 mg/kg b.w.), CCl 4 -treated (received 2.5 mg/kg b.w. and AD + CCl 4 -treated. CCl 4 was administered for 2 days p.o. , thereafter AD fruit pulp was given to the AD-and AD + CCl 4 -treated groups p.o. for 17 days. The body weight change was monitored using animal weighing balance (Olympia SCL66110 Model, Kent Scientific Corporation, Torrington, CT06790, USA), biochemical assay, histology of cerebellum, and pituitary glands were performed. Results: The results show a significant decrease in body weight gain and distortion in the cytoarchitecture of the cerebellum and pituitary gland of the group treated with CCl 4 when compared to the control group. These alterations were associated with increased oxidative stress (malondialdehyde) and decreased gonadotropic hormones. Administration of AD fruit pulp significantly restored the effect of CCl 4 in the AD + CCl 4 -treated group. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that administration of AD ameliorates CCl 4 -induced cerebellum and pituitary gland dysfunction. This might be due to its antioxidative effect and enhancement of gonadotropic hormone secretion.