Ameliorative effects of Aqueous Fruit Pulp Extracts of Adansonia digitata on the Hippocampus of Aluminium Chloride‐treated Adult Wistar Rats

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThis study evaluated the effects of aqueous extract of Adansonia digitata fruit pulp (AEAD) on the hippocampus of Aluminium chloride Alzheimer model Wistar rats.MethodThirty Wistar rats (110‐150g) were randomly divided into six groups (n = 5). The animals in Group 1 were administered 2ml/kg distilled water. Group 2 were administered 100mg/kg AlCl3. Groups 3 were administered 595mg/kg ascorbic acid. Group 4 and 5 were administered 100mg/kg AlCl3 + 500mg/kg AEAD and 100mg/kg AlCl3 + 1500mg/kg AEAD respectively. Group 6 were administered 100mg/kg AlCl3 + 595mg/kg ascorbic acid. Once daily, for four consecutive weeks, behavioral tests for spatial memory using the Morris water maze test were carried out. Experimentation lasted for 28 days after which the animals were humanely sacrificed.ResultAnimals treated with A. digitata and Ascorbic acid following Aluminium exposure showed significant decrease (11.67±1.74) in the time taken for the experimental rats to locate the escape platform. The result of the oxidative stress study showed a significant increase Malondialdehyde concentration and decrease in Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in groups exposed to aluminium chloride, however, treatment with A. digitata and Ascorbic acid following Aluminium exposure did not show any significant difference when compared to the control group. Histopathological studies revealed degenerating pyramidal cells, Karyolysis, Pkynosis, were observed in the hippocampus of the aluminium treated group. Treatment with Adansonia digitata and Ascorbic acid ameliorated the changes observed in groups exposed to aluminium. The histoarchitecture of the aqueous extracts treated groups were preserved, particularly the 1500mg/kg doses.ConclusionA. digitata fruit pulp possess vital antioxidant properties that could ameliorate the toxic effects of aluminium on the Hippocampus of adult Wistar rats and as such could be used as a treatment of aluminium toxicity.