Effect of Annona squamosa Linn against aluminium chloride induced Alzheimer's disease in rats

Abstract

Background and objective Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory deficits. Various studies have been conducted to find therapeutic approaches for AD. However, a suitable treatment alternative is still not available. The present study is aimed to investigate the polyphenolic fraction of Annona squamosa Linn (PFAS) against aluminium chloride (AlCl3)-induced AD in rats.Materials and methods Wistar rats were divided into group I (normal control), which received distilled water; group II, which received AlCl3 (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneal route); groups III and IV received PFAS (200 and 400 mg/kg, oral, respectively) and inducing agent (AlCl3 100 mg/kg, oral); and group V received donepezil (1 mg/kg, oral) and inducing agent (AlCl3 100 mg/kg, oral). The rats were given respective treatment for 28 days, and behavioral parameters were determined on first day, 15th, and 28th day. After 28th day, rats were killed, and antioxidant parameters and brain acetylcholinesterase content were determined, and histopathological studies were done.Results and conclusion The PFAS showed dose-dependent protective effect against AD by significant improvement in locomotor activity, motor coordination, spatial memory, and conditioned avoidance response; significant decrease in lipid peroxidation and acetyl cholinesterase; and increase in antioxidants compared with AlCl3-treated rats. PFAS mitigated the AlCl3-induced histological changes by dose dependently. PFAS showed potent neuroprotective effect against AlCl3-induced oxidative stress in rats. Hence, it would be promising compound to treat AD.