Neuroprotective Effect of Morinda citrifolia on Behavioural and Biochemical Deficits in PTZ-induced Kindled Mice.

Abstract

Epilepsy is a group of chronic neurological disorders characterized by seizures. Kindling, a chronic epileptic mouse model, was used to explore the epileptogenic mechanism and seek new anti-epileptics. In kindling, sub-convulsive (chemical/ electrical) stimuli were delivered repeatedly and erratically, eventually causing massive convulsions. Moreover, Morinda citrifolia (Noni) extracts are used as a remedy in ayurvedic preparations for many ailments. Noni has recently been shown to protect mice from amyloid beta-induced memory loss. This study was used to investigate the neuroprotective potential of Morinda citrifolia in mice over pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced kindling seizure. Kindling was provoked by subsequent (one-day-gap) injections of PTZ (subconvulsive; 35 mg/kg; s.c.) for 29 days in mice. Following PTZ injection, convulsive behaviours were noted for 30 minutes. Open-field-test (locomotor activity), forced swimming test (depressive behaviors), elevated plus-maze, and passive avoidance tests were employed to evaluate cognition. Brain homogenate was used to estimate oxidative stress (glutathione, superoxide-dismutase, lipid-peroxidation) and acetylcholinesterase activity. PTZ-provoked kindled mice displayed depressive behaviors, impaired locomotion, cognitive dysfunctions and various biochemical changes. However, treatment with Morinda citrifolia extract (500 and 1000 mg/kg, p.o) and valproic acid (200 mg/kg, p.o) before 60 min of each PTZ injection diminished kindling scores and restored behavioural, and biochemical changes. Our findings suggest Morinda citrifolia offered neuroprotective effects against PTZinduced kindling seizures in mice, which were established by behavioural and biochemical paradigms.