Abstract
Aim: To evaluate the Protective effect of Eclipta alba against aluminum induced neurotoxicity and associated memory deficits in rats. Methods: Six groups of five Wistar rats each were used and all but the normal group was administered Aluminum chloride (4.2mg/Kg i.p). Methanolic extract of Eclipta alba leaves was given to drug treated groups. Anti-Alzheimer drug donepezil was given to standard group. Memory impairment was evaluated on Radial Eight Arm Maze in terms of average time spent in the correct (baited) arms and average number of reference memory errors (RME) and working memory errors (WME) during acquisition trails and retrieval trials. Brain tissue was evaluated for lipid peroxidation (TBARS), Superoxide anion generation (SAG), nitrite, GSH, Catalase and Total Protein Contents levels. Hippocampal regions of the brain tissue were evaluated histologically using Haematoxylin-Eosin Staining. Results: Al administration resulted in a decrease in the Average time Spent in the correct arms and an increase in the RME and WME. Moreover there as an increase in the levels of oxidative stress markers and decrease in the levels of free radical scavenging enzymes. Histologically, Al administration resulted in severe neuroinflammatory changes in hippocampal region of brain. All the above-mentioned behavioral, biochemical and histological effects were dose dependently reversed by administration of methanolic extract of Eclipta alba leaves at doses of 100 mg/Kg and 200 mg/Kg p.o. Conclusion: Aluminum induced oxidative stress could be implicating factor in neuroinflammation and dementia. Effect of Eclipta alba extract could possibly be attributed to the antioxidant activity of its phytoconstituents.
Key words: Eclipta alba, Antioxidant, Aluminum, Neurotoxicity, Neuroinflammation
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