Neuroprotective Effect of Adansonia digitata Fruit Pulp Extract Against Aluminum Chloride-Induced Memory Deficits and Hippocampal Damage in Rats

Yıl 2026, Cilt: 13 Sayı: 1 , 1 - 7 , 31.03.2026

Sadiya Suleiman , Sunday Adebisi , Sunday Musa , Ubong Ekpo , Stephen Lazarus , Gbenga Oderinde

https://doi.org/10.32739/jnbs.13.1.282

https://izlik.org/JA63BH76MF

Öz

Background: Several reports have shown environmental neuron toxins such as aluminium accumulate in the brain, potentially triggering neurodegenerative disorders. Meanwhile, Adansonia digitata has been shown to possess neuroprotective properties. This study, therefore, assessed the ameliorative properties of Adansonia digitata fruit pulp aqueous extract (AEAD)on aluminum chloride (AlCl3) ¬– induced memory and hippocampal dysfunctions in Wistar rats. The neuroprotective effects were assessed with the Morris water maze for learning and memory, oxidative stress biomarkers glutathione [GSH]), superoxide dismutase [SOD], and (Malondialdehyde [MDA], and histopathological investigation of the CA3 hippocampal region using routine Haematoxylin and Eosin staining techniques. Thirty adult male Wistar rats weighing between 110 and 150 grams were split into six groups at random (n=5). As the Control group, the animals in Group 1 received 2 milliliters per kilogram of distilled water. Group 2 received 100 mg/kg of AlCl3. Ascorbic acid at a dose of 595 mg/kg was given to Group 3. 100 mg/kg AlCl3 and different concentrations of the fruit pulp aqueous extract of Adansonia digitata (500 mg/kg and 1500 mg/kg, respectively) were given to groups 4 and 5. Group 6 received 595 mg/kg of ascorbic acid and 100 mg/kg of AlCl3. Results: The latency time spent to locate the escape platform was observed with remarkable (P<0.05) improvement in the Adansonia digitata fruit pulp aqueous extract treatments compared with the AlCl3-treated group. There was a notable increase in MDA levels and a reduction in SOD and GSH activities in the AlCl3-treated group in relation to the Adansonia digitata fruit pulp aqueous extract-treated groups. Histopathological examination of the CA3 hippocampal region treated with AlCl3 revealed neuronal degenerative changes, whereas, administration of Adansonia digitata fruit pulp aqueous extract ameliorated AlCl3-induced neuronal damages in rats at doses 500mg/kg and 1500mg/kg when compared with the AlCl3-treated group. Conclusion: Adansonia digitata fruit pulp aqueous extract has a possible benefit in the improvement of AlCl3-memory deficit and AlCl3-induced hippocampal alterations in Wistar rats.

Anahtar Kelimeler

CA3 , Histology , Biochemistry , Neurobehavior , Phytochemical , Wistar rats

Neuroprotective Effect of Adansonia digitata against Aluminum Chloride-triggered Memory Deficits and Hippocampal Damage in Rats

https://izlik.org/JA63BH76MF

Öz

Background: Several reports have shown environmental neuron toxins such as aluminium accumulate in the brain, potentially triggering neurodegenerative disorders. Meanwhile, Adansonia digitata has been shown to possess neuroprotective properties. This study, therefore, assessed the ameliorative properties of Adansonia digitata fruit pulp aqueous extract (AEAD)on aluminum chloride (AlCl3) ¬– induced memory and hippocampal dysfunctions in Wistar rats. The neuroprotective effects were assessed with the Morris water maze for learning and memory, oxidative stress biomarkers glutathione [GSH]), superoxide dismutase [SOD], and (Malondialdehyde [MDA], and histopathological investigation of the CA3 hippocampal region using routine Haematoxylin and Eosin staining techniques. Thirty adult male Wistar rats weighing between 110 and 150 grams were split into six groups at random (n=5). As the Control group, the animals in Group 1 received 2 milliliters per kilogram of distilled water. Group 2 received 100 mg/kg of AlCl3. Ascorbic acid at a dose of 595 mg/kg was given to Group 3. 100 mg/kg AlCl3 and different concentrations of the fruit pulp aqueous extract of Adansonia digitata (500 mg/kg and 1500 mg/kg, respectively) were given to groups 4 and 5. Group 6 received 595 mg/kg of ascorbic acid and 100 mg/kg of AlCl3. Results: The latency time spent to locate the escape platform was observed with remarkable (P<0.05) improvement in the Adansonia digitata fruit pulp aqueous extract treatments compared with the AlCl3-treated group. There was a notable increase in MDA levels and a reduction in SOD and GSH activities in the AlCl3-treated group in relation to the Adansonia digitata fruit pulp aqueous extract-treated groups. Histopathological examination of the CA3 hippocampal region treated with AlCl3 revealed neuronal degenerative changes, whereas, administration of Adansonia digitata fruit pulp aqueous extract ameliorated AlCl3-induced neuronal damages in rats at doses 500mg/kg and 1500mg/kg when compared with the AlCl3-treated group. Conclusion: Adansonia digitata fruit pulp aqueous extract has a possible benefit in the improvement of AlCl3-memory deficit and AlCl3-induced hippocampal alterations in Wistar rats.

Anahtar Kelimeler

CA3 , Histology , Biochemistry , Neurobehavior , Phytochemical , Wistar rats

Kaynakça

• 1. Abu-Taweel, G.M., Ajarem, J.S., & Ahmad, M. (2012). Neurobehavioral toxic effects of perinatal oral exposure to aluminum on the developmental motor reflexes, learning, memory and brain neurotransmitters of mice offspring. Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior, 101, 49-56.
• 2. Nampoothiri, M., John, J., Kumar, N., Mudgal, J., Nampurath, G.K., & Chamallamudi, M.R. (2015). Modulatory role of simvastatin against aluminium chloride induced behavioural and biochemical changes in rats. Behavioural Neurology, 2015, 210169.
• 3. Anwar, H.M., Georgy, G.S., Hamad, S.R., Badr, W.K., El Raey, M.A., Abdelfattah, M.A.O., Wink, M., & Sobeh, M. (2021). A Leaf Extract of Harrisonia abyssinica Ameliorates Neurobehavioral, Histological and Biochemical Changes in the Hippocampus of Rats with Aluminum Chloride-Induced Alzheimer’s Disease. Antioxidants, 10, 947.
• 4. Cao, Z., Wang, F., Xiu, C., Zhang, J., & Li, Y. (2017). Hypericum perforatum extract attenuates behavioral, biochemical, and neurochemical abnormalities in Aluminum chloride-induced Alzheimer’s disease rats. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 91, 931-937. [CrossRef]
• 5. Hussien, H.M., Abd-Elmegied, A., Ghareeb, D.A., Hafez, H.S., Ahmed, H.E.A., & El-moneam, N.A. (2018). Neuroprotective effect of berberine against environmental heavy metals-induced neurotoxicity and Alzheimer’s-like disease in rats. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 111, 432-444. [CrossRef]
• 6. Aboelwafa, H. R., El-Kott, A. F., Abd-Ella, E. M., & Yousef, H. N. (2020). The possible neuroprotective effect of silymarin against aluminum chloride-prompted Alzheimer’s-like disease in rats. Brain Sciences, 10(9), 628.
• 7. Niu, Q. (2018). Overview of the relationship between aluminum exposure and health of human being. Neurotoxicity of Aluminum, 1-31.
• 8. Fernandes, R. M., Corrêa, M. G., Aragão, W. A. B., Nascimento, P. C., Cartágenes, S. C., Rodrigues, C. A., ... & Lima, R. R. (2020). Preclinical evidences of aluminum-induced neurotoxicity in hippocampus and pre-frontal cortex of rats exposed to low doses. Ecotoxicology and environmental safety, 206, 111139.
• 9. Klotz, K., Weistenhöfer, W., Neff, F., Hartwig, A., van Thriel, C., & Drexler, H. (2017). The health effects of aluminum exposure. Deutsches Ärzteblatt International, 114(39), 653.
• 10. Olanrewaju, J., Akinola, O., Sunday, Y.O., Joshua, O., Sunday, F., Ukonne, U., Desalu, A., & Olanrewaju, J. (2018). Effects of virgin coconut oil on aluminium chloride-induced alzheimer-like dementia in the prefrontal cortex. Journal of Advanced Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18, 1-12.
• 11. Li, Q., Liu, H., Alattar, M., Jiang, S., Han, J., Ma, Y., & Jiang, C. (2015). The preferential accumulation of heavy metals in different tissues following frequent respiratory exposure to PM 2.5 in rats. Scientific Reports, 5, 1-8.
• 12. Onimisi, B.O., Zagga, A.D., Okolo, R.U., Abubakar, M.S., Oderinde, G.P., Usman, Z., Akor, J., Ahmed, A.M., & Idris, S. (2023). Moringa oleifera Ameliorates Chlorpyrifos-Induced Hippocampal Region Histoarchitectural Changes in Wistar rat. Journal of Anatomical Sciences, 14(1).
• 13. Prakash, A., Shur, B., & Kumar, A. (2013). Naringin protects memory impairment and mitochondrial oxidative damage against aluminum-induced neurotoxicity in rats. International Journal of Neuroscience, 123, 636-645.
• 14. Edobor, H. D., Musa, S. A., Umana, U. E., Oderinde, G. P., & Agbon, A. N. (2021). Neuroprotective effect of Phoenix dactylifera (date palm) on paraquat triggered cortico-nigral neurotoxicity. Journal of Neurobehavioural Sciences, 8, 199-208.
• 15. Rimpav, V., Cerdan, C., Vila, R. and Iglesias, J. (1999). Antioxidant activity of some extracts from plants used in the traditional medicine of North-African countries (II). Phytotherapy Research, 13(2): 128-132.
• 16. Venter, S. M., and Witkowski, E. T. F. (2010). Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) density, size-class distribution and population trends between four land-use types in Northern Venda, South Africa. Forest Ecology and Management, 259: 294-300.
• 17. El-Rawy, E. M., Gergis, S. M., Bazaid, S., & El-Mougy, S. A. (1997). The immunostimulant effect of Adansonia digitata on the immune response of chicken vaccinated with avian cholera vaccine. Journal of Egyptian Veterinary Medical Association, 57(4), 959-970.
• 18. Addy, H.A. (2009). Adansonia digitata L. (baobab) - a review of traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 6(4), 282-285.
• 19. Hussain, M. I., Farooq, M., & Syed, Q. A. (2020). Nutritional and biological characteristics of the date palm fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.)–A review. Food Bioscience, 34, 100509.
• 20. Younas, A., Naqvi, S. A., Khan, M. R., Shabbir, M. A., Jatoi, M. A., Anwar, F., ... & Aadil, R. M. (2020). Functional food and nutra‐pharmaceutical perspectives of date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruit. Journal of food biochemistry, 44(9), e13332.
• 21. Al-Qarawi, A. A., Abdel-Rahman, H., Ali, B. H., Mousa, H. M., & El-Mougy, S. A. (2005). The ameliorative effect of dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 98(3), 313-317.
• 22. Trease, G. E., & Evans, W. C. (1989). Pharmacognosy (13th edn). Bailliere Tindall, London, 176-180.
• 23. Lorke D. (1983). A new approach to practical acute toxicity testing. Archives of toxicology, 54(4), 275–287.
• 24. Morris, R. (1984). Developments of a water-maze procedure for studying spatial learning in the rat. Journal of neuroscience methods, 11(1), 47-60.
• 25. Ige, S. F., Akhigbe, R. E., Edeogho, O., Ajao, F. O., Owolabi, O. Q., Adegunlola, G. J., & Oyekunle, O. A. (2011). Hepatoprotective activities of Allium cepa in experimental liver injury. Pharmacognosy Research, 3(1), 16-20.
• 26. Rukkumani, R., Aruna, K., Varma, P. S., Rajasekaran, K. N., & Menon, V. P. (2004). Comparative effects of curcumin and an analog of curcumin on alcohol and PUFA induced oxidative stress. J Pharm Pharm Sci, 7(2), 274-283.
• 27. Fridovich, I. (1989). Oxygen radicals from acetaldehyde. Free radical biology & medicine, 7(5), 557-558.
• 28. Ohkawa, H., Ohishi, N., & Yagi, K. (1979). Assay for lipid peroxides in animal tissues by thiobarbituric acid reaction. Analytical biochemistry, 95(2), 351-358.
• 29. Anani, K. (2000). Investigation of medicinal plants of Togo for antiviral and antimicrobial activities. Pharmaceutical Biology, 38, 40-45.
• 30. Ogunleye, O. O., Jatau, I. D., Natale, A. J., Obaloto, O. O., Adetutu, A. E., & Salifu, A. O. (2019). Aqueous extract of fruit pulp of Adansonia digitata (Linn): Phytochemical screening and in vitro antitrypanosomal effect. Nigerian Veterinary Journal, 40(1), 35-43.
• 31. Musa, S., Edobor, H., Umana, U., Oderinde, G., Olatomide, O., Zachariah, R., ... & Agbon, A. (2022). Histological Assessment of the Effect of Phoenix Dactylifera (Date Palm) on Cortico-ponto-cerebellar Structures in Paraquat Model of Neurotoxicity: Date and Cortico-ponto-cerebellar Structures. Journal of Medical and Basic Scientific Research, 3(2), 105-116.
• 32. Abodunrin, K., Fakunle, B., Saka, O., Abijo, A., Akinboro, A., & Ige, S. (2020). Effects of Aluminium Sulphates on Weight and Structure of Adrenal Gland of Adult Wistar Rats. International Journal of Human Anatomy, 2, 40-46.
• 33. Kpatcha, T., Dosseh, K., Idoh, K., Agbonon, A., & Gbéassor, M. (2016). Effect of Adansonia digitata L. on physical performance and haematological parameters in rats. African Journal of Science Research, 5(5), 01-06.
• 34. Sharma, P., & Mishra, K. (2006). Amelioration of fumonisin B1 hepatotoxicity in mice by depletion of T cells with anti-Thy-1.2. Reproductive Toxicology, 21, 313-321.
• 35. Justin, T. A., William Raja, T. R., Manivasagam, T., Janakiraman, U. and Essa, M. M. (2016) Hesperidin ameliorates cognitive dysfunction, oxidative stress and apoptosis against aluminium chloride induced rat model of Alzheimer’s disease. Nutrition Neuroscience(in press).
• 36. Leal, F. A., Gonçalves, G. D., Soncini, J. G. M., Staurengo-Ferrari, L., Fattori, V., Verri Jr, W. A., & Fernandes, G. S. (2022). Exposure to aluminium chloride during the peripuberal period induces prostate damage in male rats. Acta Histochemica, 124(1), 151843.
• 37. Oyewopo, O. A., Olaniyi, K. S., Oywopo, C. I., & Morakinyo, K. S. (2017). Adansonia digitata ameliorates carbon tetrachloride-induced cerebello-pituitary dysfunction in adult male Wistar rats. International Journal of Health and Allied Sciences, 6, 158-162.
• 38. Sallam, S. M., Naseer, M. E., Yousef, M. S., El-morsy, A. M., Mahmoud, S. A., & Yousef, M. I. (2005). Influence of Aluminium Chloride and Ascorbic Acid on performance, digestibility, caecal microbial activity and biochemical parameters of rabbits. Research Journal of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, 1(1), 10-16.
• 39. Gupta, A., Singh, M. P., & Sisodia, S. S. (2018). A review on learning and memory. Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics, 8(2), 153-157.
• 40. Angelopoulou, E., & Drigas, A. (2021). Working memory, attention and their relationship: A theoretical overview. Research, Society and Development, 10(5), e46410515288-e46410515288.
• 41. Yu, L., Jiang, R., Su, Q., Yu, H., & Yang, J. (2014). Hippocampal neuronal metal ion imbalance related oxidative stress in a rat model of chronic aluminium exposure and neuroprotection of meloxicam. Behavioural and Brain Functions, 10, 6.
• 42. Schröder, H., Moser, N., Huggenberger, S., Schröder, H., Moser, N., & Huggenberger, S. (2020). The mouse hippocampus. Neuroanatomy of the Mouse: An Introduction, 267-288.
• 43. Otong, S., Musa, S. A., Danborno, B., Sambo, S. J., & Dibal, N. I. (2021). Adansonia digitata ameliorates lead-induced memory impairments in rats by reducing glutamate concentration and oxidative stress. Egyptian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 9(1), 1-10.
• 44. Ogunlade, B., Adelakun, S. A., & Agie, J. A. (2022). Nutritional supplementation of gallic acid ameliorates Alzheimer-type hippocampal neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment induced by aluminum chloride exposure in adult Wistar rats. Drug and Chemical Toxicology, 45(2), 651-662.
• 45. Budson A. E. (2009). Understanding memory dysfunction. Neurologist, 15:71-79.
• 46. Farina, M., Rocha, J. B. and Aschner, M. (2011). Mechanisms of methylmercury-induced neurotoxicity: Evidence from experimental studies. Journal of life Sciences, 89:555–563.
• 47. Parfait, B., Jean, B. G., Roger, P., Hervé, N. A., Balbine, K. K., Guillaume, C. W., & Germain, S. T. (2022). Antioxidant and Anticholinesterase Properties of the Aqueous Extract of Balanites aegyptiaca L. Delile Fruit Pulp on Monosodium Glutamate-Induced Excitotoxicity in Swiss Mice. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2022(1), 7576132.
• 48. Rita, K., Moncada, M., Pintão, A., Bernardo, A., Silva, L., & Mesquita, F. (2019). Effect of Adansonia digitata L. fruit on postprandial glycaemia in non-diabetic adults. Annals of Medicine, 51(sup1), 159-159.