Nutritional Attributes of Moringa oleifera Via Antioxidants and Anti-inflammatory Responses Abates Aluminum Chloride Induced Neurobehavioral Deficits, Biogenicamines Imbalance and Hippocampal Neurodegeneration in Adult Male Wistar Rats

Background: Chronic aluminum toxicity induces cellular alterations and oxidative stress thereby causing neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. This study elucidated the nutritional constituents of Moringa oleifera (MO) on aluminum-chloride (AlCl3) induced AD in adult Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods: Forty (40) adult male Wistar rats (160±20 g) were divided into 4 groups (n=10). Group A received normal saline as placebo; Group B received 200 mg/kg bw of AlCl3 only; Group C received 100mg/kg bw of MO and 200 mg/kg bw of AlCl3 and Group D received 100 mg/kg bw of MO only. All administration was done orally per day for 45 days. After the last administration, they animals underwent behavioral tests (Morris Water maze, Y-Maze and Open field). Thereafter, animals were sacrificed via cervical dislocation and blood samples were collected to obtain serum and the brain was harvested for analysis.

Results: The antioxidant enzymes (CAT, GSH and SOD) levels, serum electrolyte (except K+) and neurotransmitter levels (except norepinephrine), behavioral tests (spatial memory and learning deficit) were significantly decreased with concomitant increase in oxidative stress markers (MDA, H2O2 and NO) among AlCl3 intoxication compared to control.

Conclusion: MO preserves hippocampal neurons, antioxidant levels, neurotransmitters, learning and memory abilities induced by AlCl3.