Neuroprotective Effects of Bacopa monniera Whole-Plant Extract against Aluminum-Induced Hippocampus Damage in Rats: Evidence from Electron Microscopic Images

Abstract

Impaired antioxidant system and structural changes in hippocampus are considered as key instigators of neurodegenerative diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and tissue protective properties of Bacopa monniera whole-plant extract (BME) against aluminum (Al)- induced oxidative stress and hippocampus damage in rats. Male Wistar rats were evenly divided into four groups, nine in each and labeled as control, Al treated (10 mg/kg), BME administered (40 mg/kg) and combination of both Al plus BME (Al+BME) treated groups. After one month of treatment by oral administration, antioxidant status was determined, and structural changes in the hippocampus were evaluated by electron microscopy. Al-induced increased oxidative damage in the hippocampus was revealed by elevated thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). This increased lipid peroxidation was associated with significantly decreased antioxidant enzyme activities, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). However, aluminum intoxicated rats treated with BME for 30 days showed significantly restored antioxidant enzyme activities along with decreased TBARS (P < 0.01). Further evidences from electron micrographs clearly indicated that Al-induced vacuolation, lipofuscin deposition and pyramidal cell degeneration in the hippocampus was attenuated with co-administration of the whole-plant extract. Our results demonstrate that structural derangement in hippocampus by aluminum is directly proportionate with increased lipid peroxidation. Nevertheless, B. monniera treatment potentiates the antioxidant status and suppressed the tissue damage induced by Al-intoxication. These findings suggest that B. monniera whole-plant extracts can be considered as a possible remedy to counteract aluminum-associated neurological disorders.

Phytoconstituents Profile of Clitoria Ternatea by Gc-MS and Its Age-Related Anticholinergic Activity Against Aluminum and Restraint Stress

“…Therefore, CT leaf extract with rich phytoconstituents can easily incorporated into clinical trials in aging neurodegenerative studies. In conclusion, RS and AlM caused significant cholinergic damage in the present study in both young and adult cerebellum of albino rats compared to control, these results are in conformity with our previous research annotations about Al induced neurotoxicity by 31 Sushma et al 2014. However, cholinergic change was more pronounced in adult rats compared to control.…”

Crude Extracts of Bacopa Monnieri Induces Dendrite Formation in Rodent Neural Stem Cell Cultures—A Possible Use in Neuronal Injury

“…The structural changes due to BM extracts in the neurons have also been earlier delineated with electron microscopic evaluation. 28 The present study also demonstrated structural changes that were beneficial in the in vitro neuronal growth and differentiation. It is noteworthy that even in the absence of growth factors, BM had positive effect on neuronal growth and differentiation.…”

Analyzing Nootropic Effect of &lt;i&gt;Phyllanthus reticulatus&lt;/i&gt; Poir. on Cognitive Functions, Brain Antioxidant Enzymes and Acetylcholinesterase Activity against Aluminium-Induced Alzheimer’s Model in Rats: Applicable for Controlling the Risk Factors of Alzheimer’s Disease

“…The suspension of EEPR was made by using 0.9% saline solution (pH 7.4) and orally administered at 100 and 200 mg/kg for one month to rats. The duration of this study and doses of the donepezil, aluminium maltolate and EEPR we reselected according to the literature review [46] [51] [52]. Suspension of the extract, donepezil and aluminium maltolate were freshly prepared everyday and administered once daily at 10:00 am.…”