Neuroprotective potential of Aframomum melegueta extracts on brain of monosodium glutamate-treated wistar albino rats

Abstract

The study evaluated the biochemical effects of methanolic seed extract of Aframomum melegueta (MEAM) on biochemical parameters of the brain of rats treated with monosodium glutamate (MSG) with a view to considering the possibility of using the plant as a remedy for the management of neurotoxic disorders. MEAM was prepared according to standard methods, phytochemically screened and followed by evaluation of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials as well as its biological activities. Phytochemical screening of the methanolic extract (ME) revealed the presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins and terpenoids. Administration of MSG (2 g/kg bwt) caused alterations in the levels of glutathione, nitric oxide, Vitamin C and E, as well as in the reduction of activities of enzymatic antioxidants. There were increases in the activities of brain marker enzymes, protein and peroxidation levels. Histopathological observations of brain sections revealed that MEAM protected the brain from glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. Conclusively, extract of A. melegueta elicited appreciable and potent neuroprotective potentials against neuro-degeneration caused by MSG oral administration, in a concentration dependent manner.

Phoenix dactylifera and polyphenols ameliorated monosodium glutamate toxicity in the dentate gyrus of Wistar rats

“…Significant increase in level of lipid peroxidation in the rats given MSG was due to generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Malondialdehyde is a secondary resultant product of lipid peroxidation due to alteration in the membrane intergrity caused by tremendous increase in lipid peroxidation in the membrane which is dominated by polysaturated fatty acid (Fasakin et al, 2017;Arise et al, 2019). Its increase has been previously reported as a result of excitotoxicity (Arise et al, 2019).…”