Therapeutic Potential of Pomegranate Juice in Wistar Rats against Aluminium Induced Neurotoxicity

Abstract

Neurodegenerative disorders are the major challenges faced by the global health care system in recent years. It is a well-known fact that a number of environmental as well as lifestyle factors are responsible for neurodegenerative diseases and the contribution by aluminium (Al) plays a major role in this. A diet containing considerably high traces of Al may cause neurotoxicity leading to memory loss, impaired coordination as well as a cognitive disturbance. The present study is designed to evaluate the neuroprotective role of Pomegranate Juice (PJ) since it is rich in polyphenols that have antioxidant properties. We evaluated neurodegenerative changes induced by AlCl3 in the hippocampus of Wistar rats as well as cognitive changes displayed by them. Then compared it with that of PJ treated rats which were previously administered with AlCl3. A significantly decreased (p<0.001) number of viable neurons were seen, in different regions of the hippocampus in the AlCl3 administered rats in comparison to the animals of the control group. However, the number of viable neurons significantly boosted (p<0.001) in PJ treated rat hippocampus. This suggests that neurotoxic changes induced by the aluminum can be ameliorated by treatment with PJ.