Neuroprotective and Antiperoxidative Actions of Centella asiatica Extract against Aluminium Chloride-Induced Neurotoxicity in Wistar Rats

International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences | Vol. 13, No. 4, April 2023 | pp. 25–32

DOI: 10.46882/2023/IJMMS/130025

Original Research Article

Neuroprotective and Antiperoxidative Actions of Centella asiatica Extract against Aluminium Chloride-Induced Neurotoxicity in Wistar Rats

Mustapha T. Gidado¹, Rose C. Obi², Elizabeth W. Wanjiku¹*

¹Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria.

²Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.

Abstract:

Chronic aluminum exposure causes progressive neurodegeneration through structural modifications driven by oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. This experimental animal study examined the neuroprotective and antiperoxidative potential of a methanolic extract of Centella asiatica leaves (MECA) against aluminum chloride (AlCl₃)-induced neurotoxicity in male Wistar rats. Thirty-five adult rats were randomly assigned to 5 equal groups: Normal Control, AlCl₃-alone (100 mg/kg, orally for 28 days), Vitamin E reference control (100 mg/kg), and two treatment groups receiving MECA (200 and 400 mg/kg) orally for 28 consecutive days alongside AlCl₃ administration. Cognitive performance was evaluated using the Morris water maze, while brain tissue analysis quantified lipid peroxidation, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and antioxidant enzyme concentrations. Exposure to AlCl₃ caused severe cognitive decline, indicated by increased escape latency time, a significant elevation in brain malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and a substantial increase in AChE activity (p < 0.01). Pre-treatment with MECA (especially at 400 mg/kg) significantly protected against neurotoxicity, lowering mean escape latency, reducing brain MDA concentrations, and decreasing AChE activity (p < 0.01 vs. AlCl₃-alone group). Furthermore, MECA successfully restored brain superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced-glutathione (GSH) concentrations. Histopathological evaluation confirmed these findings, showing a preservation of pyramidal cell architecture and a reduction in neuronal vacuolation in the hippocampus. Centella asiatica extract offers significant protection against AlCl₃-induced neurotoxicity by suppressing oxidative stress and preserving cholinergic transmission.

Keywords: Centella asiatica, Aluminum Chloride, Neurotoxicity, Oxidative Stress, Lipid Peroxidation, Cognitive Function

Manuscript Timeline: Received: January 10, 2023; Revised: February 18, 2023; Accepted: March 12, 2023; Published: April 14, 2023.

Citation: Gidado MT, Obi RC, Wanjiku EW. Neuroprotective and Antiperoxidative Actions of Centella asiatica Extract against Aluminium Chloride-Induced Neurotoxicity in Wistar Rats. International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 2023, 13(4): 25–32. DOI: 10.46882/2023/IJMMS/130025

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