Therapeutic Influence of <i>Nyctanthes arbor-tristis</i> against Aluminum Chloride-induced Impairment in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a neurological illness that causes cognitive decline and memory loss. The identification of potential therapeutic agents with neuroprotective properties is of great interest in AD research. This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective activity of the ethanolic extract of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis in an aluminium chloride-induced dementia model in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Nyctanthes arbor-tristis plant specimens were collected, and ethanolic extract was prepared using standard extraction procedures. Four groups of Wistar rats were formed: control, aluminium chloride-induced dementia, extract-treated, and standard drug-treated groups. Neurobehavioral changes were measured using the elevated plus maze test and Hebb’s William apparatus. Plasma levels of amyloid-beta 1-42 (Aβ1-42) were measured. A histopathological examination of brain tissues was conducted to assess structural changes. Results: The ethanolic extract of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis demonstrated significant neuroprotective effects in the aluminium chloride-induced dementia model. Treatment with the extract improved neurobehavioral changes associated with memory impairment and improved learning and memory performance in the Hebb’s William apparatus and elevated plus maze. Moreover, the extract significantly reduced plasma levels of Aβ1-42, indicating its potential as an anti-Alzheimer’s agent p < 0.001. Histopathological analysis revealed a reduction in neuronal damage and restoration of normal brain tissue architecture in the extract-treated group. Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis exhibits neuroprotective activity in an aluminium chloride-induced dementia model in Wistar rats. The extract improves neurobehavioral changes related to memory, decreases plasma levels of Aβ1-42, and ameliorates histopathological alterations in the brain.