Neuroprotective Effect of Adansonia digitata against Aluminum Chlorideinduced Memory Deficits and Hippocampal Damage in Wistar Rats

Aim: Several reports have shown environmental neuron toxins such as aluminium to accumulate in the brain, potentially triggering neurodegenerative disorders. Adansonia digitata (Baobab) has been reported to possess beneficial properties. This study, assessed the neuroprotective properties of aqueous fruit pulp extract of Adansonia digitata (AEAD) on aluminum chloride (AlCl3) – induced memory dysfunctions and hippocampal changes in Wistar rats. The neuroprotective effects of AEAD were assessed with the Morris water maze for learning and memory, oxidative stress biomarkers glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and Malondialdehyde (MDA), and histopathological changes on the hippocampal CA3 region using histological techniques. Materials and Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats (110 and 150 g) were divided into six groups at random (n=5). The Control group, the animals in Group 1 received 2 ml/ kg distilled water. Group 2 received 100 mg/kg of AlCl3. Ascorbic acid at a dose of 595 mg/kg was given to Group 3. 100 mg/kg AlCl3 and different concentrations of the AEAD (500 mg/kg and 1500 mg/kg, respectively) were given to groups 4 and 5. Group 6 received 595 mg/kg of ascorbic acid and 100 mg/kg of AlCl3. Results: The latency time spent to locate the escape platform in the Morris water maze test was observed with remarkable (P