Moringa oleifera Aqueous Leaf-Extract Attenuates Metronidazole-Induced Impaired Memory and Neurodegeneration Via Modulation of Oxidative Stress in a Rat Model

Background: Metronidazole is an antibiotic and antiprotozoal medication commonly used in the treatment of infections caused by anaerobic bacteria and certain protozoa, has attracted attention in clinical trials in recent decades due to its adverse effects, which include Central nervous system toxicity, loss of appetite, and severe skin reactions among others. These adverse effects have geared up the quest to further search for plant materials that will not mitigate its efficacy but can alleviate its adverse effects. This study investigate the potential ameliorative effects of Moringa oleifera aqueous extract on metronidazole induced neurotoxicity on hippocampus of Adult Wistar rat. Aims: This study evaluated the effects of Moringa olefeira extract on metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity on hippocampal conus amonis on adult Wistar rats. Study Design: Forty eight (48) adult Wistar rats weighing about 140-160g were divided into six groups (A-F) of eight animals each for oral administration for 60days. Place and Duration of Study: Department of anatomy, Ladoke Akintola University of technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo state Nigeria. Between March 2024 and November 2024. Methodology: The experiment Animal were exposed to behavioral paradigm (Y-maze) at 61st day, the Animal were euthanized, the hippocampus conus amonis was taken out, homogenized for biomedical analysis [lipid peroxide (MDA) and superoxide Dismutase (SOD) while some part were fixed in neutral buffered and processed further for histological study staining with Hematoxylin and Eosin Results: There was significant decrease(p=.001) in correct alternation in MTDZ group compared to control, Biochemical analysis shows significant increase (p=.001) in MDA level of group B while there was a significant decreased in group C and D compared to control whereas the levels of SOD decreased significantly (p=.001) in Group B and increased significant in Group C and D compared with group A, Histological observation shows degenerating Pyramidal cells, granule cells, and neuroglia in metronidazole group while these features were restored Moringa Groups. Conclusion: The study affirm the anti-oxidant and behavioural effects of Moringa on metronidazole induced neurotoxicity on hippocampus of the Wistar rats.