ABSTRACT:
Objective: The present study was aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Murraya koenigii on aluminium chloride (AlCl3) induced neurobehavioral and pathological changes in Alzheimeric rats. Methods: Wistar albino rats were selected in this study and were divided into 6 groups (6each). Group I animals received saline and were considered as control. Group II rats were administered with AlCl3 (40mg/kg b.w, oral) for 35 days. Group III rats were treated with standard Vitamin E (100mg/kg b.w, p.o) and AlCl3 (40mg/kg b.w, oral). Group IV, V,VI received aqueous extract of leaves of Murraya koenigii (100mg/kg b.w, p.o,200mg/kg b.w, p.o,400mg/kg b.w, p.o) and inducing agent AlCl3 (40mg/kg b.w, oral) .The rats were given respective treatment for 35 days and behavioural parameters were determined on the 35th day. On the 35th day the rats were sacrificed and anti-oxidant parameters, brain acetylcholinesterase content were determined. Results: Oral administration of aqueous extract of leaves of Murraya koenigii at doses 100,200, 400mg/kg body weight showed improvements in behavioural parameters when compared to AlCl3 induced rats; showed increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione and decreased levels of malondialdehyde and also a showed decrease in brain acetylcholinesterase content when compared to AlCl3 induced rats. Conclusion: This study strongly suggested that M koenigii could possibly restore the altered neurological capacities and antioxidant power in rats, and it could even be a good alternative to chemical medicines against AlCl3 induced neurotoxicity