Protective effect of ethanolic extract and raw juice of Solanum betaceum on aluminum induced oxidative stress and associated memory deficits in rats

Abstract

Background: Oxidative stress is known to contribute to the mechanisms underpinning the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Previous studies have identified the presence of flavonoids as the major constituents of Solanum betaceum (SB) with antioxidant activity. This work aims at investigating the protective effect of  ethanolic extract and raw juice  of  Solanum betaceum (SB) on aluminum induced oxidative stress and associated memory deficits in Wistar rats.

Methods: Memory impairment was induced by aluminum chloride (4.2 mg/kg, i.p.) for 28 days. Memory function was assessed by Morris water maze test and the radial labyrinth tests.

SB raw juice (5 mL/kg, p.o.) and ethanolic extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o) were administered to rats for 28 days along with aluminum chloride. Biochemical parameters of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde) and antioxydants (total protein, catalase activity, glutathione) were estimated in brain homogenate after the treatment.

Results: The results of this study showed that aluminum altered memory function and oxidative stress. SB ethanolic extract and raw juice showed a significant (p˂ 0.05) improvement in memory dysfunction  and oxidative stress by decreasing the time spent  in the baited arm and the latency, reducing the malondialdehyde levels (p˂ 0.05) and enhancing the total protein (p˂ 0.05), glutathion levels and catalase activity (p˂ 0.05)  compare to negative control group .

Conclusion: The present study clearly demonstrated the beneficial effects of   SB  ethanolic extract and raw juice which reduced oxidative stress and memory dysfunction in rats, indicating that it may be used in neurodegenerative disease prevention and management