#81 Amelioration of neurotoxicity induced by aluminium chloride, using South Indian Sitaphal, A rodent model of Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract

The present work is aimed to investigate the effect of ethanolic extract of fruit pulp of Annona squamosa against aluminium chloride-induced Alzheimer’s disease. Male Wistar rats were selected in this study and were divided into five groups (6 each). Group, I served as standard control. Group II received aluminium chloride (17 mg/kg, P.O.). Group III received rivastigmine (0.3 mg/kg, I.P.) and inducing agent (AlCl$_{3}$ 17 mg/kg, P.O.). Group IV and V received an ethanolic extract of Annona squamosa (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, P.O. respectively) and inducing agent (AlCl₃ 17 mg/kg, P.O.). The rats were given respective treatment for 90 days, and behavioral parameters were determined on the 90^th day. After the 90^th day rats were sacrificed, biochemical and histopathological parameters were determined. Oral administration of ethanolic extract of *Annona squamosa* fruit pulp at doses 200, 400 mg/kg body weight showed improvement in behavioral parameters when compared to AlCl$_{3}$ induced rats, showed an increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, and decreased levels of malondialdehyde and showed a decrease in brain acetylcholinesterase content when compared to AlCl₃ induced rats. The reported saturated fatty acids such as oleic acid, linoleic acids are found in animals and plants. They are primarily used to produce hormone-like substances that regulate various functions, including blood pressure, blood clotting, blood lipid levels, immune response, and the inflammation response to injury infection. The study demonstrated the beneficial effects of fruit pulp of Annona squamosa by improving biochemical and behavioral parameters.