Protective Effect of Pluchea lanceolata against Aluminum Chloride-induced Neurotoxicity in Swiss Albino Mice

BACKGROUND: Aluminum chloride (AlCl(3)) is a known potent environmental neurotoxin causing progressive neurodegenerative changes in the brain. The herb Pluchea lanceolata is commonly known as “Rasana” and used as a nerve tonic in neuroinflammatory conditions in Indian system of medicine. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the neuroprotective activity of hydroalcoholic extract of P. lanceolata in chronic AlCl(3)-induced neurotoxicity in Swiss albino mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Albino mice were categorized into four different groups; Group 1served as vehicle control, Group 2 mice were administered with AlCl(3), 40 mg/kg body weight by intraperitoneal route for 45 consecutive days. Groups 3 and 4 mice were administered with AlCl(3), 40 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneal for 45 consecutive days along with hydroalcoholic extract of P. lanceolata at 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight. RESULTS: Chronic administration of AlCl(3) resulted in behavioral deficits, triggered lipid peroxidation, increased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and histological alterations. Co-administration of hydroalcoholic extract of P. lanceolata attenuated many of the AlCl(3)-induced alterations such as behavioral, lipid peroxidation, AChE, and histological changes of brain tissue. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study have demonstrated the protective role of hydroalcoholic extract of P. lanceolata against AlCl(3)-induced neurotoxicity in Swiss albino mice. The neuroprotective efficacy of P. lanceolata can help reduce the symptoms caused by toxic protein aggregates in several degenerative diseases. SUMMARY: The hydro alcoholic extract of Pluchea lanceolata showed neuroprotective activity in albino mice against AlCl(3) toxicity. The benefits of Pluchea lanceolata against AlCl(3) toxicity includes reduced lipid peroxidation and acetylcholine esterase activity with improved behavioral functions. The hydro alcoholic extract of Pluchea lanceolata rendered protection against AlCl(3) in forebrain, midbrain, cerebellum and hippocampus. Therefore Pluchea lanceolata holds pharmacological potentials for treating diseases associated with neuronal toxicity. [Image: see text] Abbreviations used: HAPL: Hydro alcoholic extract of Pluchea lanceolata; CAT: Catalase; GSH-Px: Glutathione peroxidase; SOD: Superoxide dismutase; TBARS: Thio-barbituric acid reactive substances; MDA: Malondialdehyde; AChE: Acetylcholine esterase; AOT: Acute oral toxicity; CNS: Central nervous system; H(2)O(2): Hydrogen peroxide; ML: molecular layer; GL: granular layer; MC: microcytic changes; BV: blood vessels; DG: dentate gyrus; PC: pyramidal cells; LD: Lethal dose; ANOVA: Analysis of variance; SEM: Standard error of mean; PCL: Pyramidal cell layer; OCL: Outer granular layer; BV: blood vessels; PM: Pia mater.