Neuroprotective effect of Andrographis paniculata (burm.f.) leaf extract in aluminum chloride-induced alzheimer’s disease in mice

Abstract

The socio-economic burden and poor quality of life associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), coupled with the high cost of available treatment options, prompted the search for alternatives from plants. This study investigated the neuroprotective effect of Andrographis paniculata in Aluminum chloride- induced Alzheimer’s disease in mice model. Thirty female mice were randomly allocated into six groups (n=5) following the 14-day induction of groups 2-6 with aluminum chloride (AlCl₃). Group 1 (AD free) received only distilled water while groups 2 to 6 were orally treated with distilled water, 1 mg/kg donepezil, 125 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of Andrographis paniculata extract respectively. T-maze and Morris water maze experiments were utilized to investigate the cognitive behaviors of the mice. A. paniculata treated mice showed an improved dose dependent and significant (p≤0.05) alternation between the two arms of the T maze when compared to the poor alternation observed with group 2(AD positive) but untreated group. The results also showed that treatment with A. paniculata significantly (p≤0.05) reduced the time taken to reach the Morris water maze escape platform dose-dependently. The AD model group, however sluggishly roamed the water and failed to reach the escape platform within the stipulated time despite the intensive prior trainings. A. paniculata thus, has a promising neuroprotective potential against aluminum chloride-induced Alzheimer’s disease.