Neuro-protective and Neuro-curative effect of Vernonia Amygdalina in rat model of neurodegenerative disease

Background: In this study, we assessed the protective potential of Vernonia amygdalina methanolic extract on aluminum chloride- induced neurotoxicity damage in Wistar rats. Methodology: Forty Adult female Wistar rats weighing (109 ± 16 g) were randomly divided into four (4) groups (A-D, of 10 rats respectively). Group A rats served as the normal control (treated with 5 mL/kg normal saline) for 28 days, Group B rats received 0.43 mL/kg Aluminum chloride (AlCL3) via oropharyngeal cannula for 14 days and 1.31 mL of Vernonia amygdalina extract after AlCL3 treatment for 14days, Group C rats received 1.31 mL of Vernonia amygdalina (VA) extract for 14 days and 0.43 mL/kg AlCL3 after VA treatment for 14 days, D rats received only 0.43 mL/kg Aluminum chloride (AlCL3) via oropharyngeal cannula for 14 days. The rats were sacrificed, and the hippocampus processed using Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and Cresyl fast violet. Results: Results showed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in body weight of groups B-D rats when compared to group A rats. Histological examinations showed clumpy of cell neurons, condensed pyramidal cells, necrotic and vascular edema and scanty neurofibrillary tangle which was an indication of neurodegeneration in the other groups when compared to the control group. Conclusion: that the oral administration of aluminum chloride could induce brain damage which may impair memory and learning as seen in Alzheimer disease and can be ameliorated with Vernonia Amygdalina leaf extract.