AlCl3 is commonly administered to simulate
neurotoxic effects and cognitive disorders that affect the
central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) such as
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. This study assessed
the effects of Carica Papaya leaf extract on AlCl3 induced
animals to see the neurotoxic effect of AlCl3is greater
than the ameliorative or antioxidative function of Carica
Papaya leaf extract. 30 adult female wistar rats were split
into 5 groups and housed six rats per group. Group 1 was
designated as the control group by which other groups
would be measured against, hence received nothing with
regard to administration. Group 2 rats were administered
250g/1250mls of Carica Papaya leaf extract. Group 3 rats
were administered 0.1g of AlCl3. Group 4 rats were
administered 0.1g of AlCl3 first then 250g/1250mls of
Carica Papaya leaf extract second. Group 5 rats were
administered 250g/1250mls of Carica Papaya leaf extract
first then 0.1g of AlCl3 second. The general
administration time was 14 days. After administration,
the cognitive parameters of the rats were then accessed
through a variety of behavioural tests. The concentration
of MDA and the activities of GSH, LDH and AchE in the
prefrontal cortex of the mice were evaluated. There was a
decrease in the brain weight of the group exposed to
aluminium chloride only (group 2) as opposed to the
control group. The study also showed significant increase
in the AChE levels of group 2 rats which were given just
AlCl3 as opposed to the control group. Group 3 rats that
were given only Carica Papaya leaf extract had the
highest MDA levels out of all the groups. The LDH levels
for all the groups were the same except rats that were
given CP whichhad more elevated levels of LDH. GSH
increase in rats that were administered AlCl3 was
observed. The results gotten suggest that Carica Papaya
may effectively prevent neurotoxic effects induced by
AlCl3 and could also be ameliorative for already existing
AlCl3 conditions.
Keywords :
Aluminium Chloride; Carica papaya; Prefrontal Cortex; Melondialdehyde; Gluthiatone.
