Neuroprotective effect of Bryophyllum pinnatum flavonoids against aluminum chloride-induced neurotoxicity in rats

• Published in: Toxicology mechanisms and methods 2022-05, Vol.32 (4), p.243-258
• Main Authors: Ogidigo, Joyce Oloaigbe, Anosike, Chioma Assumpta, Joshua, Parker Elijah, Ibeji, Collins U., Nwanguma, Bennett C., Nwodo, Okwesili Fred Chiletugo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acetylcholinesterase; Acetylcholinesterase - metabolism; aluminum; Aluminum - toxicity; Aluminum Chloride; Animals; Antioxidants - metabolism; Antioxidants - pharmacology; Antioxidants - therapeutic use; Bryophyllum pinnatum; flavonoid; Flavonoids - pharmacology; Flavonoids - therapeutic use; Kalanchoe - metabolism; Male; Molecular Docking Simulation; Neuroprotective Agents - pharmacology; Neuroprotective Agents - therapeutic use; neurotoxicity; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Wistar
• ISSN: 1537-6516; 1537-6524
• DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2021.1995557

Toxic metals such as aluminum accumulation in the brain have been associated with the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative disorders. Bryophyllum pinnatum leaves contain a vast array of polyphenols, particularly flavonoids, that may play a role in the prevention of toxic and degenerative effects in the brain. This study assessed the neuro-restorative potential of leaves of B. pinnatum enriched flavonoid fraction (BPFRF) in aluminum-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Neurotoxicity was induced in male Wistar rats by oral administration of 150 mg/kg body weight of aluminum chloride (AlCl 3 ) for 21 days. Rats were grouped into five (n = 6); Control (untreated), Rivastigmine group, AlCl 3 group and BPFRF group (50 and 100 mg/kg b.wt.) for 21 days. Neuronal changes in the hippocampus and cortex were biochemically and histologically evaluated. Expression patterns of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) mRNA were assessed using semi-quantitative reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction protocols. Molecular interactions of BPFRF compounds were investigated in silico. The results revealed that oral administration of BPFRF ameliorated oxidative imbalance by augmenting antioxidant systems and decreasing lipid peroxidation caused by AlCl 3 . BPFRF administration also contributed to the down-regulation of AChE mRNA transcripts and improved histological features in the hippocampus and cortex. Molecular docking studies revealed strong molecular interactions between BPFRF compounds, catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase Overall, these findings suggest the neuroprotective effect of Bryophyllum pinnatum against aluminum-induced neurotoxicity.