Neuroprotective effects of Vernonia amygdalina and Moringa oleifera in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15584/ejcem.2025.4.20Keywords:
acetylcholinesterase, diabetes mellitus, hippocampus, Moringa oleifera, Vernonia amygdalinaAbstract
Introduction and aim. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that affects multiple organs, including the hippocampus, a key region involved in memory. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective and antidiabetic effects of Vernonia amygdalina and Moringa oleifera in an alloxan-induced diabetic rat model.
Materials and methods. Thirty-five adult Wistar rats were randomized into seven groups and treated with aqueous extracts of V. amygdalina, M. oleifera, their combination, or glibenclamide for 30 days following alloxan-induced diabetes. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), hippocampal acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, cognitive performance (Morris Water Maze test) and histopathological changes in the hippocampus were evaluated.
Results. Alloxan significantly increased FBG (20.68±1.04 mmol/L), AChE activity (40.40±0.40 nmol/mL), and escape latency (51.75±4.39 sec), and reduced hippocampal cell density. Treatment with V. amygdalina and M. oleifera reduced FBG (8.29±0.93 mmol/L), AChE activity (34.50±0.30 nmol/mL), and escape latency (3.39±0.45 sec), and improved hippocampal histoarchitecture.
Conclusion. V. amygdalina and M. oleifera demonstrated neuroprotective and antidiabetic effects in diabetic rats. These results support their potential as adjunct agents to prevent diabetes-induced cognitive dysfunction.
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