Ameliorative Effects of Aqueous Extract of Colocasia esculenta Leaf Against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Prefrontal cortex damage in Mice

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> Background The prefrontal-cortex (PFC) occupies about one-third of the total area of the cerebral cortex and it plays crucial role in Cognition and memory. This study evaluated the ameliorative effects of aqueous extract of <italic>Colocasia esculenta</italic> leaf (AECEL) on lipopolysaccharide-induced Prefrontal-cortex damage. Methods 42 Swiss male albino mice with weights ranging between 18 − 22g were randomized into six-groups. Group-A consisted of healthy-mice and LPS-induction in groups (B-F) was done by intraperitoneal injections of 0.5mg/kg of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for seven days. Group-B received distilled-water; Group C- E was treated with AECEL at 400 mg/kg, 600 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg respectively, while Group F received 2.5 mg/kg of donepezil (DPZ) via oral-gavage for 28days. Results Significant increase in the brain oxidative-stress parameters was seen in the LPS-exposed groups compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.05). However, compared with those in the LPS-only group, the levels of oxidative-stress parameters as well as Tumour-necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 in the brain of AECEL-and DPZ-treated groups were significantly lower (p &lt; 0.05). In the Y-maze test: the percentage-alternation (%ALTERN) significantly decreased (p &lt; 0.05) in the LPS-only group compared to that in the control-group, but there was a significant increase in the %ALTERN in the AECEL-treated groups compared to that in the LPS-only and LPS + DPZ treatment groups (p &lt; 0.05). Bielschowsky staining revealed that the LPS-only group exhibited senile-plaques and neurofibrillary-tangles. Conclusion LPS caused damage to the PFC; AECEL significantly improved cognitive function, memory, and anxiety-like behaviours.