Neuroprotective Effect of Aqueous Leaves Extract of (Psidium guajava) on the Dentate Gyrus Following Aluminum Chloride (AlCl3) Exposure in Adult Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Introduction: Neurodegenerative disorders remain a major challenge in medicine, with environmental toxins like aluminum contributing significantly to their pathogenesis. Aim: This study assessed the neuroprotective effects of Psidium guajava aqueous leaf extract (GLE) on the dentate gyrus following aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) exposure in adult male Wistar rats. Methods: Thirty rats were divided into six groups (n=5). Group I (control) received saline for 14 days. Group II received 100 mg/kg body weight (BW) AlCl₃ for 14 days. Group III and IV received 250 mg/kg BW and 500 mg/kg BW GLE, respectively, for 14 days. Group V and VI received 100 mg/kg BW AlCl₃ for 14 days, followed by 250 mg/kg BW or 500 mg/kg BW GLE for another 14 days. Oral administration was via cannula. Neurobehavioral tests (Morris water maze, Y-maze) were conducted before sacrifice. Brains were excised post-euthanasia, processed for biochemical assays, and examined histologically. Results: AlCl₃-only rats showed significant body weight reduction, prolonged escape latency, impaired spatial memory, elevated malondialdehyde, and reduced superoxide dismutase compared to control and GLE-treated groups (P<0.05). Histology revealed severe neuronal damage in the dentate gyrus of AlCl₃-only rats, while GLE-treated groups showed preserved cytoarchitecture comparable to control. Conclusion: GLE mitigated AlCl₃-induced neuronal damage in the dentate gyrus in a dose-dependent regimen.