Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Activities of the Mesocarp of Raphia hookeriFruit against Aluminum Chloride-Induced Neurotoxicity in Rats

摘要

This work aims to evaluate the antioxidant and protective effect of Raphia hookeri (Rh) fruit extracts and powders against aluminum induced neurotoxicity in rats. Extracts and powder were prepared using fruit mesocarp. Phytochemical contents (phenolic content and flavonoïd) and antioxidant in vitro activity were evaluated through the DPPH radical scavenging capacity, the ability to reduce ferric ion and Hydroxyl radical scavenging ability. The neurocognitive dysfunction, the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and activities of antioxidant in vivo indices were evaluated in the plasma, liver and brain of aluminum chloride (AlCl3) induced neurotoxicity in rats. The highest total phenolic (76.34 mg Eq AG/g of extract), flavonoïds’ contents (13.32 mg Eq CAT/g of extract), the best DPPH scavenging activity and the ability to reduce ferric ion (Fe3+) were obtained with aqueous extract. The administration of aqueous extract (200 and 400 g/kg bw) and powder (5% and 10 %) during 28 days resulted in a significant decrease (P < 0.05) of the time use to find platform and the increase of the acquisition speed of food in rats. Also the evaluation of some biochemical parameters shows the decrease of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide and acetylcholine esterase activity and the increase of total protein level, catalase activities (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione level in plasma, liver and brain compared to the positive control group (PC). The best activities were obtained with groups ARh400 and Rh10%. Treatment with aqueous extract and powder of Rh mesocarp ameliorated neurobehavioral changes by enhancing antioxidant activities, cognitive functions. Therefore Rh would protect oxidative damage and preserve neurone functions.