Alzheimer's disease (AD), a prevalent form of dementia in the elderly, is linked to brain damage
from various processes, including neurotoxicity from substances like chemotherapeutic agents
and heavy metals. This study investigates the neuroprotective properties of a methanolic extract
of Pistia stratiotes L. in rats with AD induced by aluminum chloride (AlCl3). Wistar rats (230-
250 grams) received daily AlCl3 (32.5 mg in saline) for 30 days to induce AD, alongside oral
treatments of Pistia stratiotes L. extract in medium and high doses, and the standard drug
Rivastigmine. Effectiveness was assessed through behavioral tests (motor and spatial learning,
exploratory behavior, cognitive function), brain protein levels, and serum acetylcholinesterase
activity. Behavioral, biochemical, and histopathological evaluations were conducted. The
rotarod test indicated reduced muscle strength due to AlCl3, which improved with Pistia
stratiotes L. extract. In the Morris water maze test, the extract shortened the time to find the
platform, countering the spatial learning deficit. The Hole board test showed increased head
dipping (anxiety/exploratory behavior) in the AlCl3 group, partially reduced by the extract. The
extract also improved impaired cognitive function suggested by increased transfer latency time.
Protein studies showed AlCl3 led to increased brain protein levels and decreased
acetylcholinesterase levels, effects reduced by the extract. Histopathological studies revealed
significant damage in the AlCl3 group, with improvements seen with the extract. This studysuggests Pistia stratiotes L. as a neuroprotective agent, reducing oxidative stress from AlCl3
accumulation and preserving acetylcholinesterase activity, indicating its therapeutic potential
for neuroprotection.
Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, AlCl3, Pistia stratiotes L., Acetylcholinesterase,
Neuroprotective, Total brain protein
Publication date: 01/08/2025
https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2025/August/MS_IJBPAS_2025_9348.pdf
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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2025/14.8.9348
