Behavioural Cellular and Neurochemical Alterations in Rat Prefrontal cortex and Hippocampus Exposed to Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus) Treatment
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Date
2018-12
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Abstract
Investigating substances of plant origin for therapeutic advantages over subcellular mechanisms
underlying a number of physiological dysfunctions could foster the development of potent therapeutic
strategies for the treatment of these dysfunctions. We explored the effects of Tigernut (Cyperus
esculentus) consumption on neurochemical, behavioural and cellular parameters in prefrontal and
hippocampal regions of rat brain. Twenty-four (24) adult male Wistar rats with an average weight of
180g±10g were randomly split into 4 (A-D) groups (n=6); Groups A – C received 10mg/kg, 20mg/kg, and
30mg/kg bodyweight of Tigernut extract respectively for 14days, while Group D served as the control
receiving distilled water. Animals were sacrificed 24hours after the last day of administration. Behavioural
assessment of the cortico-hippocampal neural circuitry in Tigernut–treated rats showed increased
memory function compared to control, evidenced by an increase in correct spontaneous alternation in the
Tigernut-treated groups. Neural malondialdehyde (MDA) levels was significantly reduced in treated rats in
order of increasing dose, while the concentrations of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)
were significantly increased. These observations hinted at the antioxidant properties of Tigernut.
Subsequent analysis of the total antioxidant capacity in animals revealed elevated antioxidant levels
significantly in the 10mg/kg and 20mg/kg groups. Furthermore, the microarchitecture of the prefrontal
cortex and hippocampus appeared normal and well-structured. Our results show that Tigernut has
neurotherapeutic and antioxidant properties at moderate doses and can therefore, be used to augment
the endogenous production of antioxidants in the different brain regions
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Keywords
Tigernut, Hippocampus, Prefrontal cortex, Biochemical redox
Citation
Arogundade TT, Yawson EO, Gbadamosi IT, Abayomi AT, Tokunbo OS, Lambe E, Bamisi OD and Alabi AS (2018). Behavioural cellular and neurochemical alterations in rat prefrontal cortex and hippocampus exposed to tigernut (Cyperus esculentus) treatment. Journal of Environmental Toxicology and Public Health 3: 38-46. http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.2395804