Cerebral Cortex and Hippocampal Protection Mediated by Callistemon viminalis in Aluminium Chloride Induced Alzheimer’s Disease

Aim: The study was carried out to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of methanol extract of Callistemon viminalis in aluminium chloride induced dementia of alzheimer’s type in mice. Methods: Swiss albino mice of either sex were divided into 5 groups: vehicle control; AlCl3 + normal saline; AlCl3 + rivastigmine; AlCl3+ extract (50 mg/kg; p.o); AlCl3 + extract (100 mg/kg; p.o). The following parameters were analyzed in all groups: a) Behavioral parameters- morris water maze test, b) Biochemical parameters- AchE level, GSH level, SOD level, catalase level and nitrite level. Histopathological study- Hippocampus and cerebral cortex region of mice brain. Results: The presence of various phytoconstituents like betulinic acid, ursolic acid, β-sitosterol and lupeol reported through TLC, have a potent role as antioxidant and also known to improve blood flow as well as reduce plaque formation which proves that the extract of this plant can be used in alzheimer. Oral administration of MECV caused significant (p<0.01) decrease in escape latency time and significant (p<0.01) increase in total time in a dose dependent manner as compared to the aluminium chloride treated group. Additionally, post treatment with MECV (50mg/kg and 100 mg/kg) showed significant (p<0.01) decrease in AchE and nitrite level and significant (p<0.01) increase in the GSH, catalase and SOD level in mice brain. The histopathology of hippocampus and cerebral cortex of mice brain showed that the toxicity induced by the aluminium chloride was markedly reduced by the MECV. The normal histoarchitecture pattern of the hippocampus and cerebral cortex was also preserved. Conclusion: The evidence regarding the presence of phytoconstituents and analytical studies confirming their presence, along with preclinical studies on mice with conclusive results in treatment of Alzheimer shown by the extract concludes that the extract exhibits neuroprotective effect.