In Vivo Cognitive-Enhancing, Ex Vivo Malondialdehyde- Lowering Activities and Phytochemical Profiles of Aqueous and Methanolic Stem Bark Extracts of Piliostigma thonningii (Schum.)
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Date
2020
Authors
Gervason, Apiri Moriasi
Ireri, Anthony Muriithi
Ngugi, Mathew Piero
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Hindawi
Abstract
Cognitive impairment (CI) is among the leading causes of disability in humans. It is estimated that over 35.6 million people are
suffering from Alzheimer’s disease- (AD-) associated cognitive deficits globally with these statistics projected to rise over 115.4
million by the year 2050. There is no specific etiology for this cognitive impairment; however, various contributing factors
including advancing age (>60 years old), oxidative stress, cerebral injuries, infections, neurologic disorders, and cancer have
been implicated. Despite various attempts to manage CI, no curative medicines are yet available. The current drugs used to
manage symptoms of AD-associated CI including Donepezil and Rivastigmine among others are only palliative rather than
therapeutic. Furthermore, these agents have been associated with undesirable side effects. This calls for alternative and
complementary approaches aimed at either preventing or reverting AD-related CI in a curative way without causing adverse
events. It is estimated that over 80% of the world’s population utilize herbal medicines for basic healthcare as it is considered
safe, affordable, and easily accessible as opposed to conventional healthcare. Various parts of P. thonningii are used in
traditional medicine to manage various conditions including CI. However, empirical and scientific data to validate these uses is
lacking. In this study, the Morris water maze (MWM) experiment was adopted to evaluate the cognitive-enhancing effects of the
studied plant extracts. The malondialdehyde (MDA) profiles in the brains of experimental mice were determined using the
thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) test. Moreover, qualitative phytochemical profiling of the studied plant extracts
was performed using standard procedures. The results showed remarkable cognitive-enhancing activities which were reflected in
significantly shorter transfer latencies, navigation distances, longer time spent in platform quadrant, and lower MDA levels
compared with those recorded for the negative control mice (p < 0:05). Phytochemical screening of the studied plant extracts
revealed the presence of antioxidant phytocompounds, which may have played key roles in the extracts’ potency. Based on the
findings herein, P. thonningii extracts, especially the aqueous ones have a promising potential for the management of ADassociated
CI. Further studies aimed at isolating and characterizing specific active compounds for CI from P. thonningii are
recommended. Additionally, specific mode(s) of action of active principles should be elucidated. Moreover, toxicity studies
should be done on the studied plant extracts to ascertain their safety.
Description
A research article published in International Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease
Keywords
In Vivo Cognitive-Enhancing, Methanolic Stem Bark, Piliostigma thonningii (Schum.)
Citation
International Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. Vol 2020