Comparison of Variability in duration of Aluminum-induced Neurodegeneration and Treatment with Ficus religiosa Leaf Extract in Male Wistar Rats

Introduction: Aluminum (Al) is a known neurotoxic which is found in air, food and utensils, medicinal preparations, etc., Ficus religiosa (FR) is known as the peepal tree which is worshipped by people at large and has many medicinal importance. The objective of the study is to compare the Al groups of different durations and the treatment groups with FR leaf extract in male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: In this study, we have taken seven groups of male albino Wistar rats, six in each. Group 1 was normal control group. Groups 2 and 3 were induced groups and Groups 4-7 are treated groups. On the last day of treatment, the brain of the animals was removed, and histology slides were prepared, and viable neurons were counted using software. For behavioral analysis, the passive avoidance test was carried out. Here, the treated Groups 4 and 5 are the groups in which the leaf extract of FR was given after treating with Al for 25 days and for Groups 6 and 7, given after treating with Al for 45 days. The comparison of different durations of the Al groups and treated groups was carried out based on neuronal count in CA3 region of hippocampus. Results: We have observed the neurodegeneration in all regions of hippocampus including dentate gyrus, but mainly, the neurodegeneration was observed in CA3 region of hippocampus. In both the parameters, there was no significant difference observed in terms of change of duration of Al (P > 0.05). The neurodegeneration observed in both Al groups was the same. The effect of treatment was observed a similar improvement in all treated groups even after in change in duration of Al (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Aluminium induced neurodegeneration in rat's brain in both higher and lower duration and in both cases Ficus religiosa treated effectively against neurotoxicity of Al.