Neuroprotective Effects of Moringa Oleifera Extract Against Cobalt Chloride-Induced Oxidative Damage in the Cerebellum of Male Wistar Rats

Cobalt is an essential cofactor in the body, found in nutrients like vitamin B12. It has been reported that occupational exposure to cobalt chloride leads to neurodegeneration. Presently, neurodegenerative diseases have remains problems of global health concern which necessitates the search for appropriate treatment. Moringa olefeira has been shown to possess great amount of flavonoid which established its neuroprotective potential but there is a dearth of information on its effects on Cobalt chloride induced neurotoxicity.

Aims: This study evaluated the effects of Moringa olefeira ethanol extract on cobalt chloride-induced cerebellar cortex damage on adult male Wistar rats.

Study Design: Sixty male Wistar rats weighing between 120g-150g were randomly separated into six groups of ten animals each.

Group A (Control): served as control

Group B: administered 50 mg/kg cobalt chloride

Group C: administered 50mg/kg cobalt chloride and treated with 200 mg/kg Moringa extract

Group D: administered 50 mg/kg cobalt chloride and treated with 400 mg/kg Moringa extract

Group E and F: were administered 200 mg/kg and 400mg/kg of Moringa extract respectively.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of anatomy, Ladoke Akintola University of technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo state Nigeria. Between January 2024 and June 2024.

Methodology: The body weight of the experimental animals were taken weekly and at the 51st day of the experiment the animal were euthanized, the cerebellum was taken out, separated into two halve and one section was homogenized for biomedical analysis lipid peroxide (MDA) and glutathione (GSH)] while the other half was fixed in formal calcium and processed further for histological study staining with Hematoxylin and Eosin stain

Results: The result revealed insignificant decrease (P=.07) in body weight of Group B (cobalt only treated group) conversely, the body weight increased significantly (P=.01) with groups C, D and E when compared to control, Biochemical analysis shows significant increase (p>.01) in MDA level of group B while there was a significant decreased in group C and D compared to control whereas the levels of GSH decreased significantly (p=.01) in Group B and increased significant in Group C and D compared with group A, Histological observation shows normal histo-morphology of group A,E and F, Cortical neurodegenerative changes was seen in Group B, while group C and D showed preserved cerebellar histo-architecture.

Conclusion: According to this study, Moringa oleifera ethanol leaves extract has potential Ameliorative effect on cobalt chloride induced cerebellar neurodegeneration in male adult Wistar rats.