Comparative Neuroprotective Effects of Atorvastatin and Ethanolic Fruit Extract of Fragaria ananassa on the Cerebellum of Methamphetamine- Intoxicated Adult Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Methamphetamine (METH) is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It takes the form of a white, odourless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol. Oxidative stress and elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is one of the main cause of cellular damage as a result of METH exposure. Numerous plants are known to be rich in potent phytochemicals which have been used in folkloric and orthodox medicine in the prevention and treatment of different ailments. Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) as a plant contains several polyphenols with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities as well as flavonoids, anthocyanins, and ellagic acid with strong neuroprotective efficacy. This research was designed to compare the neuroprotective effects of atorvastatin and ethanolic extract of Fragaria ananassa on the cerebellum of methamphetamine-intoxicated Wistar rats. Forty adult male Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups of 5 rats each. Group A was the negative control and had food and water only. Group B was the positive control and was exposed to 10mg/kg/body weight of METH without treatment.  Groups C and D were administered 200mg/kg/body weight of extract and 10 mg/kg/bw of atorvastatin (ATVS) (a standard drug) without exposure to METH respectively. Groups E was exposed to 10mg/kg of METH and treated with 10mg/kg/bw of ATVS while F and G were exposed to 10mg/kg of METH and were treated 50mg/kg/bw and 100mg/kg/bw of the ethanolic extracts respectively. Group H was exposed to 10mg/kg of METH and treated with 200mg/kg/bw of the extract plus 10mg/kg/bw of ATVS. The results of antioxidant studies show that the atorvastatin conferred more protection against oxidative stress than the ethanolic extract of strawberry. However, its histological results show that both have equal neuroprotective effects as depicted with normal cerebellar architecture whereas its combined treatment conferred more neuroprotection on the cerebellum of Wistar rats.