Effects of Concurrent Diazepam and Elaeis guineensis Administration on the Histology of the Prefrontal Cortex in Experimental Animals

Abstract

The prefrontal cortex is a major region of the brain involved in cognition, emotional regulation, decision-making, and behavioral coordination, and is highly susceptible to neurochemical alterations induced by central nervous system depressants. This study investigated the histomorphological effects of Diazepam on the prefrontal cortex of adult mice administered Elaeis guineensis. Sixteen adult mice weighing between 25 g and 40 g were obtained, acclimatized for two weeks, and randomly assigned into four groups (n = 4). Group A served as the control and received feed and water only. Group B received Elaeis guineensis followed two hours later by Diazepam (18.75 mg/mL), while Group C received Diazepam followed two hours later by Elaeis guineensis. Group D received Diazepam only. All treatments were administered orally for 28 days. At the end of the experiment, animals were sacrificed under chloroform anesthesia, and brain tissues were harvested, fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, processed histologically, and stained using Hematoxylin and Eosin technique for microscopic evaluation. Histological findings revealed preserved cortical architecture with well-organized neuronal layers in the control group. Group B demonstrated mild inflammatory infiltration and limited fibrotic changes, suggesting attenuation of Diazepam-induced neurotoxicity. Group C showed vascular congestion and focal fibrotic clot formation, indicative of partial recovery following neuronal injury. In contrast, Group D exhibited marked neurodegenerative alterations characterized by severe inflammation, spongiform degeneration, and disruption of cortical integrity. These findings suggest that Elaeis guineensis possesses neuroprotective properties, likely mediated through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, and may be more effective as a preventive agent against Diazepam-induced cortical damage.