Restorative Effects of Soursop Seed (Annona muricata) on Optic Chiasm and Inflammatory Markers in an Alzheimer’s Disease Model

Abstract

Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a degenerative neural disease that disrupts connections between neurons in the optic chiasm due to an aberrant protein build-up that causes visual field and memory loss. Aluminum chloride accumulation has been linked to cholinergic dysfunction and neuronal death. Medicinal plants are plants that have medical value serving as building blocks for the creation of effective medications. Soursop has been regarded as a potential neuroprotective treatment due to its antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. It also offers mitochondrial protection and dopaminergic neuroprotection. It’s acetylcholinesterase inhibitory action possibly enhances cognitive function and memory retention. Donepezil is in a class of medications called cholinesterase inhibitors. It improves mental function (such as memory, attention, the ability to interact with others, speak, think clearly, and perform regular daily activities) by increasing the amount of a certain naturally occurring substance in the brain. Aim: To investigate Neuro-Restorative Effects of Sour-sop Seed (Annona Muricata) Extract On Olfactory-Bulb Lesions and Toxicity In Aluminum-Chloride Induced Rat Model Of Alzheimer's Disease. Methods: Thirty-five (35) male wistar rats weighing 150200g were divided into 5 groups (n=7).  Group A: received distilled water (orally). Group B (Alzheimer) received 100mg/kg of aluminum chloride (IP). Group C: received 200mg/kg of sour-sop seed extract (orally). Group D: received 100mg/kg of aluminum chloride and 200mg/kg of sour-sop seed extract. Group E: received 100mg/kg of aluminum chloride and 100mg/kg of standard drug (Donepezil) for 21 days. The animals were sacrificed through cervical dislocation and organs were harvested for histological and biochemical analysis. Data obtained were analyzed using one-way ANOVA(p<0.05) subjected to graph pad prism. Results: The body, brain and optic chiasm show a significant decrease (P<0.0001) in Alzheimers group compared to control. The white blood cell count shows a significant decrease(p<0.0001) in the alzheimers group when compared to the control and treated group, TNF-alpha shows a significant increase in the alzheimers group (p<0.0001) when compared to the control and treated groups. Histological findings show that the optic chiasm of Alzheimer’s group has a degeneration of oligodendrocytes cells and loss of astrocytes while there is a regeneration of oligodendrocytes and gaining of astrocytes cells in the treatment group. Conclusion: In summary, soursop seed extract has neuroprotective effects on the optic chiasm in aluminum chloride induced Alzheimer disease, providing a potential therapeutic benefit for Alzheimer’s disease treatment.