Neurohistological Study of the Interactive Influence of Ethanolic Leaf Extracts of Sida acuta and Rauvolfia vomitoria on the Hippocampus of Albino Rats
Kingsley A. Okon *
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.
Enobong I. Bassey
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.
Iboro E. Edet
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.
Grace U. Samuel
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: To provide information on the interactive influence of Sida acuta and Rauvolfia vomitoria on the hippocampus of albino rats using neurohistological parameter.
Methods: Thirty-five (35) female adult albino rats were used for the experiment. They were randomly divided into seven groups of five animals in each group. Group 1: The control group was given feed and water ad libitum for 28 days. Groups 2-7 served as the experimental groups. Group 2: Received 200 mg/kg body weight of Sida acuta leaf extract for 14 days. Group 3: Received 212.5 mg/kg body weight of Rauvolfia vomitoria leaf extract for 14 days. Group 4: Received 200 mg/kg body weight of Sida acuta and 212.5 mg/kg body weight of Rauvolfia vomitoria leaf extract for 14 days. Group 5: Received 200 mg/kg body weight of Sida acuta leaf extract for 14 days, then 212.5 mg/kg body weight of Rauvolfia vomitoria for the remaining 14 days. Group 6: Received 400 mg/kg body weight of Sida acuta leaf extract for 14 days, then 425 mg/kg body weight of Rauvolfia vomitoria for the remaining 14 days. Group 7: Received 600 mg/kg body weight of Sida acuta leaf extract for 14 days, then 850 mg/kg body weight of Rauvolfia vomitoria for the remaining 14 days.
Results: Sida acuta at the tested dose of 200 mg/kg body weight induced degeneration of pyramidal cells when compared to the control, Rauvolfia vomitoria at the tested dose of 212.5 kg/mg body weight exhibited neuroprotective effect, co-administration of both Sida acuta at 200 mg/kg body weight and Rauvolfia vomitoria at 212.5 mg/kg body weight and administration of Rauvolfia vomitoria after Sida acuta at increasing doses significantly reverse these changes to near normal when compared to the group that received 200 mg/kg body weight of Sida acuta for 14 days.
Conclusion: Rauvolfia vomitoria had the potential of ameliorating the neurodegenerative effect caused by the Sida acuta leaf extract on the pyramidal cells of the hippocampus albino rats.
Keywords: Rauvolfia vomitoria, Sida acuta, hippocampus, neurodegeneration