Effect of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Azadirachta Indica on Cognitively Impaired Wistar Rats

ABSTRACT Old age-induced impairment and chronic alcohol consumption is a pervasive public health concern, often culminating in cognitive decline and impairment. Ethanol was proven to elicit cognitive impairment and depressive-like effects in both human and animal studies The quest for effective therapeutic strategies has led to the exploration of traditional medicinal plants, such as Azadirachta indica. This study investigated the potential of ethanol leaf extract of Azadirachta indica on cognitive impairment by inducing ethanol in Wistar rats. Twenty-five Wistar rats were orally exposed to ethanol and were divided into five groups: Group 1 was the control group. Group 2 received 150mg/kg body weight of ethanol but was left untreated. Group 3 was administered ethanol and was treated using 125mg/kg of body weight extract. Group 4 was administered ethanol and treated using 250mg/kg of body weight extract. Group 5 was administered ethanol and was treated using 500mg/kg of body weight extract. Cognitive Impairment was established using a behavioral test, the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM). The EPM assessed anxiety-like behavior. The values of anxiety index (AI), Total number of entries, time spent on the open arm, were assessed after 13 days of treatment with the extract. The results demonstrated that neem leaf extract significantly improved cognitive function in ethanol-treated rats, as evidenced by increased locomotor activity, reduced anxiety-like behavior, and improved spatial memory and learning. These findings suggest that Azadirachta indica ethanol leaf extract may be a valuable adjunctive therapy for preventing or treating alcohol-related cognitive decline. This study provides a comprehensive investigation of the potential of Azadirachta Indica leaf extract to mitigate alcohol-induced cognitive impairment, highlighting its therapeutic potential in the prevention and treatment of cognitive decline associated with chronic alcohol consumption.