Protective Potential of Aqueous Fruit Extract of Azanza Garckeana on Aluminium Chloride- Induced Toxicity of the Amygdala in Adult Wistar Rats: a Histological Study

Aluminum Chloride (AlCl3) is a well-known environmental toxin with severe neurotoxic
effects, particularly in the amygdala, a brain region critical for emotional regulation and
memory. Azanza garckeana commonly known as snot apple or gorontula, is a fruit renowned
for its traditional medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and
neuroprotective effects, its potential health benefits. Accordingly, this histological study
investigates the neuroprotective potential of the aqueous fruit extract of Azanza garckeana on
Aluminum Chloride induced amygdala toxicity of adult Wistar rats. Thirty (30) adult Wistar
Rats were randomly divided into six (6) groups of five (5) rats each. Group A rats served as the
control group and was given clean water; Group B rats were given 100mg/kg body weight of
Aluminum Chloride only; Group C rats were given 100mg/kg body weight of Aluminum
Chloride and 500mg/kg body weight of aqueous fruit extract of Azanza garckeana; Group D
Rats were administered with 100mg/kg body weight of Aluminum Chloride and 1000mg/kg
body weight of aqueous fruit extract of Azanza garckeana; Group E rats were given 500mg/kg
body weight of aqueous fruit extract of Azanza garckeana only; Group F rats were given
1000mg/kg body weight of aqueous fruit extract of Azanza garckeana only. The administration
lasted for twenty-eight (28) days. Following the sacrifice of the experimental rats the amygdala
was collected for histological assessment. Results show that AlCl3 exposure led to significant
neuronal degeneration. Treatment with Azanza garckeana extract significantly preserved
neuronal integrity. The aqueous fruit extract of Azanza garckeana exhibit significant
neuroprotective properties on Aluminum Chloride induced neurotoxicity in the amygdala of
adult Wistar rats. The extract’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuro regulatory effect
contributed to preserving neuronal structure. These results suggest that Azanza garckeana
could be an effective natural therapeutic agent for counteracting the neurotoxic impacts of
environmental toxins like Aluminum Chloride.