Neuroprotective Effects of Cucurbita pepo Leaves Extracts on Aluminium Chloride-Induced Alzheimer's Disease in Albino Rats

Abstract

This study evaluated the neuroprotective effect of Cucurbita pepo leaves methanol extract in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease induced by Aluminium chloride. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n = 5): normal control, disease control, low dose, high dose, and standard (Vitamin E). Aluminium chloride (100 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered daily for 28 days, except in the normal control. Treatments were given two hours post- AlCl₃ injection. Behavioural tests were conducted on days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28, followed by biochemical analysis of brain tissue. Disease control rats showed elevated amyloid-β and tau proteins, reduced antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GPx), increased lipid peroxidation (MDA), and neurotransmitter imbalance (↑AChE, MAO-A, MAO-B; ↓acetylcholine). Administration of C. pepo extract significantly reversed these alterations, enhancing antioxidant defences and normalizing neurotransmitter levels. Phytochemical profiling revealed high concentrations of steroids and phenols. In the Elevated Plus Maze Test, disease controls showed reduced open-arm exploration (p < 0.001), while extract treated rats showed improved performance comparable to Vitamin E. Cucurbita pepo leaves extract revealed strong neuroprotective properties, attenuating Alzheimer’s like pathology through modulation of oxidative stress, neurotransmitter regulation, and amyloid - tau burden. These findings suggest its potential as a promising adjunctive therapy for neurodegenerative disorders.