Amelioration of Aluminum Chloride-Induced Alzheimer’s Disease via Biochemical Pathways by Methanolic Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Fruit Extract in Wistar Rats
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study evaluated the neuroprotective potential of Cucurbita pepo fruit methanol extract in an aluminium chloride-induced rat model of Alzheimer’s disease. Phytochemical analysis revealed high concentrations of steroids (19.55±0.83 mg/g), phenols (14.70±0.05 mg/g), flavonoids (10.33±0.06 mg/g) and saponins (7.62±0.36 mg/g), indicating the presence of bioactive compounds. In behavioural assessments using the Elevated Plus Maze Test (EPMT), the disease control group exhibited a significant reduction (p < 0.001) in time spent in open arms, indicative of increased anxiety and cognitive impairment. Treatment with C. pepo extract significantly increased open arm time, comparable to the standard drug. Biochemical analyses revealed a substantial elevation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau protein levels in the disease control group, while C. pepo extract administration at both low and high doses significantly reduced these pathological markers. Antioxidant assays showed decreased SOD and GPx activities and increased MDA levels in the disease control group, which were ameliorated following C. pepo extract treatment. Neurotransmitter analysis further indicated elevated AChE, MAO-A, and MAO-B levels, alongside reduced acetylcholine (ACh) in the disease group. These alterations were significantly reversed by C. pepo extract, especially at the high dose, mirroring the effects of vitamin E. Overall, Cucurbita pepo fruit extract ameliorated markers of oxidative stress, cholinergic dysfunction and reduced the level of amyloid and tau protein.
Institution: Nasarawa State University
Language: English
Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
Funder: Tertiary Education Trust Fund
OpenAlex ID: W7166202167