Protective Effects of Petroselinum crispum Ethanolic Extract Against D Galactose and Aluminum Chloride Induced Alzheimers Disease in Rats A Behavioral and Biochemical Approach

Background: Alzheimer’s disease is one of the progressive neurodegenerative disorders affecting the elderly population without a clear etiology, accounting for more than 80% of dementia worldwide. We found the D-Gal and AlCl3-induced models to be the most economical, promising, and convenient among the other models for AD induction. Petroselinum crispum (parsley), with its established ethnomedicinal value mainly due to its antioxidant and neuroprotective activity, made us select it as a relevant choice for anti-AD activity. Materials and Methods: D-gal 60 mg/kg/day, i.p and AlCl3 200 mg/kg/day, p.o. were exposed to all groups except the control; additionally, donepezil 1 mg/kg/day, i.p. and ethanolic leaf extract of Petroselinum crispum 100 mg/day, p.o. as well as 200 mg/day, p.o. were administered to the standard, test-low dose, and test-high dose groups, respectively, for 70 days. The behavioral parameters of the animals were assessed by modified EPM, MWM, and OFT. Rat brain homogenate was used to assess biochemical parameters such as AchE inhibitory activity, Antioxidant activity (SOD, GPx, and CAT), and MDA for lipid peroxidation. In addition to that, histopathology of the hippocampus and cortex was done on all groups of rat brains. Results: Potent anti-AD activity emerged for behavioral activity, AchE inhibitory activity, lipid peroxidation inhibitory effects, as well as moderate free radical scavenging activity, for the EPC group. The histopathology of the EPC group demonstrates an almost complete reversal of AD pathology. Conclusion: The results emphasize that EPC might be a good alternative for the treatment of AD.