Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Potential of Ashwagandha In Aluminum-Induced Toxicity

Introduction : Aluminium is the most abundant metal and the third most common element in the Earth’s crust, following oxygen and silicon. Exposure to aluminium is associated with oxidative damage, primarily due to its ability to disrupt redox balance, generate reactive oxygen species, and impair antioxidant defense mechanisms.This study was aimed to find the potential role of ashwagandha on aluminium induced brain toxicity. Methods: In the present study rats were grouped into 4 groups of 6 rats in each. Brain tissue was removed and processed for biochemical and histopathological analysis. Results: In the present study, administration of aluminium to rats resulted in a significant decrease in tissue GSH levels and a corresponding increase in MDA levels in the aluminium-treated group compared to the normal control.. Treatment with Ashwagandha showed a significant increase in GSH level and decrease in MDA level. Photomicrographic sections of the Brain in Ashwagandha-treated rats showed normla neuronal Count and exposure to Aluminium has caused significant reduction in the neuronal count. Experimental group pretreated with ashwagandha showed a visible increase in neuronal count in different regions of the rat brain. Conclusion: The results revealed that oral administration of aluminium induced adverse oxidative effects in the exposed animals, while treatment with Ashwagandha markedly reduced the extent of aluminium chloride-induced brain injury.