Neuroprotective Effect of Aqueous Extract of Garcinia kola on Monosodium Glutamate - Induced Cerebellar Cortical Damage in Adult Wistar Rats

Aims: This study assessed the neuroprotective effect of the aqueous extract of Garcinia kola on monosodium glutamate- induced toxicity in the cerebellar cortex of adult Wistar rats.
Study Design: Twenty-five adult Wistar rats were randomly assigned into five groups (n=5): A, B, C, D, and E. Group A served as the control while the other groups served as the treated groups. Animals in group A were given feed and water liberally.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in the Animal Holdings of the Department of Anatomy, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso, Nigeria between September 2011 and December, 2011.

Methodology: Animals in group B received 2.5 g/kg of monosodium glutamate orally for 14 days, group C received 200 mg/kg of Garcinia kola extract orally for 14 days, group D received 2.5 g/kg of monosodium glutamate and 200 mg/kg of Garcinia kola extract orally for 14 days and group E was pretreated with 200 mg/kg of Gracinia kola extracts orally for 14 days prior to the administration of 2.5 g/kg of monosodium glutamate for 14 days. The brain was excised and weighed before fixing in 10 % formal saline for histological processing.

Results: The results reveal intact cerebellar neurons in group A, C and D. Group B reveals some cellular degeneration of cortical layers compared with other groups. Preservation of cerebellar tissue was observed in group B. Group E which was pretreated with Garcinia kola shows an appreciable preserved cerebellar tissue.

Conclusion: This study concluded that Garcinia kola has protective effects on monosodium glutamate-induced cerebellar damage in adult Wistar rats.