The protective effect of berberine against intrahippocampal aluminium chloride neurotoxicity in the rat

Aluminum is a component of environmental pollutants, which causes neurotoxicity. Berberine is in the group of plant-derived alkaloids such as barberry and its beneficial therapeutic properties in various diseases have been proven. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of berberine on aluminum-induced neurotoxicity.

In this experimental study, 32 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham, berberine-receiving sham, lesions-seeing and berberine-receiving lesions. To induce neurotoxicity, a solution of aluminum chloride (AlCl3) dissolved in distilled water was injected at 5 µL at a dose of 0.37 mg/kg to the left of the dorsal hippocampus. The treated rats received 100 mg/kg of berberine daily from one hour before surgery to one week after surgery and orally. In the fourth week, all groups were tested for behavioral learning and memory using the shuttle box. At the end, malondialdehyde, protein, ROS levels and acetylcholinesterase activity were measured. The results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA test and Tukey test.

In the treated AlCl3 group compared to the AlCl3 group, the initial delay was not significantly different but the delay during transit was significantly increased. MDA and ROS levels and acetylcholinesterase activity showed a significant decrease.

The results of this study showed that although treatment with berberine in the lesion group by aluminum chloride did not cause a significant difference in learning in rats, but it significantly improved memory, significantly reduced malondialdehyde, significantly reduced oxygen free radical levels and significantly reduced activity. Acetylcholinesterase and it can be said that berberine with antioxidant properties improved memory and neuroprotection against neurotoxicity caused by aluminum chloride.