Inhibitory potentials of Cymbopogon citratus oil against aluminium-induced behavioral deficits and neuropathology in rats

Cymbopogon citratus is a tropical phytomedicinal plant that is widely known for its hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, anxiolytic, sedative, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we have examined the neuroprotective effects of the essential oil (ESO) of Cymbopogon citratus, following aluminum chloride (AlCl₃)-induced neurotoxicity within the cerebellum of Wistar rats. A total of 40 adult male Wistar rats were assigned into five groups and treated orally as follows: A-phosphate-buffered saline (1 ml daily for 15 days); B-ESO (50 mg/kg daily for 15 days); C-AlCl₃ (100 mg/kg daily for 15 days); D-AlCl₃ then ESO (100 mg/kg AlCl₃ daily for 15 days followed by 50 mg/kg ESO daily for subsequent 15 days); E-ESO then AlCl₃ (50 mg/kg ESO daily for 15 days followed by 100 mg/kg AlCl₃ daily for following 15 days). To address our questions, we observed the locomotion and exploratory behavior of the rats in the open field apparatus and subsequently evaluated cerebellar oxidative redox parameters, neural bioenergetics, acetylcholinesterase levels, transferrin receptor protein, and total protein profiles by biochemical assays. Furthermore, we investigated cerebellar histomorphology and Nissl profile by H&E and Cresyl violet Nissl staining procedures. ESO treatment markedly attenuated deficits in exploratory activities and rearing behavior following AlCl₃ toxicity, indicating its anxiolytic potentials. Additionally, AlCl₃ evokedincrease in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels, as well as repressed cerebellar catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase profiles were normalised to baseline levels by ESO treatment. Treatment with ESO, ergo, exhibits substantial neuroprotective and modulatory potentials in response to AlCl₃ toxicity.