Leaf extract of Anacardium occidentale ameliorates biomarkers of neuroinflammation, memory loss, and neurobehavioral deficit in N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) treated rats

Abstract

Purpose

Anacardium occidentale commonly known as Cashew is a plant that is widely used in African traditional medicine. It is endowed with phytochemical constituents that are responsible for its medicinal properties.

Methods

Twenty-five male Wistar rats were grouped as follows: Control (Group A), Group B (L-NAME 40 mg/kg), Group C (100 mg/kg Anacardium occidentale extract plus 40 mg/kg L-NAME), Group D (200 mg/kg extract plus 40 mg/kg L-NAME) and Group E (10 mg/kg of Lisinopril plus 40 mg/kg L-NAME). The animals were treated with oral administration of either the extracts or Lisnopril daily for 4 weeks. Neuro-behavioural tests such as the Morris Water Maze and Hanging Wire Grip tests were carried out to evaluate memory/spatial learning and muscular strength, respectively. Makers of oxidative stress, antioxidant enzymes and immunohistochemical staining of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein and Ionised Calcium Binding Adaptor molecule 1 were assessed.

Results

L-NAME administration caused significant increases in biomarkers of oxidative stress, decreased antioxidant status, acetylcholinesterase activity, altered neuro-behavioural changes, astrocytosis, and microgliosis. However, Anacardium occidentale reversed exaggerated oxidative stress biomarkers and improved neuro-behavioural changes.

Conclusions

Combining all, Anacardium occidentale enhanced brain antioxidant defence status, improved memory and muscular strength, thus, suggesting the neuroprotective properties of Anacardium occidentale.

Keywords:

• Anacardium occidentale
• neuro-inflammation
• neurobehavioral changes
• neuroprotection
• oxidative stress

Acknowledgements

Professor J.O. Olopade acknowledges the funding from Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) of Nigeria. We acknowledge the Neuroscience laboratory, Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Ibadan for their technical assistance and provision of antibodies.

Disclosure statement

Authors declare no conflict of interest.

Data availability statement

Data will be supplied based on request