Influence of Loranthus micranthus against STZ-Induced Neurobehavioral Deficits in Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Loranthus micranthus (LM) is used in the treatment of diabetes and mental disorders in Nigerian folklore medicine. We studied the short-term memory behavior as well as the activity of acetylcholinesterase, antioxidant status and glycolytic flux in cerebrum and cerebellum of diabetic rats treated with LM extract. Histopathological evaluation was used to assess the level of damage on brain tissue due to diabetes complications. Treatment with LM improved short-term memory behavior, significantly reduced the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO), increased glutathione (GSH) levels and enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Activities of glucose metabolism enzymes were augmented while acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was reduced by LM treatment compared with the untreated diabetic group. Histopathology evaluation revealed the possible influence of LM in reversing diabetes-induced damage in brain tissue. Further studies are required to accentuate the potentials of LM extract in assuaging diabetes-induced neurological deficits.