Neuroprotective effects of T.trilobatum against aluminium chloride-Induced neurotoxicity in rats: insights into oxidative and cholinergic alterations

Oxidative imbalance and cholinergic dysfunction are key contributors to neurodegeneration. Aluminium chloride (AlCl₃) is a well-established neurotoxicant that induces these pathological changes, leading to cognitive and biochemical impairments. This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of the ethanolic leaf extract of Typhonium trilobatum (L.) Schott against AlCl₃-induced neurotoxicity in rats, focusing on antioxidant defense and cholinergic modulation. Rats received AlCl₃ (100 mg/kg, p.o.) for 28 days, resulting in behavioral deficits, elevated malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) levels, and increased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Administration of T. trilobatum extract (200 and 400 mg/kg), 30 min post-AlCl₃ exposure, significantly improved spatial learning and memory, restored antioxidant enzymes, reduced lipid peroxidation, and inhibited AChE activity. Histopathological analysis confirmed neuronal preservation, particularly in the hippocampus and cortex. These findings indicate that T. trilobatum exerts neuroprotection by mitigating oxidative stress and restoring cholinergic balance, suggesting its potential in oxidative stress-mediated neurodegenerative disorders. This is the first report providing comprehensive experimental evidence of its mechanism-based neuroprotective action.