Neurohistological Study of the Interactive Influence of Ethanolic Leaf Extracts of Sida acuta and Rauvolfia vomitoria on the Hippocampus of Albino Rats

Aim: To provide information on the interactive influence of Sida acuta and Rauvolfia vomitoria on the hippocampus of albino rats using neurohistological parameter.

Methods: Thirty-five (35) female adult albino rats were used for the experiment. They were randomly divided into seven groups of five animals in each group. Group 1: The control group was given feed and water ad libitum for 28 days. Groups 2-7 served as the experimental groups. Group 2: Received 200 mg/kg body weight of Sida acuta leaf extract for 14 days. Group 3: Received 212.5 mg/kg body weight of Rauvolfia vomitoria leaf extract for 14 days. Group 4: Received 200 mg/kg body weight of Sida acuta and 212.5 mg/kg body weight of Rauvolfia vomitoria leaf extract for 14 days. Group 5: Received 200 mg/kg body weight of Sida acuta leaf extract for 14 days, then 212.5 mg/kg body weight of Rauvolfia vomitoria for the remaining 14 days. Group 6: Received 400 mg/kg body weight of Sida acuta leaf extract for 14 days, then 425 mg/kg body weight of Rauvolfia vomitoria for the remaining 14 days. Group 7: Received 600 mg/kg body weight of Sida acuta leaf extract for 14 days, then 850 mg/kg body weight of Rauvolfia vomitoria for the remaining 14 days.

Results: Sida acuta at the tested dose of 200 mg/kg body weight induced degeneration of pyramidal cells when compared to the control, Rauvolfia vomitoria at the tested dose of 212.5 kg/mg body weight exhibited neuroprotective effect, co-administration of both Sida acuta at 200 mg/kg body weight and Rauvolfia vomitoria at 212.5 mg/kg body weight and administration of Rauvolfia vomitoria after Sida acuta at increasing doses significantly reverse these changes to near normal when compared to the group that received 200 mg/kg body weight of Sida acuta for 14 days.

Conclusion: Rauvolfia vomitoria had the potential of ameliorating the neurodegenerative effect caused by the Sida acuta leaf extract on the pyramidal cells of the hippocampus albino rats.