Phytochemical Evaluation of Lagerstroemia indica (L.)Pers. Leaves as Anti- Alzheimer s

The present study aims to evaluate phytoconstituents of Lagerstromia indica (L.) and their effect on Alzheimer s disease (AD). HPLC was ( carried out) for identification of phenolics, flavonoids and natural pigments. Seven phenolic acids were identified in this investigation for the first time; ferulic, cinnamic, vanillic, p-hydroxy benzoic p–coumaric, caffeic and p-amino benzoic acids. The result of this investigation stated a promising effect of the 80% ethanolic extract (total extract) of L. indica as anti-Alzheimer s agent. In vivo experiment using rats animal model to induce AD using aluminium cholride (Al Cl3) indicated disturbances in neurotransmitter levels including norepinephrine (NEp), acetylcholine esterase (AChE), dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT). In addition, elevation in oxidative stress protein carbonyl (PC) and apoptotic markers caspase -3 were also recorded. Histopathological investigation of AD induced rats showed cerebral cortex with necrosis, atrophy, pyknosis of neurons and focal gliosis. Meanwhile, hippocampus of AD rats showed necrosis of pyramidal cells. On the other hand, hippocampus of AD rats treated with L. indica showed necrosis of some pyramidal cells. Treatment of cerebral cortex or hippocampus of AD rats treated with L. indica total extract showed necrosis of some sporadic neurons and pyramidal cells respectively. Hence, it could be concluded that, L. indica exhibited neuro-modulating effect in Al–induced neurotoxicity, which could be used in a future as a promising candidate nutraceuticals.