Abstract

This study was undertaken to evaluate the modulatory effect of Allium cepa (red onion) supplementation on neurobiochemical abnormalities in Albino rats with Alzheimers disease. Thirty Albino Wistar rats weighting between (150-200g) were randomly divided into six groups of five rats each. Group 1 rats were given 1ml/kg distilled water. Group 2 rats were given 100mg/kg AlCl3. Group 3, 4 and 5 rats were given 100mg/kg AlCl3+5% Allium cepa, 100mg/kg AlCl3+10% Allium cepa and 100mg/kg AlCl3+20% Allium cepa respectively. While, Group 6 rats were given 100mg/kg AlCl3 +0.5mg/kg Donepezil. All groups were treated for 6 weeks. Group 2 rats had significant increase (p < 0.05) in glutamate level when compared to group 1. Groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 rats showed significant (p < 0.05) decrease in glutamate and MDA level and a significant (p < 0.05) increase in Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catatase (CAT) level when compared to group 2. Although, group 5 rats showed the highest level of SOD and CAT. The significant increase in SOD and CAT level and a decrease in glutamate and MDA level of the groups treated with Allium cepa indicates potent antioxidant ability of Allium cepa, thus, preventing Alzheimers disease.

Key words: Alzheimer, Aluminiun Chloride, Allium cepa, Donepezil, Wistar rats