Effects of Moringa oleifera on 3, 4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) Induced Neurotoxicity in the Pre-Frontal Cortex of Experimental Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background and Objective: Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is used by millions of people worldwide as a recreational drug.Due to the popularity of MDMA use and its potential to create long-lasting or permanent 5-HT axon damage, the need for ways to control its effect on the brain is crucial. The present study aimed at investigating the effect of Moringa oleifera aqueous leaf extract on MDMA-induced neurotoxicity in the prefrontal cortex. Materials and Methods: Thirty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, A, B, C, D and E (n = 6) which were treated every day for 2 weeks. Group A: Control group, Group B: Moringa only (200 mg kgG 1 ), Group C: MDMA only (5 mg kgG 1 ), Group D: MDMA for the first 1-7 days (5 mg kgG 1 ), moringa for the remaining 8-14 days (200 mg kgG 1 ) and Group E: MDMA in the morning (5 mg kgG 1 b.wt.) and moringa in the evening (200 mg kgG 1 ). Brain samples were collected and weighed and the prefrontal cortex was sliced, sectioned and processed for histological and immunochemical analysis. Results: The MDMA caused neuronal and myelin sheath degeneration. Moringa, however, promoted the regeneration of myelin sheaths and neurons to reverse damage caused by MDMA. Conclusion: The result showed that M. oleifera aqueous leaf extract protected and also ameliorated neurotoxicity caused by MDMA.

Radiofrequency (4g) Exposure Effects on Dentate Gyrus structure and Function in Wistar rats: Pre- vs. Postnatal Impact

“…However, abnormal increases in GABAergic signaling may impede development, while glutamatergic over-activity could hinder neurogenesis. 27 Dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters regulating mood and implicated in anxiety and depression, also influence neuroplastic changes prenatally and postnatally within the hippocampal formation and cortex. 28 This study noted significant changes in dopamine (Figure 4) and serotonin (Figure 5) levels across all groups exposed to prenatal and postnatal radiofrequency, aligning with Ismail et al's 28 findings suggesting stress-related dopaminergic effects and anxiogenic serotonin effects.…”