Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of ethanolic pulp extract of Tamarindus indica (EPTI) on the cerebral cortex in prenatal ethanol exposure in Wistar rats.

Method: Twenty four pregnant rats were divided into 7 groups. The Control received 1ml of water, Groups 2 and 3 received 200mg/kg and 300mg/kg body weight (bw) of EPTI and Vitamin E respectively, Group 4 received 0.1ml of olive oil, Group 5 received 30%v/v of ethanol, Groups 6 and 7 received 30% v/v of ethanol and 200mg/kg bw of EPTI; and 30% v/v of ethanol and 300mg/kg bw of Vitamin E respectively. All administrations were via oral route, from prenatal day 7 to 14. At littering the brain tissues of the pups were collected for histological studies while some pups were used for Neurobehavioral studies.

Results: The result of elevated plus maze test showed significant increase in the time spent in the closed arm, rearing and grooming in Group 5 compared to the Control (p<0.05). Histological studies showed normal architecture in Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, Group 5, 6 and 7 showed degenerative changes compared to the Control.

Conclusion: Treatments with EPTI and Vitamin E have shown some potential protective effects on the Cerebral cortex of Wistar rats during prenatal ethanol exposure.

Key words: Cerebrum, Ethanol, Prenatal, Tamarindus indica