Aluminum chloride (ACl3) is known as a potent environmental neurotoxin causing progressive neurodegeneration in the brain. Khaya grandifoliola (KG) is used in Cameroon in traditional medicine for its therapeutical properties. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of KG against ACl3-induced neurotoxicity in rats. The KG25-fraction was obtained by maceration of the KG bark powder followed by fractionation by flash chromatography. The neuronal dysfunction induced by ACl3 was evaluated on 36 rats divided into 6 groups of 6 rats each during 45 days. On day 46 after 24 hours of fasting, the rats were sacrificed. AST, ALT, PAL, catalase activity, glutathione level, peroxidized lipid level and acetylcholinesterase activity were assessed. ACl3-induced anxiety was reduced by administration of the KG25-fraction. The oxidative stress response of the KG25 fraction showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in catalase activity at the dose of 225 mg/kg bw, glutathione and lipid peroxidation levels followed the same pattern. Acetylcholinesterase activity showed a significant increase in group III (positive control) and a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the experimental groups. The KG25 fraction effectively protects the brain of rats against the toxic effects of ACl3 at doses (75 mg/kg) and (225 mg/kg) bw respectively.

Keywords: KG25, ACl3, anxiety, neurotoxicity, oxidative stress