Neuroprotective Effect of Cannabis Sativa on Stress Induced Biochemical and Histological Changes in the Brain of Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Stress continues to be a rising global health concern that can trigger neurodegenerative diseases. Available treatment options focus more on the alleviation of specific symptoms without effort to control/delay the progression of neurodegenerative diseases triggered by stress. Cannabis sativa l. (C. sativa) at moderate doses has potent psychoactive and antioxidative properties. Objectives: This study assessed the neuroprotective effect of a hydroethanolic extract of C. sativa (HCS) on stress induced biochemical changes in the brains of Wistar rats. Methods: Twenty-five (25) Wistar rats were used in the present study and were divided into 5 groups (n=5). Group I (H2O, 1 ml/kg); group II (2 hours of restraint stress); group III (diazepam, (5 mg/kg) + stress; group IV (250 mg/kg C. sativa. + stress); and group V (750 mg/kg of C. sativa + stress). Treatment was via oral route for a period of 21 days. The neuroprotective effect of HCS was evaluated using, biochemical and histological analysis of oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, SOD, CAT, and GPx) and endogenous enzyme (AChE) activity of the brain of Wistar rats and the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus of Wistar rats using brain H&E stains, respectively. Results: Biochemical results revealed alterations in the concentration levels of oxidative stress parameters in the hippocampus in stress exposed groups. HCS significantly (p<0.05) ameliorated stress-induced alterations of biochemical parameters. Histoarchitecture alterations were observed in the hippocampus of the stress exposed group, which were mitigated in HCS group in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: Findings from this study suggest the efficacy of low dose C. sativa. in ameliorating stress induced biochemical and histological alterations in the brain and could be a potential candidate for application in the management and treatment of stress induced neurodegeneration