Protective Effect of Pithecellobium Dulce on AlCl<sub>3</sub> Induced Cognitive Dysfunction in Zebra Fish and Mice

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that leads to significant cognitive and behavioural abnormalities, including challenges in learning and memory. Additionally, neuropsychiatric symptoms like anxiety and depression are closely linked to the disease's progression. Consequently, AD gradually erodes various aspects of human life, leading to incapacitation. The underlying causes of AD involve the formation of senile plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, oxidative stress, inflammatory processes, and dysfunction in the cholinergic system. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (such as tacrine, rivastigmine, donepezil, and galantamine) are frequently prescribed medications for AD. Nevertheless, these drugs have limitations, including undesirable cholinergic side effects, limited efficacy, potential liver toxicity, and suboptimal bioavailability. As a result, various plant-based compounds have been explored for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, including AD. These natural compounds offer the potential for the development of safer, more effective, and multifaceted drugs to address the complexities of AD treatment. The Pithecellobium dulce has many medicinal properties and is widely used in ayurveda. The effect of the extract of aerial parts of Pithecellobium dulce on aluminum chloride induced cognitive dysfunction in zebra fish and mice model was investigated. The primary study was done by using zebrafish model to determine effect of plant extract as they are cheaper and easily available than mice. After that further study was carried out using Mice model to evident the pharmacological activity of plant extract. In Danio rerio (Zebra Fish) and Albino Mice Model, animals were divided into 5 groups, including the Normal, Control (Aluminium chloride), Aluminium Chloride + Donepezil and Aluminium Chloride + P. dulce extract respectively. In Zebra Fish, Spatial memory was evaluated by the colour-biased appetite conditioning T-maze test, while fear memory was measured by the inhibitory avoidance test. In Albino Mice Model, learning and memory were evaluated by Elevated Plus maze test and Morris water maze test. The results suggested that P. dulce extract attenuated cognitive impairment induced by aluminium chloride in zebra fish and Albino Mice Model. Our findings can be useful for further investigation to develop P. dulce extract as an effective health product to treat the Alzheimer Disease.