Effect of Hydromethanolic Mangifera Indica Stem Bark and Leaf Extracts on Motor Coordination and Grip Strength in ECT-Induced Seizure in Male Wistar Rats

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), although clinically effective in treatment-resistant depression, is often associated with adverse neurocognitive effects, particularly impairments in learning and memory. The search for safe adjunctive therapies has drawn attention to plant-derived neuroprotectants. This study investigated the effect of hydromethanolic extracts of Mangifera indica stem bark (MSBE) and leaf (MLE) on learning and memory in ECT-induced seizure models in male Wistar rats, using beam walk and forelimb grip tests. Rats were divided into eight groups: control, ECT-only, ECT + diazepam (DZP), MSBE (300 and 600 mg/kg), and MLE (300 and 600 mg/kg). ECT markedly impaired motor coordination and grip performance, reflected in prolonged beam walk latency (Week 4: 265.00 ± 62.85 s vs. control: 53.70 ± 21.73 s, p<0.05) and reduced grip strength. Treatment with MSBE and MLE significantly attenuated these deficits, with MLE (600 mg/kg) showing the most robust effects, improving grip strength (Week 4: 28.20 ± 0.86 vs. ECT: 7.10 ± 2.07, p<0.05) and reducing beam walk latency (Week 4: 15.50 ± 6.37 s vs. ECT: 265.00 ± 62.85 s). These findings suggest that Mangifera indica extracts exert neuroprotective effects by ameliorating ECT-induced cognitive and motor deficits, potentially through antioxidant and neurotransmitter-modulatory mechanisms. The results support their therapeutic potential as adjuncts in managing neurocognitive side effects of ECT.