MORPHOLOGICAL RESTORATION OF NEURAL ARCHITECTURE BY CRASSULA OVATA: A CONTROLLED HISTOPATHOLOGY STUDY IN RATS

Aims: This study investigated whether Crassula ovata leaf extract could protect brain tissue from haloperidol-induced structural damage in rats, as assessed by histopathological evaluation. Methodology: Thirty rats were allocated to five treatment groups (n = 6). Neurotoxic changes were induced using haloperidol (10 mg/kg, i.p.). The standard group received imipramine (25 mg/kg), while test groups were treated with C. ovata extract at 200 mg/kg or 400 mg/kg. Brain samples were fixed, processed, sectioned, and stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) to investigate morphological alterations. Results: Haloperidol exposure produced marked neuronal injury, including cell shrinkage, vacuolation, nuclear condensation, and disturbance of cortical organisation. Both doses of C. ovata mitigated these abnormalities, with the 400 mg/kg group demonstrating near-normal histoarchitecture resembling the control and standard groups. Conclusion: Crassula ovata extract markedly attenuates haloperidol-induced structural deterioration in the brain, supporting its potential role as a natural neuroprotective agent.