Moringa oleifera leaf extract potential in ameliorating MK-801-induced schizophrenia

BACKGROUND: This research investigated and reports histomorphological evidences of Moringa oleifera leaf extract potential in ameliorating mk-801-induced schizophrenia in prefrontal cortex of adult. This provides insight into potential management of schizophrenia using phytomedicinal materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty adult Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) weighing 210 g on an average were recruited and divided into groups tagged A, B, C, D, and E with eight animals (four males and four females) in each group. Group A (control) were fed ad libitum, Group B (preventive) took 0.4 mg/kg of dizocilpine and 200 g/kg of M. oleifera concurrently for 14 days, Group C (treated) took 0.4 mg/kg of dizocilpine only for 14 days, Group D (protective) took 200 g/kg of Moringa for the fi rst 7 days and 0.4 mg/kg of dizocilpine for the other 7 days, and Group E (curative) took 0.4 mg/kg of dizocilpine for the fi rst 7 days and 200 g/kg of M. oleifera for the other 7 days. General histological demonstration of the PFC was done using the H and E, cresyl fast violet, and luxol fast blue staining techniques. RESULTS: Results showed that M. oleifera produced observable effects on the brain PFC of a dizocilpine-induced schizophrenia, especially on its attributable structures such as cellular integrity, myelin sheath, and Nissl substance. It could, therefore, be said that dizocilpine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist, causes alteration in the histoarchitecture, causing loss of Nissl substance as well as reduced integrity of white matter (myelin sheath). CONCLUSION: M. oleifera leaf extract produced observable positive effects against dizocilpine-induced schizophrenia by preserving most neurons and glia when administered concurrently with dizocilpine and by restoring cell population and integrity when administered after dizocilpine exposure.