Exploring the neuroprotective properties of Terminalia paniculata in alcohol induced neurotoxicity: evidence by biochemical and histological studies.

Alcoholism is associated with numerous medical, psychiatric, social, and family problems. Although ill effects of alcohol are seen on all parts of the body, the central nervous system and the liver are most affected. The arsenal against neuronal damage in modern medicine appears to be limited. Therapeutic modalities are multidisciplinary and include antidepressants, mood stabilizers, estrogen, electro convulsive treatment, physical exercise and enriched environment. From immemorial times plants and their products are used by man as medicines. Plants as whole or their parts like branches, leaves, stem, roots, fruits, flowers etc. are known to have several pharmacological properties including antioxidant, antiviral, anticancer, antimicrobial, antifungal and antiparasitic. Terminalia paniculata is one of such medicinal plant known used for treating several ailments including diabetes, ulcer, leprosy and menstrual disorders. The aim of present study was to evaluate neuro-protective activity of Terminalia paniculata in ethanol induced neuronal damage using rat models. T. paniculata ethanolic extract was screened for its neuroprotective potential was studied by conducting various animal experiments in Male Wistar rats. These experiments included neurotransmitters and histopathological examination. Series of experiments conducted in this study, conclude that T. paniculata has promising neuroprotective activity against neuronal damage induced by ethanol. Furthermore, T. paniculata can be looked upon cost-effective, natural and safe alternative for the ailments like neuronal injury induced by alcohol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]