European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF SALVIA ROSMARINUS ON HYPOTHALAMIC HISTOPATHOLOGY IN THEOPHYLLINE-INDUCED INSOMNIAC RATS: A HISTOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL STUDY

*Iwuchukwu Cynthia Ngozichukwu, Iwuchukwu Patrick Ifekandu, Amadi Rejoice Chinazaekpere, Amuneke Chidinma Linda, Ezeji-chigbu Nmadike G. N., Amadi Victor Chinonyerem, Chinonye Ojibe

ABSTRACT

Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, can be induced by various factors, including medication. This research investigated the neuroprotective effects of aqueous extract of Salvia rosmarinus on hypothalamic histopathology in theophylline-induced insomniac rats using an experimental design. Insomnia was induced in Wistar rats via intra-gastric administration of 100 mg/kg body weight of theophylline for 3 consecutive days, ad libitum. The theophylline-induced insomniac rats were then treated with Salvia rosmarinus extract, which significantly improved hypothalamic histopathology, reducing damage and promoting normal structure. Biochemical analysis revealed increased serum norepinephrine levels (p ≤ 0.05) and melatonin levels (p ≤ 0.05), suggesting potential neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, the extract demonstrated antioxidant activity, reducing lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity (p ≤ 0.05) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration (p ≤ 0.05). These findings suggest that Salvia rosmarinus extract may have potential therapeutic effects on theophylline-induced insomnia, warranting further studies to explore its mechanisms and potential applications. This study's findings may provide a valuable basis for developing novel therapeutic strategies for insomnia and other sleep disorders.

Keywords: Salvia rosmarinus, neuroprotective effects, hypothalamic histopathology, theophylline-induced insomnia, norepinephrine, melatonin, antioxidant activity.