Analysis of CA1, CA3, and DG areas of the hippocampus, substance-P, and brain-derived neurotrophic factors expression in the presence of Ocimum sanctum Linn on the brain of the rat model Alzheimer’s disease

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurological condition characterized by impaired cognitive
dysfunction and abnormal behavior. Thirty-five million individuals worldwide suffer from dementia, making it the
most frequent cause of dementia. Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) affects 28% of dogs aged 11–12 years. It is a prevalent disease in canines. Amyloid-β peptides accumulate neurotoxicity, resulting in problems in the central nervous system and neurotransmitters. Treatments for both AD and CCD have not yet shown acceptable outcomes. It
is crucial to comprehend disease mechanisms and identify novel therapeutics using animal models.

Aim: Using a rat model of AD, this study attempted to determine the effects of an ethanolic extract from Ocimum
sanctum on the number and shape of neurons in the CA1, CA3, and DG sections of the hippocampus along with the
expression of neurotrophic factors.

Methods: The animal model will be split into five treatment groups, one of which will be a control group. The
treatments will be administered for 14, 21, and 28 days, and samples will be analyzed by BDNF by ELISA, SP
expression by immunohistochemical staining, and the number of neurons in CA1, CA3, and DG using cresyl violet
staining.

Results: Results of the study revealed increased neuronal density in the CA1, CA3, and DG regions, and these neurons
were more highly expressed in the neurotrophic factor BDNF and neuropeptide SP.

Conclusion: By upregulating the expression of SP and BDNF, the ethanolic extract of O. sanctum increased the
neuronal counts (pyramidal and granular cells) in the hippocampal CA1, CA3, and DG regions.