Effects of Spondias Mombin Leaf Extract on the Cytoarchitecture of the Cerebal Cortex and on Learning and Memory in Wistar Rats

This study was carried out to determine the effects of aqueous extract of Spondias mombin on the histology of the cerebral cortex and its possible learning and memory enhancing properties in adult male Wistar rats. 24 matured male Wistar rats (180g) were randomly divided into three groups; 1 control and 2 treatment groups. Group A served as control, group B and C were administered with 4oomg/kg and 800mg/kg body weight of Spondias mombin aqueous extract respectively. The administration lasted for 28days. Morris water maze was employed for the learning and memory protocol. Histopathology of the cerebral cortex was investigated. Section of the cerebral cortex in the 400mg/kg rats showed no degenerative changes whereas the 800mg/kg showed degenerative changes and intercellular degradation. Using the Morris water maze method, extract at 400mg/kg improved learning and retention with a significant improvement established in memory tests using the reversal training. At 800mg/kg, the extract had no significant effect on learning and memory, aqueous extract of Spondias mombin has a learning and memory enhancing potential at low dose. Caution must be taken in its usage at high dose to avoid possible cerebral injury