Background: This study explored the efficacy of kolaviron—a biflavonoid complex isolated
from the seeds of
Garcinia kola
—in protecting against cuprizone (CPZ)-induced demyelination in
both the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus of Wistar rats.
Methodology: Thirty rats were treated to receive 0.5 mL phosphate-buffered saline (group
A, control), 0.5 mL corn oil (group B), 0.2% CPZ (group C), for 6 weeks, 0.2% CPZ for 3 weeks and
then 200 mg/kg of Kv for 3 weeks (group D), or 200 mg/kg of Kv for 3 weeks followed by 0.2%
CPZ for 3 weeks (group E). Rats were assessed for exploratory functions and anxiety-like behaviour
before being euthanised and perfused transcardially with 4% paraformaldehyde. Prefrontal and
hippocampal thin sections were stained in hematoxylin and eosin and cresyl fast violet stains.
Results: CPZ-induced demyelination resulted in behavioural impairment as seen by
reduced exploratory activities, rearing behaviour, stretch attend posture, center square entry,
and anxiogenic characteristics. Degenerative changes including pyknosis, karyorrhexis, neuronal
hypertrophy, and reduced Nissl integrity were also seen. Animals treated with Kv showed
significant improvement in behavioural outcomes and a comparatively normal cytoarchitectural
profile.
Conclusion: Kv provides protective roles against CPZ-induced neurotoxicity through
prevention of ribosomal protein degradation.
