In-vivo evaluation of neuroprotective effect of methanolic extract of Turbinaria ornatacombined with AKG against aluminium chloride-induced Alzheimer's in Wistar rats.

UNLABELLED: The progressive neurodegenerative disease known as Alzheimer's disease (AD) is typified by behavioral abnormalities and cognitive deterioration. In the current investigation, the preventive potential of a combination formulation of alkyl glycerol (AKG) and Turbinaria ornata methanolic extract against aluminum chloride (AlCl₃)-induced neurotoxicity in Wistar rats was examined. Groups 1 (control), 2 (AlCl₃, 100 mg/kg), 3 and 4 (AlCl₃ + T. ornata methanolic extract at low and high doses, respectively), and 5 and 6 (AlCl₃ + T. ornata methanolic extract + AKG at low and high dosages, respectively) were the six groups that were part of the experimental design. Compared with the AlCl₃-treated group, animals receiving the combined treatment, particularly Group 6, showed a significant restoration of antioxidant enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH), along with a significant reduction in the lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde (MDA) in brain and liver tissues. Exposure to AlCl₃ caused learning and memory deficits and markedly hampered spontaneous locomotor and exploratory behavior; these effects were mitigated with combination therapy. Additionally, both the cortex and the hippocampus showed changed expression of important genes involved in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing pathway, according to qRT-PCR study. The combined treatment groups demonstrated significant modulation of APP pathway-related gene expression relative to the AlCl₃ group, indicating an association between the observed biochemical and behavioral improvements and molecular changes in this experimental model. Overall, the results imply that AlCl₃-induced neurobehavioral, biochemical, and molecular changes may be lessened by administering T. ornata methanolic extract and AKG together. To identify the independent or synergistic impacts of each component, more research including individual treatment groups is necessary, as the study is restricted to assessing the effects of the combination treatment. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-026-04872-2.