Pomegranate Juice Reverses AlCl3-Induced Neurotoxicity and Improves Learning and Memory in Female Mice.

Abstract Background Aluminum is a neurotoxic element that can accumulate in the brain and cause neurodegenerative disorders. In addition, the antioxidants found in pomegranate juice (PJ) are much more than those existing in other fruits. It was proven to provide protection against neurodegenerative diseases. Objectives This experiment aimed to clarify the amelioration efficiency of PJ against aluminum chloride-induced neurobehavioral and biochemical disorders in female mice. Methods The female mice were given oral administrations for 35 days as follows. The control group received tap water, the PJ groups received 20% and 40% pomegranate juice, the aluminum chloride (AlCl3) group was treated with 400 mg/kg AlCl3, and the last two groups received AlCl3 + 20% PJ and AlCl3 + 40% PJ, respectively. The neurobehavioral features were assessed by shuttle box, T-maze, and Morris water maze devices. Furthermore, the neurotransmitters and oxidative indicators in the brains of the female mice were determined at the end of experiment. Results Significant effects of AlCl3 were observed on female mice in the body weight, during the behavioral tasks (shuttle box, T-maze, and Morris water maze), and in neurotransmitters and oxidative stress parameters. Pomegranate juice, especially at low concentrations, induced remarkable improvements in body weight, spatial memory and learning during T-maze, Morris water maze and shuttle box tasks, as well as in neurotransmitters and oxidative biomarkers in the AlCl3-treated female mice. Conclusion PJ reversed AlCl3-induced neurotoxicity and improved learning and memory in female mice. However, PJ contains a group of antioxidants that may be considered double-edged swords in the cellular redox status especially at high doses.