Clitoria ternatea Flower Extract Ameliorates Neuroinflammatory and Cognitive Pathologies in a Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterised by cognitive decline, memory impairment, and neuroinflammation. Natural compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are being explored as potential therapeutics. This study evaluated the neuroprotective effects of methanolic extract of Clitoria ternatea flowers (CTME) in a scopolamine-induced rat model of AD. Adult rats were divided into six groups: normal control, scopolamine control (1 mg/kg, p.o.), standard treatment with rivastigmine (1.5 mg/kg, p.o.), and CTME at 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o. Cognitive performance and anxiety-like behavior were assessed using the Radial Arm Maze, Open Field Test, and Elevated Plus Maze. Histopathological analyses of hippocampal and cortical tissues were performed to evaluate neuronal integrity. CTME treatment significantly improved memory performance, reduced working memory errors, and enhanced exploratory and anxiolytic behaviours in a dose-dependent manner. Histological examination revealed preservation of neuronal architecture and attenuation of neurodegeneration, with effects of the 400 mg/kg dose comparable to rivastigmine. These findings suggest that CTME exerts potent neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory effects, likely mediated by its bioactive flavonoids and anthocyanins. CTME may thus represent a promising natural therapeutic candidate for mitigating cognitive deficits and neuroinflammation associated with AD.