Cnicin Attenuates Aluminium Chloride–Induced Neurodegeneration Through Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms

Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with limited disease-modifying therapies. Aluminium chloride (AlCl 3 )-induced neurotoxicity mimics key pathological features of AD, including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and cholinergic dysfunction. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of cnicin in an AlCl 3 -induced rat model of Alzheimer-like neurodegeneration. Methods Rats were divided into five groups: normal control, AlCl 3 control (75 mg/kg/day, p.o.), AlCl 3 with cnicin (20 and 40 mg/kg/day, p.o.), and AlCl 3 with donepezil (5 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 30 days. Behavioral performance was assessed using hanging wire and beam walking tests. Biochemical parameters, including acetylcholinesterase (AChE), antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) were analyzed, along with histopathology. Results AlCl 3 administration induced significant behavioral deficits, increased AChE activity, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neuronal damage. Cnicin treatment dose-dependently improved motor function, reduced AChE activity, restored antioxidant levels, decreased lipid peroxidation, and suppressed inflammatory markers. Histological analysis confirmed preservation of neuronal architecture, comparable to that of donepezil. Conclusion Cnicin exhibits significant neuroprotective effects against AlCl 3 -induced neurodegeneration by modulating cholinergic activity, oxidative stress, and inflammation, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for AD.