EFFECTS OF CYPERUS ESCULENTUS INFUSED DIET ON THE HIPPOCAMPUS IN ROTENONE-INDUCED PARKINSON-LIKE DISEASE MODEL IN ADULT MALE WISTAR RATS: A PRELIMINARY STUDY

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder contributing to cognitive decline and memory impairment beyond its characteristic motor deficits. This study investigated whether a Cyperus esculentus-infused diet can mitigate hippocampal alterations in a rotenone-induced Parkinson-like disease model. Thirty-two male Wistar rats (100–150 g) were randomly allocated to four groups (n = 8): control, tiger nut diet only, rotenone only, and rotenone plus tiger nut diet. The supplemented diet contained 11% tiger nut, and rotenone was administered intraperitoneally at 2 mg/kg/day for 28 days. Locomotor activity and spatial working memory were assessed using open-field and Y-maze tests. Hippocampal oxidative stress markers and gamma-aminobutyric acid levels were evaluated, alongside histological examination using hematoxylin and eosin, Cresyl Fast Violet, and Luxol Fast Blue stains. Rotenone exposure impaired locomotor performance and Y-maze outcomes, reduced catalase activity, and produced hippocampal neuronal vacuolation, loss of Nissl substance, and disrupted myelin staining. Compared with rotenone alone, concurrent tiger nut supplementation significantly increased catalase activity and was associated with better preservation of hippocampal architecture and myelin staining. However, Y-maze performance did not significantly improve, and gamma-aminobutyric acid levels did not differ significantly among groups. These preliminary findings suggest that an 11% tiger nut-infused diet may offer partial biochemical and histological protection against rotenone-associated hippocampal injury without demonstrable cognitive recovery. Further studies should evaluate dose response, dietary composition, and underlying mechanisms.