NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF ANDROGRAPHOLIDE IN COMBINATION WITH PIPERINE AGAINST STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, amyloid-beta accumulation, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. This study evaluates the synergistic neuroprotective effects of andrographolide, a diterpenoid having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, with piperine, a bioavailability enhancer, in streptozotocin-induced, AD-like pathology in Wistar rats by an in-vivo study. Rats received intracerebroventricular streptozotocin (3mg/kg) followed by oral treatment with andrographolide (15, 30, 60 mg/kg) and its combination with piperine (2.5 mg/kg). Behavioral (actophotometer, morris water maze, elevated plus maze), biochemical (catalase, nitrite, MDA, GSH), and histological analyzes revealed that the combination significantly improved cognition, reduced oxidative stress and neuroinflammation (inflammatory cytokines), and restored neurotransmitter balance. The findings suggest that andrographolide-piperine holds promise as a therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer’s, warranting further clinical investigation.