Assessment of the Effects of Quercetin and Donepezil Co-Administration on Aluminium Chloride-Induced Alterations in the Rat Cerebral Cortex

Aluminium chloride (AlCl ₃ ) occurs ubiquitously in the environment contaminating water and food sources. Although donepezil enhances cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease, it does not rectify structural damage. Quercetin, recognised for its ability to mitigate oxidative stress, is inadequately researched regarding its effects in isolation or in conjunction with donepezil. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of quercetin and donepezil co-administration on AlCl ₃ -induced alterations in rat cerebral cortex. Seventy female rats (120–150g) were divided into seven groups (10 rats each). Group A (control) received normal saline (10ml/kg). Groups B and C received quercetin (200mg/kg) and donepezil (3mg/kg) orally. Group D received AlCl ₃ (100mg/kg). Groups E, F, and G received AlCl ₃ plus quercetin, donepezil, or their combination. AlCl ₃ was administered on days 1–14, while quercetin and/or donepezil were given from days 15–28. Normal saline was given to the control group throughout. The results showed a significant decrease in body weight in groups D-G compared to A (p < 0.005). There was also a significant increase in locomotion and rearing in groups E and F compared to D, while self-grooming increased significantly in groups E and G compared to D. Levels of IL-1β and IL-6 decreased significantly in groups E, F and G compared to D. Result of cerebrocortical histomorphology revealed variable degrees of preservation of the neurons in group E, F and G compared to D. The results show that the combination of quercetin and donepezil could give protection against AlCl ₃ -induced toxicity, necessitating more investigation for the management of human neurodegeneration.