Effect of wheat grass powder on aluminum induced Alzheimer's disease in Wistar rats

OBJECTIVE: To find out the effect of wheat grass on aluminum induced Alzheimer's disease in Wistar rats. METHODS: Memory impairment was induced by aluminum chloride (4.2 mg/kg, i.p.) for 28 d. Memory function was assessed by Morris water maze test. To study the activity of wheat grass (100 mg/kg, p.o.), Wistar rats were administered it for 28 d along with aluminum chloride. Biochemical parameters of oxidative stress were estimated in brain after the treatment. RESULTS: The major finding of this study is that aluminum enhanced oxidative stress. Wheat grass showed a significant improvement in reduction of this oxidative stress by reduction of malondialdehyde levels and enhancement of superoxide dismutase and catalase levels. CONCLUSIONS: The present study clearly demonstrated the beneficial effects of wheat grass that shows good antioxidant properties, and this remarkable effect of wheat grass may act as a key to treat Alzheimer's disease.