Aqueous Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract Pretreatment Attenuates Aluminium Chloride-Induced Cerebellar Toxicity in Wistar Rats

Aluminium is a widely distributed environmental metal with well-established neurotoxic effects. This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of aqueous Theobroma cacao seed extract against aluminium-induced cerebellar toxicity in adult Wistar rats. Thirty rats were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 6) and treated orally for 28 days with aluminium chloride, aqueous Theobroma cacao seed extract, or their combinations. Neurobehavioural performance was assessed using the Open Field Test, while cerebellar antioxidant enzyme activities and histological architecture were evaluated. Aluminium administration significantly (p < 0.05) reduced ambulation, rearing, and antioxidant enzyme activities while increasing grooming, immobility, lipid peroxidation, and Purkinje cell degeneration. Pretreatment with Theobroma cacao seed extract, particularly at 500 mg/kg, significantly improved behavioural performance, restored antioxidant status, reduced oxidative damage, and preserved cerebellar histoarchitecture. In conclusion, aqueous Theobroma cacao seed extract exhibited significant neuroprotective effects against aluminium-induced cerebellar toxicity and may serve as a promising therapeutic agent for aluminium-induced neurotoxicity.