Addressing environmental problems that contribute to neurotoxicity underscores the urgent need to investigate adverse effects of MSG and Alcohol. The present study attempts to determine the neuro-protective effects of rutin and vitamin C on monosodium glutamate and alcohol induced neurotoxicity in male Wistar rats. 50 male Wistar rats were randomly distributed into ten (10) groups with each group having five animals (n=5). Neurotoxicity was induced with an oral single daily administration of 30% alcohol and 1.5g/kg of monosodium glutamate for 28 days consecutively in all rat groups except group1.  The animals were subsequently grouped as follows: Group 1: Control. Group 2: MSG only (1.5g/kg). Group 3: Alcohol only (30% alcohol). Group 4: MSG + Alcohol. Group 5: MSG + Alcohol + Rutin. Group 6: MSG + Alcohol + Vitamin C.  Group 7: MSG + Rutin. Group 8: MSG + Vitamin C. Group 9: Alcohol + Rutin. Group 10: Alcohol + Vitamin C. All administrations were orally carried out once daily in the morning hours with the aid of a cannula for 28 days. The rats were later anesthetized, and brain tissues harvested, homogenized in sucrose solution and centrifuged with cold centrifuge at 10,000rpm for 10 minutes. Supernatant was removed and used for antioxidant (MDA, SOD, GST and CAT) and inflammatory parameters (IL-6, TNF-Alpha, NO and MPO) analysis. Expectedly, significantly lower values (p < 0.05) of SOD, CAT and GST but higher values of MDA, NO, MPO, IL-6 and TNF-alpha were observed amongst groups 2 (MSG only) and 3 (Alcohol only) rats treated with monosodium glutamate and alcohol when compared to group 1 (control) rats. Suggesting a possible neurotoxic effect of MSG and alcohol. Surprisingly, significantly higher values (p < 0.05) of SOD, CAT and GST but lower values in inflammatory markers were observed amongst groups 9 (Alcohol + rutin) and 10 (Alcohol + Vit C) rats when compared to groups 2 (MSG only), 3 (Alcohol only) and 4 (MSG + Alcohol) rats. Suggesting a possible beneficial effect of rutin and Vit C in male Wistar rats. Our study outcome suggests a possible beneficial function of rutin and vitamin C on oxidative stress and inflammation.

Keywords: Rutin, vitamin C, Monosodium Glutamate, Alcohol, Neurotoxicity.