Abstract
Background:
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurological condition characterised by impaired cognitive function and abnormal behaviour. 35 million individuals globally suffer from dementia, making it the most frequent cause of dementia. Canine Alzheimer's disease (CCD) affects 28% of dogs between the ages of 11 and 12. It is a prevalent ailment in canines. Amyloid β peptides accumulate neurotoxicity, which results in problems of the central nervous system and neurotransmitters. Treatments for both AD and CCD have not yet shown acceptable outcomes. It is crucial to comprehend the disease mechanisms and find novel therapeutics through the use of animal models.

Aim:
Using a rat model of AD, this work attempted to determine the effects of an ethanolic extract from Ocimum sanctum on the number and shape of neurons in the CA1, CA3, and DG sections of the hippocampus alongside the expression of neurotrophic factors.

Methods:
The animal model will be split into five treatment groups, one of which will be a control group. The treatments will be administered for 14, 21, and 28 days, and samples will be analyzed by BDNF by ELISA, SP expression by immunohistochemical staining, and the number of neurons in CA1, CA3, and DG using cresyl violet staining.

Results:
Results of the study revealed increased neuronal density in the CA1, CA3, and DG regions, and that these neurons were also more highly expressed in the neurotrophic factor BDNF and neuropeptide SP.

Conclusion:
By upregulating the expression of SP and BDNF, the ethanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum increases the neuronal count (pyramidal and granular cells) in the hippocampal CA1, CA3, and DG regions.

Key words: AD, Hippocampus, Ocimum sanctum, Rat model