Cola acuminata mitigates cognitive deficit and oxidative stress in mercury chloride-induced neurotoxicity in male Wistar rats
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Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
The Neuroscience Society of Nigeria.
Abstract
Cola acuminata is used in traditional medicine for the management of memory impairment and other neurodegenerative
conditions. This study investigated the effects of Cola acuminata aqueous leaves extract (ALECA) on mercury
chloride-induced neurotoxicity in Wistar rats. Twenty male Wistar rats weighing between 160 and 210 g were randomly
assigned to four groups (n = 5). The control group received 0.5 mL of distilled water; the mercury chloride (HgCl2)
group received HgCl2 (5 mg/kg b.w.); the ALECA100 and ALECA300 groups received ALECA (100 and 300 mg/kg
b.w., respectively), followed by the administration of HgCl2 (5 mg/kg b.w.) for two weeks. The rats were subjected to
behavioural tests in the Morris water maze and light and dark field box. The rats were then sacrificed to obtain their
brains, which were homogenized for biochemical assays of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), malondialdehyde (MDA), total
protein (TP), and glutathione (GSH) using standard methods. The results revealed a significant increase in escape
latency, a significant decrease in probing frequency and brain GSH, and a significant (p<0.05) increase in brain MDA
and TP levels and AChE activity in the rats exposed to HgCl2. However, administration of either 100 or 300 mg/kg
ALECA protected against memory impairment with a significantly reduced escape latency, increased probing frequency
and brain GSH, and decreased (p<0.05) MDA, TP and AChE. This study concludes that ALECA mitigated HgCl2-
induced neurotoxicity via reduction of oxidative stress and enhanced cholinergic functions.
Description
Keywords
Cola acuminate, Mercury chloride, Oxidative stress, Glutathione, Malondialdehyde
Citation
Asuku, A.O., Ayinla, M.T., Olajide, T. S., Yakub, Z. and Owoyele, B.V. (2023). Cola acuminata mitigates cognitive deficit and oxidative stress in mercury chloride-induced neurotoxicity in male Wistar rats. Nigerian Journal of Neuroscience. 14(2): 33-40, Published by the Neuroscience Society of Nigeria. Available online at: http://doi.org/10.47091/njn2023.14.2/001 chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://njn.neurosociety.org.ng/publication/NJN_10.47081_njn2023.14.2_001.pdf