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ABSTRACT
The primary site of action of mercury chloride is the central nervous system. Mercury is a known neurotoxicant that induce oxidative stress which lead to neurological impairment by altering the structure and physiology of many brain region, Several reports have documented the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Syzygium aromaticum (also known as clove) is a dried flower bud belonging to the Myrtaceae family that is indigenous to the Maluku islands in Indonesia but has recently been farmed in different places worldwide. The clove tree is composed of leaves and buds (the commercial part of the tree). This study examines The Effect of Syzygium aromaticum on Mercury chloride induced toxicity on the Hippocampus of adult Wistar Rats. This work involved the use of an experimental study design, consisting of ThirtySix (36) adult Wistar rats weighing 152-206g which were acclimatized for Twenty-eight (28) days, separated into four (4) groups; A, B, C and D with each group having six (6) Wistar rats of randomized patterns for administration and were all weighed prior to it. In Group A (control group), the rats were administered with feed and distilled water, Group B were administered with 4mg/kg body weight of mercury chloride, Group C and D 250 mg/kg and 500mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively while Group E and F received 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg body weight of the extract and hour before 4mg/kg body weight of mercury chloride respectively. All administration was via an orogastric tube lasted for 28 days. At the end of the experimental period, animals were weighed, sacrificed, brain harvested, weighed and used for biochemical and histological assessment. Data was analyzed using SPSS/IBM statistical package version 20 and the statistical method employed was ANOVA. Results obtained showed no significant change in brain weight across experimental groups. A significant decrease was observed in SOD, CAT and GPx levels in group B when compared to control whereas a significant increase was observed in SOD, CAT and GPx levels of rats pretreated with the extract and mercury chloride when compared to mercury only group. Significant increase was observed in MDA level in Group B when compared to control whereas a significant decrease was observed in MDA level of rats pretreated with the extract and mercury chloride when compared to group B. Histomorphological findings showed normal histological structure of hippocampus CA1 pyramidal cells in control and treatment rats. Group B showed atrophy and vacuolated pyramidal cells and astrocytes. Group C and D showed a relatively normal histological structure of hippocampus. A relatively normal histological structure of hippocampus was also observed in Group E and F. From this study it is revealed that clove extract exhibited a neuroprotective effect against the toxic effects of mercury chloride.
