Abstract
Preventive Effects of Ginger Extract and Nigella sativa Oil on Anxiety and Depression Behavior in Wistar Rats Exposed to Mercuric Chloride
Highlights
Mercury is one of toxic heavy metals
A decrease in the number of squares crossed and the number of rearing was observed in the mercuric chloride groups compared to the control group in the open field test, as we observed that the rats treated with mercuric chloride spent more time in the closed arms and less time in the open arms compared to the control rats in the elevated plus-maze test, which means that the subchronic treatment with mercuric chloride (4mg/kg) triggers a state of anxiety in these animals
This is consistent with the results found by[12] where the results obtained in open field test (OFT) indicate that mercury can cause anxiety because we measured an increase in the number of crossing squares and time at the periphery compared to activity and time at the center
Summary
Mercury is one of toxic heavy metals. Due to industrial pollution and its deposition in ecosystems, mercury is a widespread pollutant,[1] Elemental form of mercury is a silver metal that exists as a viscous liquid at room temperature. Human exposure to mercury comes from various sources, such as breathing mercury-containing air, using mercury-containing commercial products, and eating fish and seafood containing methylmercury[2] Its exposure can be toxic to the kidneys, stomach and intestines and can be embryotoxic, increasing rates of miscarriages and stillbirths, and can further increase blood pressure and is neurotoxic sometimes presenting with neuropsychiatric symptoms[3,4] The toxicity of mercury can be prevented by using antioxidant defense mechanisms, including reducing or eliminating reactive oxygen species, free radicals, and heavy metals[5] In herbal medicine, plant organs including: leaves, stems, roots, flowers, fruits and seeds are used as alternative and complementary therapies. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the neuro-protective effects of two medicinal plants rich in antioxidants against mercuric chloride poisoning in Wistar rats. Conclusion: Ginger extract and Nigella sativa oil have a very important role in neurobehavioral alterations induced by mercury toxicity.
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