Neuroprotective activity of Ethanolic Extract of Curcuma longa root against Cadmium-induced cerebellar toxicity in Rats

Abstract

Background: Due to the rise in industrialization in recent decades, humans are at a high risk of cadmium exposure. Cadmium toxicity, mediated by oxidative stress, accumulates in the body causing organ and central nervous system damage. Curcuma longa is a naturally occurring plant reported to possess potent antioxidant properties. Accordingly, this study was designed to investigate its activity against cadmium-induced cerebellar damage in Wistar rats. Methodology: Thirty adult Wistar rats were randomized into six groups of five rats each viz: A: Control, distilled water; B: Cadmium (Cd; 5 mg/kg body wt.); C: Ethanolic Curcuma longa root extract (ECLRE; 100 mg/kg body wt.) + Cd (5 mg/kg); D: ECLRE (200 mg/kg body wt.) + Cd (5 mg/kg); E: ECLRE (100 mg/kg body wt.); F: ECLRE (200 mg/kg body wt.). All administrations were through an orogastric tube for 21 days. Thereafter, body and brain weight, neurobehavioural, biochemical, and histological alterations were investigated. Results: Findings revealed a significant decrease in the brain and body weight, impaired locomotion behaviour, increased lipid peroxidation, decreased SOD, CAT, and GPx activities as well as loss of Purkinje cells in the Purkinje layer and dissociation of the Purkinje layer from the granular layer in the cerebellum of rats treated with cadmium alone. However, pre-treatment with ECLRE protected the rats against the alterations induced by cadmium. Conclusion: ECLRE attenuated oxidative damage induced by cadmium in experimental rats. These findings suggest that Curcuma longa may be a promising neuroprotective agent useful in the search for therapeutic options against cadmium-induced neurotoxicity.