Neuroprotective effects of Lepidium sativum L. on memory impairments in Wistar rat: Behavioral and neurochemical study

Abstract

The present study investigated the effect of Lepidium sativum L. on Memory and on Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in different brain structures among cadmium-exposed rats. Animals were divided into three groups: Control group (T): received a distilled water orally, Cadmium group (Cd): received oral administration dose of Cadmium Chloride (CdCl2) at 10 mg/kg, Protective group (Cd/LS): received CdCl2 (10mg/kg) and the aqueous extract of Lepidium sativum L. (20mg/kg) orally. The Novel Object Recognition Memory Test is used to evaluate the short and long term memory. The measure of AchE activity is realized by Ellman’s method. The results showed that subchronic Cadmium Chloride intoxication at a dose of 10 mg/kg caused a neurobehavioral impairments including: A significant decrease in the index of recognition of short-term (p<0.01) and long-term memory (p <0.05) compared to the control group. In addition, this index increase in the group (Cd/LS) compared to the group intoxicated by CdCl2. A highly significant increase in the enzymatic activity of acetylcholinesterase in hippocampus, cerebellum, and cortex (p<0.001) is registered. These results indicate that the aqueous extract of Lepidium sativum L. may modulate the toxic effect induced by cadmium and consequently improve cognition.