Effect of Methanol Extract of Acanthus montanus Leaf on Some Neuroprotective Markers (C-reactive Protein, Catalase and Glutathione Peroxidase) in Mercury-intoxicated Wistar Rats

Abstract

Acanthus montanus (Acanthaceae), also called Bear Breech or Mountain Thistle, is a medicinal and decorative plant, which grows in shady and damp conditions in tropical West Africa and is reported to be antioxidant. The intoxication of mercury chloride (HgCl2) causes oxidative stress which causes structural and functional damage of the brain. In this research, the authors aimed to examine the neuroprotective capability of the methanol leaf extract of A. montanus on HgCl2-intoxicated Wistar rats. Sixteen adult men rats were separated in four groups: Group 1 (control) was given food and water alone, Group 2 was given HgCl2 and a common drug (Diazepam), Group 3 was given HgCl2 alone, and Group 4 was given HgCl2 and the plant extract. Oral therapy was given over a period of 21 days and the data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, controlling t-test with Bonferonni. The antioxidant parameters (CRP, GPx, CAT) and the histological parameters of the cerebrum and cerebellum were determined. There was significant improvement in GPx levels in the extract treated group (p < 0.05) as compared to the standard drug treated group and no significant difference existed between the extract treated and the normal control. The use of A. montanus with HgCl2 reduced the effects of mercury on oxidative and histopathological changes. To conclude, the Acanthus montanus methanol extract had significant neuroprotective properties against the oxidative stress and microanatomical brain damage caused by HgCl2 in Wistar rats.