Preventive Effects of Ginger Extract and Nigella sativa Oil on Anxiety and Depression Behavior in Wistar Rats Exposed to Mercuric Chloride

ABSTRACT

Background: Mercuric chloride (HgCl2) is toxic to humans and animals, and usually causes systemic and nerve damage. 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. Materials and Methods: This is an experimental study conducted on twenty-five adult rats randomly divided into five groups of five rats each, the untreated control group and the four groups are treated daily with Ginger extract (500 mg/kg/day) and Nigella sativa oil (2ml/kg/day) for four weeks. The administration of mercuric chloride (4mg/kg/day) will be from the second week of experimentation to three weeks. Results: The results obtained showed by behavioral tests that the administration of inorganic mercury (HgCl2) significantly increases the state of anxiety and depression of rats compared to control rats, while the groups pre-treated with antioxidants can reduce the damage of these behavioral disorders. Conclusion: Ginger extract and Nigella sativa oil have a very important role in neurobehavioral alterations induced by mercury toxicity.

Key words: Antioxidants, Anxiety, Depression, Mercuric Chloride, Neuroprotection, Wistar Rats.
 
Preventive Effects of Ginger Extract and Nigella sativa Oil on Anxiety and Depression Behavior in Wistar Rats Exposed to Mercuric Chloride
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