Protective effects of Moringa oleifera oil on permethrin-induced toxicity in the prefrontal cortex of young male Wistar rats

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Permethrin is a type I pyrethroid commonly used as an insecticide in pest control. Although it is intended for use in agricultural and textile settings, including residential areas, its extensive use poses a probable risk of human exposure. This study was conducted to determine the changes in the prefrontal cortex following permethrin exposure and the possible protective effects of Moringa oleifera oil. METHODOLOGY: Sixteen young male Wistar rats were randomly selected and divided into four (4) groups (n=4). Group A (Control group) received a normal rat diet, while Group B received a permethrin diet (0.6% Permethrin) at the dose of 1000 mg/kg. Group C received a normal diet and was administered 0.5 ml/kg of Moringa oleifera oil, while Group D received both the permethrin diet and Moringa oleifera oil simultaneously. Animals underwent behavioural analysis on the final day of treatment. The rats were then anesthetized and sacrificed, followed by transcardial perfusion with normal saline and 4% paraformaldehyde. The prefrontal cortex was excised from the brain and processed for tissue histochemistry and biochemical analysis. RESULTS: Results revealed reduced locomotory and exploratory activities and increase anxiety level in rats, as well as cytoarchitectural distortion, cell vacuolation, and redox imbalance in the prefrontal cortex. Administration of Moringa oleifera oil led to significant improvement in neurobehavioral deficits, a comparatively normal cytoarchitectural profile, and oxidative status caused by permethrin in prefrontal cortex of male rats. CONCLUSION: Findings in this study indicated that Moringa oleifera could ameliorate the damage caused by permethrin in prefrontal cortex of male Wistar rats.