Attenuating Effects of Rosmarinus officinalis Oil on Cadmium-altered Cognitive and Motor Abilities in Wistar Rat Models

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most dangerous environmental neurotoxins, linked to behavioural and cognitive impairments. This study examined whether Rosmarinus officinalis oil could reduce the effects of cadmium on cognitive and motor functions in Wistar rats. Forty-two male rats were divided into six groups of seven after two weeks of acclimation. Group 1 served as the control, Group 2 received 6 mg/kg of Cd, and Groups 3 to 5 received Cd along with rosemary oil at 10, 15, and 20 mg/kg, respectively. Group 6 received Cd and DMSO (10 mg/kg) as the solvent. The cadmium exposure and treatments lasted for 14 days. Anxiety, fear conditioning, motor activity, and memory were assessed with the open field test (OFT), Y-Maze, and elevated plus Maze (EPM). According to the results, group B had a memory deficit, decreased mobility, and increased fear. The preventive effects of rosemary oil were demonstrated by the improvement in behavioural outcomes (Figure 2). Specifically, Group 3 spent more time in the closed arms of the EPM and near the walls in the OFT (p < 0.05). Biochemical analysis revealed a significant decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH), while Glutathione S-transferase (GST) and Glutathione Oxaloacetate Transferase (GOT) levels increased markedly in group 2 (p<0.05). Histological analysis showed loss of nuclei, necrosis, and layer separation in tissues, as seen in Plates 1b and 2b, which were mitigated by rosemary oil (Plates 1c-f and 2c-f). Overall, rosemary oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which may potentially enhance memory and reduce anxiety.