Ameliorative effects of Quercetin-rich fraction of Zingiber officinale on cognitive deficit and sensory motor dysfunction in mercury chloride-induced neurotoxicity in male Wistar rats

This study was designed to investigate the effect of Quercetin-rich fraction (QRF) of Zingiber officinale on cognitive deficits and sensory motor dysfunction in mercury chloride (HgCl2)-induced neurotoxicity in male Wistar rats. Twenty-five (25) male Wistar rats in total were divided into five groups at random (n = 5). The control group received 0.5 ml of normal saline, the HgCl2-treated group received 5 mg/kg of HgCl2, the N-acetylcysteine (NAC), QRF (25) and QRF (50) groups received 5 mg/kg of HgCl2 followed by administration of NAC (50 mg/kg), QRF (25 mg/kg) and QRF (50 mg/kg) respectively for two weeks. The rats underwent behavioral testings (Morris water maze novel object recognition, light and dark box, and forelimb grip strength tests), following the administration period. Following these tests, the rats were euthanized, and their brains were homogenized for biochemical examinations of maondialdehyde, tissue protein, and nitric oxide levels, and antioxidants and acetylcholinesterase activities. The results showed that HgCl2 caused behavioral changes as well as a significant decrease in the activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione levels. Furthermore, the HgCl2-treated group showed a statistically significant rise in the brain acetylcholinesterase, malondialdehyde, tissue protein, and nitric oxide levels in comparison to the control. However, the administration of QRF dramatically restored these behavioral and biochemical changes. Consequently, the findings of this study demonstrate the ameliorative benefits of QRF on cognitive and sensory-motor dysfunctions.