Neuroprotective Effect of Ginkgo biloba and L-Ascorbic Acid on Mercury Chloride (HgCl2)-Induced Oxidative stress and Neuroinflammation in Adult Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Mercury chloride (HgCl₂) toxicity poses significant health risks upon exposure. Chronic exposure can lead to severe neurological damage. Ginkgo biloba extract (EGB761) enhance cognitive function and memory. Ascorbic acid is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage by free radicals. The present study evaluates the effects of EGB761 and L-Ascorbic Acid on HgCl2-Induced Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation. 48 adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups of 8 rats each. The control group received distilled water. HgCl₂ Only received (5 mg/kg HgCl₂), HgCl₂ + A. A received (5 mg/kg HgCl₂ + 100 mg/kg A. A, HgCl₂ + A. A received (5 mg/kg HgCl2 + 500 mg/kg A. A, HgCl₂ + EGB761 received (5 mg/kg HgCl₂ + 100 mg/kg EGB761, and HgCl₂+ EGB761 received (5 mg/kg HgCl₂ + 500 mg/kg EGB761. All administration was done orally for 21 days. The animals were subjected to a Y maze test and sacrificed on day 22. The brain was excised, and 1 g of tissue homogenized and utilized to assay for (MDA, SOD, CAT, GSH) and (TNF- α, and IL-6) activity. The result showed significant (p<0.05) increase in MDA level, TNF- α, and IL-6 activity and a significant (p<0.05) decrease in SOD, CAT, and GSH activity in the HgCl₂ Only Group. Ascorbic acid (500 mg) and EGB761 (100 mg and 500 mg) treated animals showed significant (p<0.05) improvement in alternations, decrease in MDA level, and increase in CAT, SOD level thereby mitigating mercury-induced oxidative stress indicating that EGB761 has neuro-protective property.

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