Lead II Acetate Induced Physio-Morphological Changes in Prefrontal Cortex of Ocimum gratissimum Fed Wistar Rats

Indiscriminate consumption of herbs or medicinal plants is said to be harmful without caution. Overtime, the effects of consumption of many of these plants on the brain have remained mysterious. Ocimumgratissimum (scent leaf) is one of such numerous herbs commonly used in Nigeria. This study was undertaken to determine the activity of Ocimum gratissimum leaf extract on the prefrontal cortical area of lead II acetate exposed wistar rats. Twenty five (25) Wistar rats of five (5) rats each were divided into five (5) groups. With Group one (1) being control group (fed with standard rat diet and water only), Groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 formed the experimental group and respectively received 252.98 mg/kg of body weight (bwt)/day of aqueous Ocimum Gratissimum leaves extract for 35 days, 180 mg/kg of lead II acetate for 21 days, 180 mg/kg of lead II acetate for 21 days with continued treatment of 126.49 mg/kg bwt of Ocimum Gratissimumleaves extract for 35 days, and 180 mg/kg of lead II acetate for 21 days with continued treatment of 252.98 mg/kg bwt of Ocimum Gratissimum leaves extract for 35 days. Following treatment period, rats were euthanized and blood samples assayed for biochemical changes. Histological and stereological examinations were also conducted for harvested brain tissue; the prefrontal cortex. Upon comparison with control (group I), a significant decrease was seen in prefrontal cortical Malonaldehyde, Superoxide Dismutase, Glutathione and Catalase levels, suggestive of a relatively fair regeneration of damaged glia cells (Gliosis) across groups. Again, histological section revealed the presence of pyramidal neurons with polygonal cell bodies of prominent dispersed nucleoli, containing chromatin granules with glial cells; Indicative of a potential possibility for gliosis. Similar studies on other areas of the brain are highly recommended.