Neuroprotective Properties of the Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Artocarpus heterophyllus (Jack Fruit) on the Cerebral Cortex and Hippocampus of Mercury Chloride-Induced Neurotoxicity in Adult Male Wistar Rats

Mercuric chloride intoxication in rodents causes spatial learning and memory impairment. The present study was carried out to investigate the possible protective role of jackfruit against mercuric chloride (HgCl2)-induced changes in rat brains. Thirty-two adult male rats (160g-200g) were randomized into eight groups of four rats each after acclimatization viz: A: Control, tap water; B: HgCl2 (0.5 mg/kg body wt.); C and D: Jackfruit ethanolic and aqueous extract (200 mg/kg body wt.) respectively; E and F: HgCl2 + Jackfruit ethanolic and aqueous extract (200 mg/kg body wt.) respectively; G and H: HgCl2 + Jackfruit ethanolic and aqueous extract (400 mg/kg body wt.) respectively. All treatments were oral by gastric gavage and lasted 14 days. Morris water behavioural tests were conducted on the 15th day, after which rats were euthanized through cervical dislocation, and histology of rat hippocampus with regard to micro-anatomical parameters were examined in all groups. Mercuric chloride (HgCl2) induced a significant increase in time taken; among the treated groups, it was shown that there was an increase in latency time, while latency time was decreased in the control group, which was not statistically significant. However, concurrent administration of Artocarpus Heterophyllus extract with HgCl2 caused a reversal of these parameters relative to control and neuronal process seen in the hippocampus. Therefore, aqueous and ethanolic extract of Artocarpus Heterophyllus demonstrated protective effects against HgCl2-induced neurobehavioral and histological changes in spatial learning and memory. Keywords: Jack fruit, Neuroprotective, mercury chloride, Spatial learning and memory