Neuroprotective effects of ethanol extract of Ocimum gratissimum leaf on monosodium glutamate-induced oxidative stress in developing Wistar rat cerebellum

Abstract

Background: The safety of monosodium glutamatc (MSG) ns a flavour enhancer has generated much controversy. This research investigated the neuroprotective effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum (OG) against MSG-induccd oxidative stress in developing Wistar rat brains. Methods: Thirty pregnant rats were divided randomly into six groups of five animals per group. Control; MSG (4 g/kg): MSG + Vitamin E (500 mg/kg); OG (300 mg/kg dissolved in corn oil) + MSG: OG; Corn oil, CO (vehicle). The pregnant rats received oral administration from day 7 of gestation to postnatal day 28. while the pups received oral administration from the 21> * to the 28,h postnatal day. Behavioural test was done on day 21 and the pups were killed. The cerebclla of pups of days 1,7, 14, 21 and 28 were dissected out for histological and histomorphometric studies, while biochemical evaluation was done on day 21 postpartum. Results: In the behavioural assessment (open field test), only the rats in the MSG + Vit. E (5.00^ 1.41) and CO (4.751-1.50) groups showed a significant reduction at p< Vit If and cornoil groups at p t p<0.()5. Histological alterations were minimal, with a thicker external granular layer