The neuroprotective effect of Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T.Aiton against toxicity of mercury chlorids

Central nervous system intoxication can result from exposure to various toxins, including mercury chloride. Although several chelating agents are available for mercury chloride detoxification, their efficacy can diminish over time. Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T.Aiton, a medicinal plant, has shown potential as a protective agent against mercury chloride-induced brain damage. This study aims to evaluate the protective effects of C. procera in mitigating mercury chloride toxicity. This study investigates the protective effects of C. procera against mercury chloride toxicity in Wistar albino rats. A total of 36 rats, comprising both males and females, were housed under controlled laboratory conditions and divided into two main groups based on five animal. Each group received certain nutrition: standard nutrition, C. Procera , mercury chloride and all together. Treatments were administered for 20 days. After the treatment period, the rats were euthanised, and brain tissues were collected for histopathological analysis. After the brain tissues were fixed in 10% saline-buffered formalin, they were processed through a series of ascending grades of ethanol to dehydrate them. The tissues were then cleared in xylene and embedded in paraffin. The paraffin-embedded brains were treated three times with pure paraffin to ensure proper infiltration and were subsequently moulded into blocks. Sections of 5 µm thickness were prepared using a Leica microtome and stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for histopathological examination.The study adhered to ethical guidelines and was approved by the relevant regulatory body. The results of this study demonstrated that mercury chloride caused significant cerebral toxicity, manifesting as inflammation and pyknosis of the nuclei. C. procera reduced mercury toxicity and preserved the nuclei in male rats. In female rats, C. procera completely preserved the brain tissue.