Dose-dependent effect of black mustard seeds (Brassica nigra) extract on the prefrontal cortex of adult Wistar rats

Abstract

Objectives: Mustard seeds, apart from being a culinary essential, have had medicinal applications dating back to the time of Hippocrates. It has in fact been once mentioned as the greatest herb ever. We explored the dose dependent effects of the crude aqueous extract of Brassica nigra (Black mustard seeds) on the prefrontal cortex of adult Wistar rats.Methods: 20 adult female rats weighing an average of 180±20 g were used. They were split into 4 groups (n=5); Group A (received extract at 200 mg/kg body weight), Group B (received extract at 100 mg/kg body weight), Group C (received extract at 50 mg/kg body weight), and Group D (received distilled water ad libitum). All of the animals were subjected to the Y-maze spontaneous alternation test for neurobehavioural analyses following 28-day administration of the extracts. Animals were sacrificed 24 hours after taking the last day of administration. Results:Our results showed that neurobehavioural analyses are significantly hampered in animals receiving 200 mg/kg extract in comparison to the control group. In treatment groups, increased dose of extract elevated the level of MDA, but reduced the level of SOD. LDH levels were also significantly increased in the 200 mg/kg treated group when comparing with the control. General microarchitecture in the prefrontal cortex of 200 mg/kg Brassica nigra treated group showed signs of karyolysis and pyknosis. Conclusion: Brassica nigra (black mustard) is not innocuous and therefore it should be consumed in moderation.Keywords: Brassica nigra; neurobehaviour; neurototoxicity; prefrontal cortex Original Article www.anatomy.org.tr Received: August 13, 2016; Accepted: September 2, 2017 doi:10.2399 the cell-poor molecular layer and the deepest is the multiform (polymorphic) layer, which is populated largely by fusiform cells. Between these two layers, there are four layers that are alternatively mostly populated by stellate or pyramidal cells. The executive functions of the frontal cortex involve the ability to recognize future consequences resulting from current actions, to choose between good and bad actions (or better and best), override and suppress unacceptable social responses, and determine similarities and differences between things or events. [7] Therefore, it is involved in higher mental functions. The frontal cortex also plays an important role in retaining long-term memories which are not task-based. These are memories associated often with emotions derived input from the limbic system. The frontal cortex modifies those emotions to generally fit socially acceptable norms.[7] Thus, we specifically examined the dose-dependent effects of aqueous Brassica nigra seed extracts on the cognitive and memory functions, oxidative parameters, and finally, the histology of the PFC in Wistar rats. We examined the oxidative damage by assessing the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzymes. Materials and MethodsAll protocols and treatment procedures were done according to t...