Mucuna pruriens Constituted Diet Ameliorates Manganese-Induced Behavioural Deficit and Histological Alterations in the Brains of Rats

Overexposure to manganese (Mn) has been clearly established to trigger neurotoxicity that may result in Parkinson-like symptoms. Mucuna pruriens have been reported to possess constituents that could be neuroprotective. The present study evaluated the effect of M. pruriens constituted diet in Mn-induced memory and motor deficits, as well as on histological changes in the brain. Twenty-four adult Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups of six rats. Three groups of animals were subjected to Mn-administration and on standard feed, 10% or 20% M. pruriens constituted feeds for a 5-week duration. The remaining group served as control and received standard feed only. Following experimental treatments, rats were subjected to the Y-maze test and the open-field test. Furthermore, brains were excised and evaluated with routine haematoxylin and eosin histological protocol. Result of spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze test showed that Mn caused decreased memory performance and decreasing motor and explorative activities, but co-treatment with M. pruriens mitigated behavioural impairments. Additionally, Mn-administration resulted in noticeable neurodegenerative features in the cerebellum, hippocampus and striatum. However, concurrent use of M. pruriens diet slightly attenuated histological alterations. In conclusion, the present study suggests that treatment with M. pruriens may provide ameliorative benefits against Mn-induced neurotoxicity