SYNERGISTIC EFFECT OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF ANACARDIUM OCCIDENTALE LEAVES AND MUSA SAPEINTUM PEELS ON FINE MOTOR FUNCTION AGAINST CADMIUM-INDUCED NEUROTOXICITY IN RATS

Cadmium (Cd) is the seventh most toxic heavy metal; a potentially hazardous metal found that has a substantial impact on the peripheral (PNS) and central nervous systems (CNS). This study is aimed at investigating the concommitant administration of ethanol leaf extract of Anacardium occidentale (AO) and ripe Musa sapientum (MS) peels on fine motor functions in Cd-induced neurotoxicity in female wistar rats through. 30 adult female wistar rats (75 – 154 g) were used for this study. They were divided randomly into six groups (n=5). Group 1 (Control) received 1mL of distilled water. Group 2, 3,4 and 5 were treated with 100 mg/kg of Cd, 2.5 mg/kg of Donepezil, 200 mg/kg AO and  200 mg/kg MS respectively. Group 6 was co-treated with 200 mg/kg of AO and 200 mg/kg of MS for 21 days. Animals were then subjected to Neurobehavioural experiment using wire hang test for assessment of muscular strength. Biochemical assay for the assessment of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and histological analysis of the cerebellum was done. The result of the neurobehavioural investigation revealed a significant (P<0.05) enhancement in muscular strength, as well as decreased expression of IL-6 proinflammatory cytokines in the treated group. Furthermore, moderate healing with well outlined active purkinge cells and mild degeneration of the granular cells in histological section of the treated groups was observed. In conclusion, the combine treatment of AO and MS enhanced fine motor functions, and had a beneficial anti-inflammatory and ameliorative potential on the neurotoxic effect of Cd.