Pharmacological Evaluation of Shogaol on High Fat Diet and Metals Induced Hippocampal Memory Impairment

Abstract

Both humans and animals are exposed to various metals either simultaneously or sequentially via varying occupational and environmental routes. Recent industrialization has spiked an increase in the environmental exposure to heavy metals, especially Aluminum, Arsenic and Lead, whereas our socioeconomic trends have led to an increased exposure to high fat diet. According to a report by WHO, in 2013, over the previous three decades, obesity has doubled worldwide, becoming a pandemic. Prolonged exposure to HFD and metals can lead to severe neurological impairment and may also cause inflammation in the brain. The present study elucidates the neuroprotective effect of Shogaol, a plant extract from ginger, on HFD and Metal induced neurotoxicity, in mice models. 40 male Balb/c mice were allocated into four different groups (n=10, each group): Group 1 (Control), Group 2 (metals+HFD), Group 3 (metals+HFD+Shogaol 2mg/kg), and Group 4 (metals+HFD+Shogaol 12mg/kg). Different behavioral analysis were performed to determine the learning and memory impairment, which included the following tests: Morris water maze test, Y-maze Test and Hole Board tests, followed by biochemical analysing to check effects of protective effect of Shogaol on liver and kidneys. The results depict Shogaol having a possible neuroprotective role against neurological impairments. Further research needs to be conducted in order to determine the optimum dosage level of Shogaol as a possible treatment for neurotoxicity.