Ameliorative Effects of Aqueous Extract of Velvet Bean (Mucuna Pruriens) on Cadmium-induced Neurotoxicity in Frontal cortex of Male Adult Wistar Rats

Background: Cadmium (Cd) is a harmful environmental pollutant that induces neurotoxicity through oxidative stress and inflammation, particularly affecting the frontal cortex. Velvet Bean, a leguminous plant rich in antioxidants such as L-DOPA and flavonoids, offers a promising alternative for mitigating cadmium-induced neurotoxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of aqueous extract of Velvet Bean on cadmium-induced neurotoxicity in the frontal cortex of adult male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four rats were randomly assigned to four groups: normal control, cadmium only, cadmium + Velvet Bean extract, and Velvet Bean extract only. Cadmium chloride was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 14 mg/kg body weight to induce neurotoxicity. Treatment began 72 hours post-induction and continued for four weeks, with Velvet Bean extract given orally at a dosage of 200 mg/kg bodyweight. Results: The cadmium-only group exhibited significant weight loss, decreased relative brain weight, and widespread histological degeneration, including necrotic pyramidal cells, reduced Nissl bodies, collagen deposition, and activated astrocytes, alongside elevated oxidative stress. In contrast, rats treated with Mucuna Pruriens extract showed significant improvements across all parameters compared to the cadmium-only group (P