Neuroprotective Effects of Sesamum Indicum Seeds on Lead-Induced Neurotoxicity in the Hippocampus of a Wistar Rat

Student: Saliha Salihu Imam (Thesis, 2025)
Department of Anatomy
Bayero University, Kano, Kano State

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Lead is a widespread environmental toxicant known to induce neurotoxicity, particularly affecting the hippocampus; a region of memory and learning. This study investigates the neuroprotective potential of Sesamum Indicum (sesame) against lead-induced neurotoxicity in the hippocampus of Wistar rats. Twenty adult Wistar rats were divided into four groups; control, lead only, lead with low dose sesame, and lead with high dose sesame. Histological examination of the hippocampus was conducted using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stains at x400 magnification. Results showed significant neuronal degeneration in the lead only group while co-administration of Sesamum Indicum demonstrated dose dependent protective effects, with the high dose group exhibiting near normal histoarchitecture. These findings suggest that Sesamum Indicum seeds possesses neuroprotective properties that may mitigate hippocampus damage caused by lead exposure.

Keywords
hippocampus sesamum indicum neuroprotective neurotoxicity adult wistar rats sesame effects seeds lead-induced
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