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Published on: October 13, 2018
Nature's shield: ginseng as a neuroprotective agent against titanium dioxide nanoparticle exposure
Heba Abuzaied1, Dina W Bashir2, Eman Rashad2
1Cytology and Histology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt. hebaabuzaied@cu.edu.eg.
Abstract:
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂-NPs) are widely used in various industries due to their unique properties. However, they can have harmful effects on biological systems. Panax ginseng is a popular natural remedy known for its protective effects against several health conditions. This study investigates the protective and therapeutic effects of ginseng against TiO₂-NPs-induced neurotoxicity in male rats. Thirty-five adult male albino rats were assigned to five groups: the untreated control, ginseng (received 200 mg/kg bw ginseng), TiO2-NPs-treated (received 200 mg/kg bw TiO2-NPs), ginseng-protected (received 200 mg/kg bw ginseng + 200 mg/kg bw TiO2-NPs), and ginseng-treated (received 200 mg/kg bw of TiO2-NPs for 14 days, then 200 mg/kg bw of ginseng till the end of the experiment) groups. All treatments were administered orally by gavage for 30 days. After the final dose, rats underwent behavioural assessments. Brain tissues were then collected for biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical analysis. The cognitive capacity, emotional reactivity, and spatial recognition of rats were significantly impaired by exposure to TiO2-NPs. TiO2-NPs elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, while simultaneously causing a dramatic reduction in glutathione (GSH) levels. Moreover, TiO2-NPs caused significant histological changes, including vacuolation of the neuropil and neuronal deterioration. Additionally, treatment with TiO2-NPs induced a highly positive glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunoreaction. Conversely, ginseng administration improved behavioural performance, restored antioxidant levels, and reduced tissue damage. These results suggest that ginseng may offer protective and therapeutic benefits against TiO₂-NP-induced brain toxicity.
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