EN
The purpose of this study was to determine the neuroprotective potential of pomegranate peel methanolic extract (500 mg kg⁻¹) on lead acetate (1000 ppm) induced neurotoxicity. After 12 weeks, the mice were subjected to behavioral tests. Brain injuries were determined with hematoxylin and eosin staining and lead accumulation was measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption with Zeeman correction. Lead exposure induced neurobehavioral alterations, reduced body growth, lead deposits in brain and histological change in the lead-treated group. Furthermore, co-administration of pomegranate extract with lead decreased locomotion, anxiety and depression in lead-exposed mice as indicated by the number of cells crossed by mice, the residence time in the dark compartment and the immobility time in forced swimming. Also, pomegranate extract improved weight loss and histological change of cortex cerebral and hippocampus by reducing the lead concentration in these sites. Pomegranate methanolic extract has neuroprotective effects against lead-induced neurological disorders probably by its various phytochemical components.