Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Phoenix dactylifera and its medicinal benefits have been reported widely. It is also well established that chronic exposure to lead (Pb2+) alters a variety of neuronal and behavioral tasks in rats and mice. As one of the ubiquitously polluting heavy metals in ecosystem and modern industry, lead may enter human body via many routes including airway, water and food. This study investigated the neuroprotective effect of aqueous extract of phoenix dactylifera on the microarchitecture of the occipital cortex of wistar rats against lead acetate induced neuronal degeneration.

METHOD: Fifteen (15) F1 adult male wistar rats with an average weight of 220g were randomly assigned into groups A, B and C, each with five (5) animals. Aqueous extract of phoenix dactylifera was prepared and the stock solution was mixed with phosphate buffered saline which served as the vehicle of oral administration. Animals in group A received 350g/kg/BDW per day of phoenix dactylifera extract for 8 days, animals in group B received only 800mg/kg/BDW of lead acetate daily for three (3) days. Group C received 800mg/kg/BDW of lead acetate, then 350mg/kg/BDW aqueous extract of phoenix dactylifera simultaneously for 8 days.
After sacrifice, the brains of the animal subjects were removed; the occipital cortices were then excised carefully and processed for histological examination (Hematoxylin and Eosin).

RESULTS: Histological observation and analysis showed clearly that oral administration of 800mg/kg/BDW of lead acetate induced neuronal degeneration. However, neuronal and cellular degeneration are prevented by the simultaneous-counter administration of 350mg/kg/BDW of aqueous extract of phoenix dactylifera.

CONCLUSION: From this study, aqueous extract of phoenix dactlifera conferred neuroprotective measures against lead acetate induced degeneration and should be screened further for possible use against neurodegenerative diseases in humans.

Key words: Phoenix dactylifera, lead acetate, occipital cortex, neuroprotection.