none 10.31254/phyto.2026.15403 BioMed Research Publishers BioMed Research Publishers 16195 199027239 316921 20260801014925759 10.31254 2026-08-01T01:49:34Z 2026-08-01T01:49:33Z 0 The Journal of Phytopharmacology J Phytopharmacol 2320480X 10.31254/phyto https://phytopharmajournal.com/ 07 2026 15 4 Chioma Christabel Onyemechi Department of Anatomy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria John Favour Ehijiagbon Aig-Unuigbe Department of Anatomy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria Frederick Ohiomokhai Tobalu Department of Anatomy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria Akporufuoma Racheal Orheruataa Department of Anatomy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria Osagie Usman Idemudia Department of Anatomy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria Adaze Bijou Enogieru Department of Anatomy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8262-5220 Background: Hippocampal dysfunction can result from defects, degeneration, or toxins like lead (Pb), which crosses the blood-brain barrier, disrupts calcium signaling, and causes oxidative stress, leading to cognitive decline. Dietary antioxidants may help counteract this oxidative injury and protect hippocampal function. Objective: This study investigated the protective activity of aqueous Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract on lead acetate induced hippocampal toxicity. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight adult Wistar rats were divided into six groups: A (control), B (100 mg/kg Pb only), C (100 mg/kg Pb + 100 mg/kg R. officinalis), D (100 mg/kg Pb + 200 mg/kg R. officinalis), E (100 mg/kg R. officinalis only), and F (200 mg/kg R. officinalis only). All administrations, via an orogastric tube, lasted for twenty-eight (28) days. Neurobehavioral tests (Novel Object Recognition, Y-maze, Elevated Plus Maze) were evaluated, after which hippocampi were collected to assess lead levels, antioxidant activity, lipid peroxidation, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), nitric oxide (NO), histology, and apoptosis. Results: Pb-exposed rats showed significant (p<0.05) weight loss, cognitive and memory deficits, disrupted antioxidant and AChE activity, increased lipid peroxidation, elevated hippocampal NO and lead levels, along with neuronal atrophy and caspase-3 upregulation, indicating apoptosis. Pretreatment with R. officinalis significantly (p<0.05) mitigated weight loss, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, neuronal damage, and levels of hippocampal lead, NO, AChE, and caspase-3, highlighting its antioxidant, metal-chelating, NO-scavenging, anti-cholinesterase, and anti-apoptotic effects against Pb-induced neurotoxicity. Conclusion: Consequently, this study provides novel evidence supporting R. officinalis as a promising neuroprotective agent with potential for drug development against hippocampal dysfunction. 07 2026 209 217 1 10.31254/biomed-crossmark-policy www.biomedresearch.org false 10.31254/phyto.2026.15403 https://phytopharmajournal.com/articles/abstracts/922/year=2026&vol=15&issue=4