EFFECT OF Moringa oleifera LEAF EXTRACT ON THE PERCENTAGE OF NECROTIC PURKINJE CELLS IN MICE (Mus musculus) CEREBELLUM INDUCED BY METHYLMERCURY

This research aimed to observe the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on the number of necrotic Purkinje cells in mice (Mus musculus) induced by methylmercury. A total number of 20 male mice were included in the present research and divided into five groups (C –, C +, T 1, T 2, T 3). C – were administered 0.2 ml Na CMC, C + were administered 0.4 mg/kg bw methylmercury, T 1 were administered 200 mg/kg bw Moringa oleifera leaf extract + 0.4 mg/kg bw of methylmercury, T 2 were administered 400 mg/kg bw Moringa oleifera leaf extract + 0.4 mg/kg bw methylmercury, and T 3 were administered 800 mg/kg bw Moringa oleifera leaf extract + 0.4 mg/kg bw methylmercury. Experimental groups received the treatments for 21 days, then animals of each groups were sacrificed by cervical dislocation method. Cerebellum was dissected out. Microscopic examination was done to count the total amount of Purkinje cells and necrotic Purkinje cells. The result showed that Moringa oleifera leaf extract reduced the percentage of necrotic Purkinje cells in mice (Mus musculus) cerebellum induced by methylmercury. The dose of 800 mg/kg bw Moringa oleifera leaf extract gave the best protective effect compared to those of 200 and 400 mg/kg bw