Hadeel Kamil Khaleel¹ , Haneen Abdulsalam Ali², Ruqaa Badr Reda³, Ammar Ismail Jabbar¹

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the role of Shilajit in ameliorating the effects of monosodium glutamate (MSG) on neurotransmitters, oxidative stress parameters, and brain tissue damage. Methods: Fifty mice were divided into 5 groups of 10 mice each. G-1 received distilled water as control. G-2 received 2 g/kg of MSG, G-3 was given 2 g/kg of MSG with 100 mg/kg of Shilajit (Shi), G-4 was given 4 g/kg of MSG, and G-5 was given 4 g/kg of MSG with 200 mg/kg of Shilajit, by oral route once daily for 14 consecutive days. Results: The 2 and 4 g/kg doses of MSG caused an increase (p < 0.05) in brain weights, compared to the control group. Neurotransmitter parameters, including glutamine and acetylcholinesterase, in all treated groups were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), except for G-5, which was normal. Epinephrine level showed a significant increase in all treated groups in comparison with G-1, while G-5 was normal. In addition, the serotonin levels were significantly decreased p < 0.05 in all treated groups compared to G-1. Oxidative stress parameters showed a significant decrease in glutathione and catalase levels in MSG-only treated groups, while shilajit improved the levels of glutathione and catalase (p < 0.05). Histological investigation of brain tissues in G-2, G-3 and G-5 showed normal histological features, while G-4 had histological alterations. Conclusion: Shilajit ameliorates the detrimental effects of MSG-induced toxicity in cortical brain cells in mice, and this can be attributed to its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.