AbstractObjectiveTo study the antioxidative and protective properties of aqueous extract of Hammada scoparia (H. scoparia) against the effects of sub-chronic aluminium (Al) intoxication on mnemonic process and some neurochemical markers.MethodsAl was administered intraperitoneally (50 mg/kg body weight, three times a week), and H. scoparia and malic acid were given orally by gavage at a daily dose (100 mg/kg body weight) to rats for 90 days.ResultsAl caused significant short-term and long-term memory disturbances, a decrease in locomotor activity, a significant inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity in brain and a significant depletion of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase) and glutathione. It significantly increased lipid peroxidation levels in cerebrum and cerebellum. However, treatment with H. scoparia extract protected efficiently the neurological functions of intoxicated rats by considerably increasing antioxidants levels and decreasing production of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances by 4.26% compared to untreated group. We noted some controversial results with malic acid. It showed some positive results but it was not as efficient as H. scoparia extract. Current results were consistent with histopathological observations including neurodegeneration and vacuolated cytoplasm (spongiosis) in Al treated sections when H. scoparia and malic acid treated sections showed marked neuroprotection signs.ConclusionsThis study strongly suggested that H. scoparia extract could possibly restore the altered neurological capacities and antioxidant power in rats, and it could even be a good alternative to chelating agents or other chemical medicines against Al-induced neurotoxicity.