Berberine Hydrochloride Improves Cognitive Function and Hippocampal Antioxidant Status in Subchronic and Chronic Lead Poisoning.

Objectives: To determine the neuroprotective effects of berberine hydrochloride (BBR) against lead-induced injuries on the hippocampus of rats.

Methods: Wistar rats were exposed orally to doses of 100 and 500 ppm lead acetate for 1 and 2 months to develop subchronic and chronic lead poisening models, respectively. For treatment, BBR (50 mg/kg daily) was injected intraperitoneally to rats poisoned with lead.