Protection by Coriandrum sativum against mercury neurotoxicity

Mercury (Hg) is widely distributed in the environment. Its organic form, methylmercury (MeHg), is highly neurotoxic and can cause irreversible brain damage, especially in children whose developing brains are particularly vulnerable to permanent adverse health effects. The toxic effects of MeHg on the central nervous system (CNS) were first described in the 1940s, and became known as Hunter-Russell syndrome, which has since been shown to have caused several catastrophic episodes of human poisoning. However, much of our knowledge of MeHg's toxic actions has come from animal experiments. No effective therapeutic or preventive drugs have been found to mitigate MeHg neurotoxicity, although recent studies have suggested the use of plant ingredients and numerous natural dietary compounds for preventing/reducing the harmful effects of MeHg toxicity. Coriandrum sativum, due to its chemical composition, particularly high levels of polyphenolic compounds, can act as MeHg chelators and attenuate its oxidative damage.