Nickel is a neurotoxic metal that disrupts cerebral neurotransmitting, wich induces a behavioural disturbance. Therefore, the present study was carried out to determine the effectiveness of Algerian Melissa officinalis aqueous extract (Mo) in alleviating the toxicity of Nickel chloride on certain behavioral parameters in wistar rats. Thirty-six Wistar rats were divided into six groups for 8 weeks of treatement : one group was exposed to 0.2% NiCl2 in their drinking water (Ni), two other groups was administered (i.p.) daily 25 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg body weight of the aqueous extract of Melissa officinalis and 0.2% NiCl2 in their drinking water (Ni+Mo25 mg) and (Ni+Mo50 mg), tow another groups received aqueous extract of Melissa officinalis (i.p.) (25 mg/kg and/or 50 mg/kg body weight) (Mo25 mg and Mo50 mg) and group served as control. The neuroprotective activity was assessed using behavioral tests: open filed (OF), Forced swimming (FS) and elevated plus maze (EPM) test and histopathological study. The results of the present study demonstrate that sub chronique Nickel exposure induces, on the one hand, a decrease of body gain and brain weight (P<0.01), and on the other hand, increases the level of anxiety (P<0.001), depression (P<0.001) and locomotor hyperactivity (P<0.001), compared to control rats. Cotreatment with M. officinalis aqueous extract in Ni-intoxicated rats significantly deacreased the level of anxiety (P<0.01), depression (P<0.001) and correct locomotor hyperactivity (P<0.001). M. officinalis administration also improved body weight gain and brain weight to the level of control animals. We can conclude that Nickel exposure induces significant perturbation of emotional reactivity that can be improved by treatment with the aqueous extract of Melissa officinalis. Histopathological examination showed validating its efficacy in attenuating Ni-induced toxicity in the rat brain

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