Anti-Alzheimer's and Antioxidant Activity of Ethanolic Seed Extract of Sapindus emarginatus Vahl on Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Impairment in Mice

Abstract

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common nerve problem that leads to memory loss, particularly in the elderly. A shortage of acetylcholine in the brain, as well as oxidative stress, induces Alzheimer's disease. Currently, limited drugs are available to treat Alzheimer's disease because continuous use of these medications causes several side effects. Hence, we need high efficacious drugs to treat Alzheimer's disease with fewer side effects. Sapindus emarginatus Vahl or soap nut is a member of the Sapindaceae family. It's been used traditionally as an antiepileptic, antipruritic, antifertility, antiemetic, and anti-inflammatory agent. It is cheap, widely available, and reported to counteract chronic diseases linked to oxidative stress, such as ulcers and dyslipidemia. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the anti-Alzheimer and antioxidant properties of ethanolic seed extract of Sapindus emarginatus (ESSE) against scopolamine-induced amnesia. Methods: The total flavonoid level of the ESSE was estimated by a UV-visible spectrophotometer. The scopolamine (1 mg/kg/PO) was administered as a single intraperitoneal injection on the seventh day for induction of dementia in mice. The ESSE (250 and 500 mg/kg/PO) and donepezil (2.5 mg/kg/PO) was administered orally for 7 days. The neurobehavioral tests such as an elevated plus maze, radial arm maze, and Y-maze tests were undertaken for estimation of behavioral trials. The brain homogenate was used for the estimation of acetylcholine, acetylcholinesterase, and oxidative cell injury markers such as MDA, LH, SOD, CAT, and GSH. Results: The total flavonoid content of the extract was 0.47 mg of QE/g. Scopolamine degraded memory, as well as caused alterations in acetylcholine, acetylcholinesterase, and elevated oxidative stress in the brain. Pretreatment with ESSE reduced scopolamine-induced behavioral, neurochemical, and oxidative stress markers. Conclusion: The ESSE has an anti-amnesic impact, making it an attractive option for targeting multiple events as a possible technique to slow cognitive impairment.