CEREBROPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF GANGETIN ALKALOIDS ON SODIUM NITRITE-INDUCED HYPOXIA AND ETHANOL-INDUCED NEURODEGENERATION

Abstract

Cognitive impairment is a multidimensional and complicated concept that subsumes the attention, concentration, learning, memory, problem-solving ability, visuospatial abilities, mental flexibility, psychomotor efficiency and manual dexterity. Objective: To study the effects of Gangetin alkaloids from the seeds of Desmodium gangeticum on cognitive deficit mice. Gangetin alkaloids were screened for Sodium nitrite induced hypoxia and Ethanol induced neurodegeneration using behavioral models such as rotarod, Passive shock avoidance paradigm, special water bottle case model, elevated plus maze and Morris water maze. GA (5, 2.5 and 1.25 mg/kg p.o.) were administered to the mice. Acquisition, retention, Transfer latency (TLT), Time spent in target quadrant (TSTQ), Step down latency (SDL) and Escape latency (ELT) and biochemical parameters such as AChE, MAOA, TBARS, epinephrine, 5 HT were determined. DNA fragmentation studies were conducted which were compared with donepezil. GA (5, 2.5 and 1.25 mg kg(-1) p.o.) significantly (p < 0.001) protected the Sodium nitrite induced memory impairment by decreasing the time require to find the water bottle in special water bottle case model. GA improved acquisition and retention memory significantly (p < 0.001) by decreasing the Transfer Latency Time (TLT), escape latency time, TSTQ and increased the Step Down Latency (SDL. GA inhibited Acetylcholinestrase (p < 0.01) activity, increased GSH,decreased TBARS and inhibited MAOA activity. Reduced the metabolism of epinephrine, 5-HT. GA (5 mg kg(-1)) protected the DNA fragmentation of frontotemporal cortex from hypoxic effects. Gangetin alkaloids are beneficial in the management of neurodegenerative disorders particularly for Alzheimer’s disease.