Abstract
Sanguisorba minor (S. minor) has neuroprotective and antioxidant activities. However, its potential benefits in ameliorating learning and memory functions have been explored in no studies up to now. So, in the current study, rats were treated with S. minor hydro-ethanolic extract (50, 100, and 200mg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.)) as well as rivastigmine (0.5mg/kg, i.p.) for 21 consecutive days. Thereafter, their behavioral performance was assessed using Morris water maze (MWM) and passive avoidance (PA) tasks. Notably, 30min before conducting the tasks, scopolamine was injected. Finally, the biochemical assessments were done using the brain tissue. The extract characterization was performed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, which confirmed the presence of quercetin, myricetin, kaempferol, catechin, ellagic acid, and gallic acid derivatives. In the MWM test, the extract reduced both escape latency and the travelled distance, compared to the scopolamine group. Moreover, in the PA test, the latency to enter the dark chamber significantly increased by the extract, compared to the scopolamine group (p < 0.05-p < 0.001). Notably, the beneficial effects of S. minor on cognitive performance of the scopolamine-treated rats appeared to be similar or even better than rivastigmine in behavior performance. Similar to rivastigmine, it was observed that the extract attenuated both AChE activity and oxidative injury in the brain as evidenced by the increased antioxidant enzymes and total thiol content; however, it decreased malondialdehyde level (p < 0.05-p < 0.001). In conclusion, the results suggested the effectiveness of S. minor in preventing cognitive dysfunction induced by scopolamine. Accordingly, these protective effects might be produced by the regulation of cholinergic activity and oxidative stress. S. minor could be considered as a potential alternative therapy in cognition disorders.
Highlights
Dementia and neurodegenerative diseases are accompanied with cognitive impairments (Terry et al 2011)
ACh function in the hippocampus and brain cortex is terminated by acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) (Hasselmo 2006)
26 compounds were identified in the hydro-ethanolic extract of S. minor using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis in its negative mode
Summary
Dementia and neurodegenerative diseases are accompanied with cognitive impairments (Terry et al 2011). Functional deficits in cholinergic neurotransmission have been found to be directly linked to cognitive impairments. The function of acetyl choline (ACh), a major neurotransmitter in the central cholinergic system, is important in the process of perception, attention, learning, and memory. ACh function in the hippocampus and brain cortex is terminated by acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) (Hasselmo 2006). Acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs), including rivastigmine, galantamine, and donepezil, are currently used as the most effective pharmacotherapeutic agents. These can ameliorate cognitive deficits through the activation of the central cholinergic system (El-Marasy et al 2012). Alternative or adjuvant anti-amnestic therapies are required in this regard because these drugs produce some adverse effects (Ng et al 2006)
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