N-butanol fraction of myristica fragrans attenuates scopolamine-induced memory impairment in the experimental model of alzheimer’s disease in mice

Abstract

Alzheimer disease (AD) is the common type of dementia and neurodegenerative age related disease which is characterized by functional loss and cognitive impairment. Myristica fragrans are the herbal plants and widely used in the India for Alzheimer’s disease. The present study exemplified the possible effects of N-butanol fraction of Myristica fragrans extract (BuMF) on cognitive performance in Scopolamine-induced Alzheimer’s disease in mice. Animals were categorized into five groups, treated with the BuMF (100 and 200 mg/kg), p.o. for 21 days. Except normal group, all groups were administered with single injection of scopolamine (0.6 mg/kg, i.p.) for the induction of cognitive impairment on the last days (day 21). The spatial memory was investigated by two behavioural paradigms i.e. Hebbs William maze (HWM) and Elevated plus maze (EPM). Supernatant of brain homogenate were used for the assessment of the enzymatic antioxidant level and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Statistical analyses were executed via one -way ANOVA where p < 0.05 observed as statistically significant. Administration of BuMF significantly reduced retention transfer latency (RTL) and time taken to reach reward chamber (TRC) when compared to Scopolamine induced group. BuMF administration significantly enhanced the level of enzymatic antioxidant (Catalase, SOD and Glutathione peroxidase) and markedly reduced TBARS level via inhibiting lipid peroxidation and anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the brain of mice. Our results suggested that BuMF mends the learning ability. Therefore it can be used as promising therapeutic agent in the management of dementia such as AD and memory loss.