Neuroprotective properties of UV-C treated Bacopa floribunda leaves: in vitro and in vivo studies

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of UV-C irradiation on antioxidant, cholinergic and neuroprotective properties of Bacopa floribunda leaves in scopolamine-induced rats. In vitro study was done by the determination of phenolics, flavonoid, total antioxidant capacity, 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity, inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes. Loss of memory was induced in Wistar rats pre-treated with extracts of Bacopa floribunda using scopolamine (2 mg/kg) administered intraperitoneally. Behavioural studies using elevated plus maze (EPM) and biochemical analysis on the were carried out. Exposure to UV-C radiation increased the phenolics, flavonoid, antioxidant and inhibitory properties against AChE and BChE of the Bacopa floribunda leaves. The administration of scopolamine caused significant increase in the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes, but decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes and enhanced generation of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide in vivo. The loss of memory and Biochemical analysis in scopolamine-induced rats was ameliorated by treatment with UV-C treated Bacopa floribunda (TBF) extracts. Treatment with TBF improved memory retention and ameliorated oxidative damage in hippocampus of scopolamine treated rats.