Scopolamine-induced Dementia Research Articles

Neuroprotective effects of Paederia foetida Linn. on scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in rats

Background and Aim: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) poses a significant health-care challenge, often linked to cognitive decline caused by oxidative stress. This study investigated the potential neuroprotective effects of the Paederia foetida leaf extract (PFE) in rats that exhibited scopolamine-induced dementia mimicking AD. Materials and Methods: Forty-two male rats were treated with either donepezil (0.5 mg/kg) or PFE at doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg for 14 days before and 14 days after the beginning of Alzheimer’s-like symptoms after 14 consecutive days of scopolamine administration. Behavioral tests, including the open-field test for locomotor activity and the Morris water maze task for learning and memory assessment, were conducted. Neuronal cell counts and biochemical assays were performed to further analyze outcomes. Results: All groups exhibited normal locomotor activity. The scopolamine group displayed longer escape latency times, reduced time in the target quadrant, decreased number of surviving neurons, and increased malondialdehyde and decreased glutathione levels compared with the control group. However, pre-treatment with 1000 mg/kg PFE notably mitigated the neurotoxic effects of scopolamine. Conclusion: The neuroprotective properties of PFE are highlighted, suggesting its potential as a promising treatment strategy for AD. Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, neuroprotection, oxidative stress, Paederia foetida, scopolamine.

Euonymus hamiltonianus Extract Improves Amnesia in APPswe/Tau Transgenic and Scopolamine-Induced Dementia Models.

Dementia is a syndrome exhibiting progressive impairments on cognition and behavior beyond the normal course of aging, and Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the neurodegenerative diseases known to cause dementia. We investigated the effect of KGC07EH, the 30% ethanol extract of Euonymus hamiltonianus, against amyloid-β (Aβ) production and cognitive dysfunction in dementia models. KGC07EH was treated on Hela cells expressing the Swedish mutant form of amyloid precursor protein (APP), and the AD triple transgenic (3× TG) mice were given KGC07EH orally during 11-14 months of age (100 and 300mg/kg/day). SH-SY5Y cell line was used to test KGC07EH on scopolamine-induced elevation of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. ICR mice were intraperitoneally injected with scopolamine, and KGC07EH was administered orally (50, 100, and 200mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. KGC07EH treatment decreased Aβ, sAPPβ-sw, and sAPPβ-wt levels and APP protein expressions while sAPPα was increased in Swedish mutant-transfected HeLa cells. KGC07EH treatment also significantly reduced the accumulation of Aβ plaques and tau tangles in the brain of 3× TG mice as well as improving the cognitive function. In SH-SY5Y cells cultured with scopolamine, KGC07EH dose-dependently attenuated the increase of AChE activity. KGC07EH also improved scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairment in scopolamine-injected mice, and in their cerebral cortex and hippocampus, the expression levels of p-ERK, p-CREB, p-Akt, and BDNF were attenuated. KGC07EH inhibits APP processing and Aβ production both in vitro and in vivo, while enhancing acetylcholine signaling and cognitive dysfunction which are the major symptoms of dementia.

REVIEW ON THE SYNTHESIS OF ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID AND ITS THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL IN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL OF DEMENTIA

LA or (±)-α-Lipoic acid (6,8-thioctic acid, 5-(1,2-dithiolan-3-yl)pentanoic acid) (LA) is a heterocyclic thia fattyacid consisting of pentanoic acid and a 1,2-dithiolan-3-yl group at the 5-position. LA is an amphiphilic pharmacophorewith excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects attested by numerous studies for its potentialutility in both the treatment and diverse forms of prophylaxis of neurodegenerative disorders, especially Alzheimer’sdisease. This article aims to assess the differences in neuroprotective effect after short-term (11 days) and longterm(51 days) LA administration in an experimental rat model of scopolamine-induced dementia by correlatingbiochemical data on acetylcholinesterase activity with behavioural data. Behaviourally appraised changes in learningand memory appear to correlate with biochemical changes in AChE activity. The neuroprotective effect of LA, asascertained by its beneficial effects on learning and memory in a scopolamine animal model, appears to be associatedwith cholinergic mechanisms (a decrease in AChE activity), and to be larger after short-term administration ratherthan long-term administration. These results further underscore the candidacy of LA as a viable drug candidatesuitable for continued investigation and derivate synthesis endeavours.

Neuroprotective effect of ranolazine improves behavioral discrepancies in a rat model of scopolamine-induced dementia.

Ranolazine (Rn), an antianginal agent, acts in the central nervous system and has been used as a potential treatment agent for pain and epileptic disorders. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases and the leading factor in dementia in the elderly. We examined the impact of Rn on scopolamine (Sco)-induced dementia in rats. Thirty-two albino male rats were divided into four groups: control, Rn, Sco, and Rn + Sco. A significant decrease in the escape latency in the Morris water maze test after pre-treatment with Rn explained better learning and memory in rats. Additionally, Rn significantly upregulated the activities of the antioxidant enzymes in the treated group compared to the Sco group but substantially reduced acetylcholinesterase activity levels in the hippocampus. Moreover, Rn dramatically reduced interleukin-1 β (IL-1β) and IL-6 and upregulated the gene expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Furthermore, in the Sco group, the hippocampal tissue's immunohistochemical reaction of Tau and glial factor activating protein (GFAP) was significantly increased in addition to the upregulation of the Caspase-3 gene expression, which was markedly improved by pre-treatment with Rn. The majority of pyramidal neurons had large vesicular nuclei with prominent nucleoli and appeared to be more or less normal, reflecting the all-beneficial effects of Rn when the hippocampal tissue was examined under a microscope. Our findings indicated that Rn, through its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects, as well as the control of the expression of GFAP, BDNF, and Tau proteins, has a novel neuroprotective impact against scopolamine-induced dementia in rats.

THE INFLUENCE OF MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS ON THE DYNAMICS OF REGULATOR OF ENDOTHELIAL PROLIFERATION EXPRESSIONS IN THE BRAIN STRUCTURES OF RATS WITH EXPERIMENTAL ALZHEIMER-TYPE DEMENTIA

Background. Despite numerous studies, the assessment of the functional state of the vascular endothelium by determining the localization of cells, producers of the endothelial proliferation factor, and measuring the intensity of its production in the brain of rats with dementia of Alzheimer type is of great relevance.
 Objective: to investigate the impact of mesenchymal stem cells on the functional state of the endothelium of brain vessel in rats with Alzheimer-type dementia by assessing the optical density of brain structures expressing the endothelial proliferation factor.
 Results. In neurons of the CA1 zone of the hippocampus in gr. SС-14 and in In SС-28, SС-28-MSC, the optical density of cytoplasm marked by endothelial proliferation factor, compared to the control, was 3.6, 1.5, and 2.0 times lower, respectively, and in cortical neurons it did not differ from the control level. After injections of mesenchymal stem cells in all studied groups, there was a decrease in the optical density of labeled factor proliferation of the endothelium of the cytoplasm of cortical neurons and more significantly - in hippocampus neurons (especially in the SС-14-MSC group).
 Conclusions. In rats with scopolamine-induced dementia of the Alzheimer's type, after 14 days of the "regeneration" period, compared to controls the expression level of vascular factor in hippocampal neurons was significantly lower than that in cortical neurons, which is associated with their greater degree of damage depending on the duration of scopolamine administration, Less active production and more significant reception of endothelial proliferation factor by endotheliocytes was accompanied by a decrease in the optical density of the correspondingly labeled plasma. The introduction of mesenchymal stem cells, probably due to stimulation by the growth factors in them, leads to the activation of the proliferation of the vascular endothelium and a decrease in the synthesis of the own factor of endothelial proliferation.

Memory Recovery Effect of a New Bioactive Innovative Combination in Rats with Experimental Dementia.

Alzheimer's disease manifests as a complex pathological condition, with neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and cholinergic dysfunction being a few of the many pathological changes. Due to the complexity of the disease, current therapeutic strategies aim at a multitargeted approach, often relying on a combination of substances with versatile and complementary effects. In the present study, a unique combination of α-lipoic acid, citicoline, extracts of leaves from olive tree and green tea, vitamin D3, selenium and an immune-supporting complex was tested in scopolamine-induced dementia in rats. Using behavioral and biochemical methods, we assessed the effects of the combination on learning and memory, and elucidated the mechanisms of these effects. Our results showed that, compared to its components, the experimental combination was most efficient in improving short- and long-term memory as assessed by the step-through method as well as spatial memory as assessed by T-maze and Barnes maze underlined by decreases in AChE activity (p < 0.05) and LPO (p < 0.001), increases in SOD activity in the cortex (p < 0.05) and increases in catalase (p < 0.05) and GPx (p < 0.01) activities and BDNF (p < 0.001) and pCREB (p < 0.05) levels in the hippocampus. No significant histopathological changes or blood parameter changes were detected, making the experimental combination an effective and safe candidate in a multitargeted treatment of AD.

Neuroprotective and anti-amnesic effects of Laurus Nobilis essential oil against scopolamine-induced memory deficits in mice brain

Ethnopharmacological relevanceLaurus nobilis L. (Lauraceae family) has been widely used in traditional Tunisian medicine for the treatment of different health problems such as rheumatism and some neurological disorders. AimIn this study, the essential oil obtained from Laurus nobilis L. species from Tunisia (LEO) was studied for its chemical composition and anti-amnesic activities on memory impairment caused by scopolamine injection in mice. The major compounds of LEO oil, 1,8-cineole and, α-terpinyl acetate were docked with AChE (Acetylcholinesterase), using Autodock Vina and Discovery Studio visualizer software. Materials and methodsThe Morris water maze (MWM) tests and the Y maze were used to assess the anti-amnesic effects of LEO in mice with scopolamine-induced memory impairments. In brain tissues, the levels of biomarkers, enzyme activity, and protein expression related to the cholinergic system were measured. ResultsChronic administration of scopolamine led to a significant decline in cognitive performance in both the Morris Water Maze (MWM) and Y maze tests, accompanied by pronounced oxidative damage and a significant increase in acetylcholinesterase activity compared to the other groups. However, compared to the scopolamine group, treatment with LEO (100 mg/kg) significantly enhanced cognitive function and ameliorated the oxidative damage (p < 0.05 versus scopolamine) ConclusionThis study demonstrates the beneficial effect of LEO on scopolamine-induced dementia in mice, potentially achieved through the modulation of cholinergic activity and antioxidant properties. The docking analysis of the major compounds, 1,8-cineole and α-terpinyl acetate, further substantiates their potential as memory enhancers.

Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Diclofenac with Curcumin for Neuronal Restoration and Repair Against Scopolamine Induced Dementia in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Background: Clinical studies have already revealed the ubiquitous neuroprotective role of curcumin in neuronal deterioration, but it cannot be used alone due to its truncated bioavailability. Currently, many such approaches are functional, which overcome this issue either by increasing the solubility or absorption. These approaches carry a costlier treatment. One more tactic is present but less focused i.e., by limiting the intestine and liver enzymatic metabolism; by this approach, curcumin will be more available for its beneficial outcome. Objective: The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and diclofenac on the neuroprotective effects of curcumin against scopolamine-induced dementia. Methods: Physical parameters involved a novel tank test, T maze test, whereas neurochemical parameters include brain oxidative stress and acetylcholinesterase (Ache) inhibition activity in a zebrafish dementia model. Results: Our results demonstrated that curcumin with Lactobacillus rhamnosus and diclofenac significantly (p&lt;0.05) reduced anxiety, memory deficits, and brain oxidative stress compared to the alone curcumin- treated group. Conclusion: This result approves that curcumin with L.rhamnosus and diclofenac have superior activity compared to curcumin alone. However, further clinical studies are needed to validate these findings.

The central administration of vitisin a, extracted from Vitis vinifera, improves cognitive function and related signaling pathways in a scopolamine-induced dementia model

Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), are characterized by cognitive function loss and progressive memory impairment. Vitis vinifera, which is consumed in the form of fruits and wines in various countries, contains several dietary stilbenoids that have beneficial effects on neuronal disorders related to cognitive impairment. However, few studies have investigated the hypothalamic effects of vitisin A, a resveratrol tetramer derived from V. vinifera stembark, on cognitive functions and related signaling pathways. In this study, we conducted in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo experiments with multiple biochemical and molecular analyses to investigate its pharmaceutical effects on cognitive functions. Treatment with vitisin A increased cell viability and cell survival under H2O2-exposed conditions in a neuronal SH-SY5 cell line. Ex vivo experiments showed that vitisin A treatment restored the scopolamine-induced disruption of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapse, indicating the restoration of synaptic mechanisms of learning and memory. Consistently, central administration of vitisin A ameliorated scopolamine-induced disruptions of cognitive and memory functions in C57BL/6 mice, as evidenced by Y-maze and passive avoidance tests. Further studies showed that vitisin A upregulates BDNF-CREB signaling in the hippocampus. Together, our findings suggest that vitisin A exhibits neuroprotective effects, at least partially, by upregulating BDNF-CREB signaling and LTP.

Effects of Sideritis scardica Extract on Scopolamine-Induced Learning and Memory Impairment in Mice.

The neurodegenerative process in Alzheimer's disease, one of the most common types of dementia worldwide, mostly affects the cholinergic neurotransmitter system and, to a lesser extent, the monoaminergic one. The antioxidant acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and triple monoamine reuptake inhibitory activity of Sideritis scardica (S. scardica) and other Sideritis species has already been reported. To investigate the effects of S. scardica water extracts on the learning and memory processes, anxiety-like behavior, and locomotor activities in scopolamine (Sco)-induced dementia in mice. Male Albino IRC mice were used. The plant extract was administered for 11 consecutive days in the presence or absence of Sco (1 mg/kg, i.p). The behavioural performance of the animals was evaluated by passive avoidance, T-maze, and hole-board tests. The effects of extract on AChE activity, brain noradrenalin (NA), and serotonin (Sero) content, and antioxidant status were also monitored. Our experimental data revealed that the S. scardica water extract caused a reduction in degree of memory impairment and anxiety-like behaviour in mice with scopolamine-induced dementia. The extract did not affect changed by the Sco AChE activity but impact reduced brain NA and Sero levels and demonstrated moderate antioxidant activity. In healthy mice we did not confirm the presence of anxiolytic-like and AChE inhibitory effects of the S. scardica water extract. The extract did not change the control Sero brain levels and reduce those of NA. S. scardica water extract demonstrated memory preserving effect in mice with scopolamine-induced dementia and deserve further attention.

THE EFFECT OF KAFFIR LIME PEEL EXTRACT (Citrus hystrix) ON SPATIAL MEMORY OF MICE WITH DEMENTIA USING MORRIS WATER MAZE

Background: Antioxidants are a group of chemicals that protect biological systems against the potential harmful effects of oxidation processes or its reactions. Kaffir lime peel (Citrus hystrix) contains various potential antioxidants substances those are able to protect neurons from free radical-induced damage. Objective: To evaluate the effect of kaffir lime peel extract (Citrus hystrix) on the spatial memory of mice induced by Scopolamine (SCM). Methods: This research was a true experimental study with a post-test-only controlled group design. Thirty mice were randomly divided into 5 groups. SCM was injected intraperitoneally on day 1-7 and kaffir lime peel extract was given orally on day 2-7, the spatial memory testing of mice using Morris Water Maze on day 8. Data analysis used One-Way ANOVA test (α = 0.05) and continued with Post Hoc LSD test (α = 0.05). Results: The mean spatial memory of K+, K-, P1, P2,P3 were 16,33 ± 7,42; 70,00 ± 32,24; 25,66 ± 24,43; 23,00 ± 19,39; 25,00 ± 19,50 seconds respectively. There were significant differences in spatial memory in P1, P2, dan P3 to the negative control group, but there is no significant differences between treatment grups. Conclusion: Kaffir lime peel extract (Citrus hystrix) can improve the spatial memory of scopolamine-induced dementia (SCM) mice. There is no dose effect relationship between the treatment groups

Effect of ivabradine on cognitive functions of rats with scopolamine-induced dementia

Alzheimer’s disease is among the challenging diseases to social and healthcare systems because no treatment has been achieved yet. Although the ambiguous pathological mechanism underlying this disorder, ion channel dysfunction is one of the recently accepted possible mechanism. Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels play important roles in cellular excitability and synaptic transmission. Ivabradine (Iva), an HCN blocker, is acting on HCN channels, and is clinically used for angina and arrhythmia. The current study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of Iva against scopolamine (Sco) induced dementia. To test our hypothesis, Sco and Iva injected rats were tested for behavioural changes, followed by ELISA and histopathological analysis of the hippocampus. Induced dementia was confirmed by behavioural tests, inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress tests and histopathological signs of neurodegeneration, multifocal deposition of congo red stained amyloid beta plaques and the decreased optical density of HCN1 immunoreactivity. Iva ameliorated the scopolamine-induced dysfunction, the hippocampus restored its normal healthy neurons, the amyloid plaques disappeared and the optical density of HCN1 immunoreactivity increased in hippocampal cells. The results suggested that blockage of HCN1 channels might underly the Iva therapeutic effect. Therefore, Iva might have beneficial effects on neurological disorders linked to HCN channelopathies.

Cognitive characterization of the scopolamine-induced dementia model in experienced rats

Cognitive characterization of the scopolamine-induced dementia model in experienced rats

A standardized black pepper seed extract containing β-caryophyllene improves cognitive function in scopolamine-induced amnesia model mice via regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and MAPK proteins.

β-caryophyllene (BCP), a natural sesquiterpene present in plants, is a selective agonist of cannabinoid receptor type-2 (CB2) of the endocannabinoid system. In this study, we have prepared an extract from Piper nigrum (black pepper) seeds using supercritical fluid extraction, standardized to contain 30% BCP (ViphyllinTM ). The beneficial effects of prophylactic treatment with Viphyllin on cognitive functions were demonstrated in Scopolamine-induced dementia model mice. Male Swiss albino mice (25-30g) were administered with Viphyllin (50mg and 100mg/kg body weight p.o.) or donepezil (1.60mg/kg) for 14days. Subsequently, cognitive deficits were induced by treating the animals intraperitoneally with Scopolamine (0.75mg/kg). The cognitive behavior of mice was evaluated using a novel object recognition test (NORT) and Morris water maze (MWM) test. The brain homogenates were studied for biochemical parameters including cholinesterase activities and antioxidant status. Western blot analysis was performed to investigate the mechanism of action. Viphyllin dose dependently improved the recognition and spatial memory and cholinergic functions in Scop-treated mice. The extract was found protective against Scop-induced oxidative damage and histopathologic changes in the brain. At 100mg/kg Viphyllin markedly reduced the proBDNF/mBDNF ratio (p<.05) and augmented the TrkB expression (p<.01). Viphyllin (100mg/kg) was found to be neuroprotective by reducing the Scop-induced upregulation of p-JNK and p-p38 MAPK proteins, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and caspase activation in the brain. Viphyllin also exerted anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating Cox-2, TNF-α, and NOS-2 in Scop-induced mice (p<.05). To summarize, our data encourage Viphyllin as a functional ingredient/dietary supplement for brain health and cognition. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Black pepper is a culinary spice having several medicinal attributes. Essential oils in the seeds of the plant give aroma and flavor to it. Here we have prepared an extract from the seeds of black pepper using supercritical fluid extraction, characterized for the presence of β-caryophyllene (not <30%). This research work further validates the neuroprotective mechanism of the extract in Scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment model mice. The findings from this study strongly suggest the beneficial neuroactive properties of black pepper seed extract having the presence of BCP, a CB2 receptor agonist. It can thus be used potentially as a functional food ingredient for cognition and brain function.

Activation of 5-HT 1b/d receptor restores the cognitive function by reducing glutamate release, deposition of β-amyloid and TLR-4 pathway in the brain of scopolamine-induced dementia in rat.

This study evaluates the effect of 5-HT 1b/d agonist on cognitive function in scopolamine (SPN)-induced dementia in the rat. Dementia was induced by administration of SPN 2 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally, for a duration of 21 days. The effect of zolmitriptan (ZMT) 30 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, was observed on cognitive function, and the parameters of oxidative stress like malondialdehyde (MDA) level, nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were estimated at the end. Histopathology study of brain tissue was performed for the determination of β-amyloid peptide, and qRT-PCR was used to determine the mRNA expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4), IL-17 and β-amyloid. Data of the study suggested that treatment with ZMT alone and in combination with DMP (dextromethorphan) significantly (P < 0.01) decreases the escape latency in conditioned avoidance response (CAR) and transfer latency in elevated plus maze (EPM) as compared with negative control group. Moreover, the result of Morris water maze (MWM) shows an increase in retention time and a decrease in escape latency in ZMT alone and in combination with DMP-treated group of SPN-induced dementia than in the negative control group. There was a significant decrease in MDA and NO and increase in SOD and GPX in the brain tissues of ZMT and ZMT + DMP-treated group than negative control group. Histopathology study also suggested that the concentration of Aβ peptide decreases in the brain tissues in ZMT and ZMT + DMP-treated group than the negative control group. Moreover, ZMT treatment ameliorates the altered mRNA expression of TLR-4 and IL-17 in the brain tissue of SPN-induced dementia rat. In conclusion, ZMT restores the cognitive functions and impaired memory in SPN-induced dementia in the rat by decreasing oxidative stress and Aβ peptide in the brain tissue of rat.

Central Administration of Ampelopsin A Isolated from Vitis vinifera Ameliorates Cognitive and Memory Function in a Scopolamine-Induced Dementia Model.

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive degeneration of the function of the central nervous system or peripheral nervous system and the decline of cognition and memory abilities. The dysfunctions of the cognitive and memory battery are closely related to inhibitions of neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and brain-derived cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) to associate with the cholinergic system and long-term potentiation. Vitis vinifera, the common grapevine, is viewed as the important dietary source of stilbenoids, particularly the widely-studied monomeric resveratrol to be used as a natural compound with wide-ranging therapeutic benefits on neurodegenerative diseases. Here we found that ampelopsin A is a major compound in V. vinifera and it has neuroprotective effects on experimental animals. Bath application of ampelopsin A (10 ng/µL) restores the long-term potentiation (LTP) impairment induced by scopolamine (100 μM) in hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapses. Based on these results, we administered the ampelopsin A (10 ng/µL, three times a week) into the third ventricle of the brain in C57BL/6 mice for a month. Chronic administration of ampelopsin A into the brain ameliorated cognitive memory-behaviors in mice given scopolamine (0.8 mg/kg, i.p.). Studies of mice’s hippocampi showed that the response of ampelopsin A was responsible for the restoration of the cholinergic deficits and molecular signal cascades via BDNF/CREB pathways. In conclusion, the central administration of ampelopsin A contributes to increasing neurocognitive and neuroprotective effects on intrinsic neuronal excitability and behaviors, partly through elevated BDNF/CREB-related signaling.

Dietary n-3 PUFA Deficiency Increases Vulnerability to Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Impairment in Male C57BL/6 Mice.

DHA (22:6n-3), a long-chain n-3 PUFA, is essential for normal brain development and function. Our previous study demonstrated that DHA significantly improves scopolamine-induced dementia. However, there are no reports on the relation between n-3 PUFA deficiency and scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether n-3 PUFA deficiency increases vulnerability to scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment. Male and female C57BL/6 mice were mated and fed an n-3 PUFA-adequate [containing 2.88% α-linolenic acid (ALA; 18:3n-3)] or -deficient (containing 0.09% ALA) diet for 2 consecutive generations. The corresponding second-generation male offspring were kept on the same diet as their mothers after weaning, and were randomly assigned to 2 subgroups at 7 wk of age, in which they were intraperitoneally injected with saline [fed n-3 PUFA-adequate (Con) or -deficient (Def) diet] or scopolamine [5mg/kg body weight; fed n-3 PUFA-adequate (Sco) or -deficient (Def+Sco) diet] once per day for 7 d before killing. Behavioral performance was analyzed using the Morris Water Maze test. Fatty acid composition, protein expression, and indicators of cholinergic and oxidative stress in the brain were measured. The Def group showed lower brain DHA (-63.7%, P≤0.01) and higher n-6 PUFA (+65.5%, P≤0.05) concentrations than the Con group. The Def+Sco group and the Sco group showed poorer spatial learning and memory (escape latency on the sixth day: +60.3% and +36.8%; platform crossings: -43.9% and -28.2%, respectively) and more obvious cholinergic dysfunction (acetylcholine: -47.6% and -27.7%, respectively), oxidative stress (glutathione peroxidase: -64.2% and -32.5%, respectively), apoptosis [B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2)-associated X protein/BCL2: +230.8% and +153.8%; phosphorylated P38/P38: +232% and +130%, phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/JNK: +104.5% and +58.8%, respectively], neuroinflammation (IL-1β: +317.6% and +95%, respectively), and neurodevelopmental delay (brain-derived neurotrophic factor: -54.4% and -7.25%, respectively) than their corresponding saline-treated controls. Dietary n-3 PUFA deficiency significantly decreases brain DHA concentrations and increases vulnerability to scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in C57BL/6 male mice.

Investigations on a polyherbal formulation for treatment of cognitive impairment in a cholinergic dysfunctional rodent model

Alzheimer's disease is a multifactorial neurodegenerative condition manifested through acute cognitive decline, amyloid plaque deposits and neurofibrillary tangles. Complete cure for this disease remains elusive as the conventional drugs address only a single molecular target while Alzheimer's disease involves a complex interplay of different sets of molecular targets and signaling networks. In this context, the possibility of employing multi-drug combinations to rescue neurons from the dysregulated metabolic changes is being actively investigated. The present work investigates a poly-herbal formulation, Brahmi Nei that has been traditionally used for anxiolytic disorders and immunomodulatory effects, for its efficiency in ameliorating cognitive decline through a combination of behavioral, biochemical, histopathological, gene and protein expression analyses. Our results reveal that the formulation shows excellent neuroregenerative properties, rescues neurons from inflammatory damage, reduces neuritic plaque deposits and improves working memory in rodent models with scopolamine-induced dementia. The microarray analysis shows that the formulation induces the expression of pro-survival pathways and positively modulates genes involved in memory consolidation, axonal growth and proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner with therapeutic concentrations restoring the normal conditions in the brain of the diseased animals. The neuritic spine morphology confirms the long-term memory potentiation through improved mushroom spine density, increased dendritic length and connectivity. Taken together, our study provides mechanistic evidence to prove that the traditional formulation can be a superior therapeutic strategy to treat cognitive decline when compared to the conventional mono-drug treatment.

Potentiation of anti-Alzheimer activity of curcumin by probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus UBLR-58 against scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice.

Curcumin, a major component of Indian saffron through clinical studies, revealed its neuroprotective effect in neurodegenerative diseases. However, it has not been utilized alone orally due to its low bioavailability. There are certain strategies to overcome the drawbacks such as poor absorption and low aqueous solubility. Many strategies are utilized to increase the systemic availability of curcumin. Among them, the steady intestinal and liver metabolism of curcumin by a curcumin adjuvant (enzyme inhibitor/inducer) is an important and less engrossed strategy for improving the overall systemic bioavailability of curcumin. Here, we assess the effect of probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus as a curcumin adjuvant (potentiate the effect of curcumin) in scopolamine-induced dementia in mice. To induce amnesia, scopolamine was used in a mouse model (1 mg/kg, daily for 10 days i.p.). After execution of behavioural tests (Morris water maze test), brains and liver were isolated for further neurochemical and histopathology examination. Our results showed a significant increase in antioxidant enzyme levels in curcumin with a probiotic group compared with curcumin alone. Besides, histopathology study results showed less neuronal damage of curcumin with probiotics as compared with the curcumin and scopolamine alone groups. Additionally, curcumin with probiotics improved memory and cognitive functions in the behavioural study with the significance of p ≤ 0.0001. In conclusion, curcumin with probiotics has greater activity as compared with curcumin alone and reverses the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Neuroprotective and antioxidant activities of fraction isolated from methanolic extract of Sapindus laurifolia on scopolamine induced dementia

Background: Phytotherapy is considered a complementary approach for preventing and treating many diseases. Plants are rich source of bioactive secondary metabolites of a wide variety such as saponins, tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids, and flavonoids. Sapindus laurifolia (fam: Sapindaceae), well known as soapnuts, are used medicinally as an expectorant, emetic, contraceptive, and for treatment of excessive salivation, epilepsy, chlorosis, and migraines. Objective: To isolation of fractions, estimation of total flavonoid content, in vitro antioxidant and in vivo neuroprotective activity of S. laurifolia fruit kernel. Materials and Methods: In this study, in vitro antioxidant activity is estimated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay method. Neuroprotective activity is estimated by scopolamine-induced dementia method. In neuroprotective method, behavioral parameters were checked by escape latency (EL) time (s) by using the Morris water maze, active avoidance testing using elevated plus maze, and neurochemicals such as glutathione, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and Cholinesterase were estimated. Results: In scopolamine-induced dementia, increased EL time, active avoidance and neurochemicals such as glutathione, CAT, SOD and cholinesterase decreased. Whereas standard and Fraction S-treated animals decreased in EL time, active avoidance and increased locomotor activity, neurochemicals such as glutathione, CAT, SOD, and cholinesterase also increased. Conclusion: The present study clearly demonstrates that methanolic extract of S. laurifolia Fraction A (50 and 100 mg/kg) kernel significantly attenuate scopolamine-induced dementia by improving the learning, memory, antioxidant potentiality, and anti-acetyl cholinesterase activity. Therefore, this Fraction A can be a potential novel therapeutic strategy for controlling neurodegenerative dementia especially Alzheimer's disease. Yet, advance studies are needed to characterize the active compound(s) and expose the possible mechanism of action.