Effects of a Natural Polyherbal Extract on Alleviating Scopolamine-Induced Memory Deficits in C57BL/6 Mice via Enhancing Cholinergic Function

TL;DR

A natural herbal extract improved memory in mice with memory deficits, possibly offering a plant-based treatment for Alzheimer's disease.

Contribution

The study demonstrates a natural extract's efficacy in improving memory and reducing neurodegeneration markers in mice.

Findings

NPX improved spontaneous alternation behavior in mice compared to the scopolamine group.

NPX significantly reduced acetylcholinesterase activity and decreased amyloid-beta and caspase-3 expression.

NPX's effects were comparable to the drug tacrine in mitigating memory deficits.

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurological condition with limited effective pharmaceutical treatments, often accompanied by side effects. This has increased interest in plant-based alternatives. This study examined the cognitive effects of a Natural Polyherbal Extract (NPX) on scopolamine-induced memory deficits in mice. Male C57BL/6 mice (10 weeks old, n = 36) were divided into four groups: control (saline), scopolamine (1 mg/kg, i.p.), tacrine (10 mg/kg, oral), and NPX (1000 mg/kg, oral). NPX and tacrine were administered daily by oral gavage for two weeks. Cognitive function was assessed weekly using the Y-maze task. Brain tissues were collected for biochemical analysis, including AChE activity and immunohistochemical detection of neurodegeneration-related markers. Results: Mice treated with NPX demonstrated improved spontaneous alternation behavior compared to the scopolamine group. NPX also significantly reduced acetylcholinesterase activity. Immunohistochemistry revealed decreased expression of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and caspase-3, with enhanced choline acetyltransferase levels. These outcomes were comparable to those observed in the tacrine-treated group. Conclusions: NPX alleviated scopolamine-induced memory impairment through enhancement of cholinergic signaling and mitigation of neurodegenerative markers. The findings suggest that NPX may serve as a promising plant-derived candidate for managing memory-related disorders, including AD.

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