# 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.

## Key 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.