Evaluation of neuroprotective and anti-amnesic effects of Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb. On scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice

Abstract

Background Elaeagnus umbellata is abundantly found in Himalayan regions of Pakistan which is traditionally used to treat various health disorders. However, the experimental evidence supporting the anti-amnesic effect is limited. Therefore the study was aimed to evaluate the prospective beneficial effect of E. umbellata on learning and memory in mice. Objectives To assess neuroprotective and anti-amnesic effects of E. umbellata fruit extracts and isolated compounds on the central nervous system. Methods Major phytochemical groups present in methanolic extract of E. umbellata were qualitatively determined. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also determined in extract/fractions of E. umbellata. On the basis of in vitro promising anticholinesterases (AChE & BChE) and antioxidant activities observed for CHF. Ext and isolated compound-I (Chlorogenic acid = CGA), they were further evaluated for learning and memory in normal and scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in mice using memory behavioral tests such as the Y maze and Novel object recognition using standard procedures. The test sample were further assessed for in vivo anticholinesterases (AChE & BChE) and DPPH free radical scavenging activities in mice brain sample and finally validated by molecular docking study using GOLD software. Results The extract/fractions and isolated compounds were tested for their anticholinesterase and antioxidant potentials. The CHF. Ext and CGA showed maximum % inhibition of tested cholinesterases and free radicals. The CHF. Ext and CGA reversed the effects of scopolamine in mice. The CHF. Ext and CGA significantly increased the alternate arm returns and % spontaneous alteration performance while escape latency times (second) significantly decreased in Y maze test. The CHF. Ext and CGA significantly increased the time spent with novel object and also increased the discrimination index in the Novel object recognition test. Furthermore, molecular docking was used to validate the mechanism of cholinesterases inhibition of isolated compounds. Conclusion The data obtained from behavioral and biochemical studies (AChE/BChE and DPPH/ABTS inhibition) have shown that E. umbellata possessed significant memory enhancing potency. These results suggest that E. umbellata extract possess potential antiamnesic effects and amongst the isolated compounds, compound I could be more effective anti-amnesic therapeutics. However, further studies are needed to identify the exact mechanism of action. Graphical abstract

HPLC-UV characterization, anticholinesterase, and free radical-scavenging activities of Rosa moschata Herrm. leaves and fruits methanolic extracts

“…These compounds have already been described in other families, besides to Rosaceae with excellent anticholinesterase potential (Behl and Moosmann 2002;Hamaguchi et al 2009;Zafar et al 2019). The compound chlorogenic acid identified in the leaves sample has also been reported from other medicinal plants with significant neuroprotective effects and memory enhancing activities (Nazir et al 2020). These findings were further supported by their highest potential to inhibit both AChE and BChE.…”

Bergapten Improves Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment in Mice via Cholinergic and Antioxidative Mechanisms

“…Both of them showed antioxidant activity in the brain as well as AChE inhibition. Nazir et al (2020) found out that E. umbellata fruit extract administered orally decreased the level of the highly active free radical, DPPH, in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. This antioxidant effect was associated with AChE inhibition and the procognitive effect in the novel object recognition test and Y-Maze test ( Nazir et al, 2020 ).…”

“… Nazir et al (2020) found out that E. umbellata fruit extract administered orally decreased the level of the highly active free radical, DPPH, in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. This antioxidant effect was associated with AChE inhibition and the procognitive effect in the novel object recognition test and Y-Maze test ( Nazir et al, 2020 ). The study of Roshanbakhsh et al (2020) revealed that another natural compound, piperine, improved memory impairments in rats by diminishing the iNOS level and increasing TAC in the hippocampus.…”

Curative Effect of Catechin Isolated from Elaeagnus Umbellata Thunb. Berries for Diabetes and Related Complications in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats Model

“…The plant is native to South Europe, Central Asia, Japan, China, India, Afghanistan, Azad Kashmir, and Himalayan areas of Pakistan [ 14 , 15 ]. Its berries fruit is a big source of antioxidant compounds (lycopene, β-carotene, lutein, phytofuluene, phytoene, β-cryptoxanthin, and α-cryptoxanthin), polyphenols, and vitamin E content (α-tocopherols and γ-tocopherols) with therapeutic significances [ 16 , 17 ]. Carotenoids and lycopene are the major sources for the astringent flavor of the berries fruits [ 18 ].…”