Bacopa monniera(CDRI-08) Upregulates the Expression of Neuronal and Glial Plasticity Markers in the Brain of Scopolamine Induced Amnesic Mice

Abstract

Preclinical studies on animal models have discerned the antiamnesic and memory-enhancing potential of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) crude extract and standardized extracts. These studies primarily focus on behavioral consequences. However, lack of information on molecular underpinnings has limited the clinical trials of the potent herb in human subjects. In recent years, researchers highlight plasticity markers as molecular correlates of amnesia and being crucial to design therapeutic targets. In the present report, we have investigated the effect of a special extract of B. monniera (CDRI-08) on the expression of key neuronal (BDNF and Arc) and glial (GFAP) plasticity markers in the cerebrum of scopolamine induced amnesic mice. Pre- and postadministration of CDRI-08 ameliorated amnesic effect of scopolamine by decreasing acetyl cholinesterase activity and drastically upregulating the mRNA and protein expression of BDNF, Arc, and GFAP in mouse cerebrum. Interestingly, the plant extract per se elevated BDNF and Arc expression as compared to control but GFAP was unaltered. In conclusion, our findings provide the first molecular evidence for antiamnesic potential of CDRI-08 via enhancement of both neuronal and glial plasticity markers. Further investigations on detailed molecular pathways would encourage therapeutic application of the extract in memory disorders.

Botanicals as Modulators of Neuroplasticity: Focus on BDNF

“…Moreover, 1 week of oral (os) treatment with the hydroalcoholic BME (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) dose-dependently prevented the memory deficits induced by scopolamine and normalized the reduction of BDNF mRNA levels in the rat hippocampus [ 30 ]. A similar effect was found in young mice at postnatal day (PND) 30 [ 31 ] treated with CDRI-08 (BME standardized in bacoside A) (3 mg/kg, i.p., 7 days) before and after scopolamine injection. Both the protocols attenuated the decrease in proBDNF protein levels in the mouse cerebrum, caused by scopolamine administration.…”

“…Both the protocols attenuated the decrease in proBDNF protein levels in the mouse cerebrum, caused by scopolamine administration. Furthermore, CDRI-08 per se induced an increase in BDNF gene and protein expression [ 31 ].…”

Thin Cell Layer (TCL) Culture System for Herbal Biomass Production and Genetic Transformation of <i>Bacopa monnieri</i> L. Wettst.

“…Mechanisms of cognitive and brain enhancement include its anti-oxidative activities [50] as well as modulation of the cholinergic system [51] [52]. Moreover, upregulation of neuronal and glial plasticity [53] and beta-amyloid scavenging activities [6] have also been reported. Among various pre-clinical reports for biological activities, the memory, attention or cognitive enhancing effect of Bacopa extracts have been confirmed by several double-blinded, placebo-controlled human clinical studies (reviewed by Pase et al [49]).…”

Neurocognitive Effect of Nootropic Drug <b><i>Brahmi</i></b> (<b><i>Bacopa monnieri</i></b>) in Alzheimer's Disease

“…Konar et al [63] demonstrated in their study that on administration of scopolamine in mice, expression of BNDF, Arc and GFAP was significantly decreased. They found out that administration of EBm alone resulted in increased expression of BDNF by 1.3 times and Arc expression by 2 times however expression of GFAP was not increased upon treatment.…”