Memory-Enhancing Effect of a Phytosome Containing the Combined Extract of Mulberry Fruit and Ginger in an Animal Model of Ischemic Stroke with Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

The prevalence of dementia following cerebral ischemia in metabolic syndrome (MetS) condition is increasing, and most of the cases are often severe. Unfortunately, no effective strategy for treating this condition is available. Based on the positive modulation effect of a polyphenol-rich substance on dementia and the improvement in bioavailability and stability of polyphenols induced by the phytosome technique together with the use of the synergistic concept, we hypothesized that a phytosome containing the combined extract of mulberry fruit and ginger (PMG) should mitigate dementia and memory impairment following ischemic stroke in MetS. MetS was induced in male Wistar rats weighing 180-200 g by exposure to a 16-week feeding period of high-carbohydrate high-fat (HCHF) diet. MetS rats were orally given PMG at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg·kg-1 BW 21 days before and 21 days after the occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery (Rt. MCAO). Then, their spatial memory was determined and the possible underlying mechanisms explored via the alterations of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), neuron density, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and signal transduction via extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway in both the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus. It was found that PMG significantly enhanced memory. It also decreased AChE, IL-6, and MDA but increased SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, neuron density, and phosphorylation of ERK. These data suggested the cognitive enhancing effect of PMG. The possible underlying mechanisms might occur partly via the improvement of cholinergic function via the ERK pathway together with the decrease in neurodegeneration induced by the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation. However, a subchronic toxicity study is also required to assure the safety of PMG consumption before moving forward to a clinical trial study.

Potential Health Benefits of Plant Food-Derived Bioactive Components: An Overview

“…The authors found that PMG reduced acetylcholinesterase, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and malondialdehyde (MDA), but increased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), neuron density, and signal transduction through the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. Overall, PMG was found to significantly improve memory [86]. During oxidative stress, the ROS formed in the cells can damage lipids, proteins and nucleic acid.…”

Total Flavonoids of Chuju Decrease Oxidative Stress and Cell Apoptosis in Ischemic Stroke Rats: Network and Experimental Analyses

“…SOD can have a role by scavenging oxygen free radicals in the body ( Zhang L. et al, 2021 ). CAT can disproportionate and decompose oxygen free radicals to produce H 2 O 2 through SOD disproportionation to avoid cytotoxicity ( Wattanathorn et al, 2020 ). MDA is the final product of oxygen-derived free radicals and lipid peroxidation and an important sign of oxidative damage ( Du et al, 2020 ).…”

Ginger, a Possible Candidate for the Treatment of Dementias?

“…Wattanathorn et al [ 80 ] studied the combined effects of mulberry fruit and ginger (PMG) contained in a phytosome in an in vivo experimental model of MetS. To induce MetS, male Wistar rats underwent a high-fat and carb diet for 16 weeks.…”