The seed extract of Cassia obtusifolia ameliorates learning and memory impairments induced by scopolamine or transient cerebral hypoperfusion in mice.
In the present study, we assessed the effect of the ethanolic extract of the seeds of Cassia obtusifolia (COE) on the learning and memory impairments induced by scopolamine or transient bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (2VO). In a study of the cholinergic dysfunction induced by scopolamine, single COE (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg, p.o.) administration significantly attenuated scopolamine-induced cognitive impairments as determined by the passive avoidance and Y-maze tasks (P<0.05) and also reduced escape-latency on the Morris water maze task (P<0.05). In the 2VO study, COE (50 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reversed 2VO-induced cognitive impairments in mice by the passive avoidance and the Y-maze tasks (P<0.05). Moreover, COE (50 mg/kg, p.o.) also reduced escape-latency and prolonged swimming time in the target quadrant during a probe trial of the Morris water maze task (P<0.05). In an in vitro study, COE was found to inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity in a dose-dependent manner (IC(50) value: 81.6 microg/ml). Furthermore, COE also inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity in an ex vivo study. These results suggest that COE attenuates memory impairment induced by scopolamine or 2VO and that these effects are mediated by enhancing the cholinergic nervous system via acetylcholinesterase inhibition.
Kim
Dong Hyun
DH
Department of Oriental Pharmaceutical Science and Kyung Hee East-West Pharmaceutical Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Korea.
Yoon
Byung Hoon
BH
Kim
Yong-Won
YW
Lee
Seungjoo
S
Shin
Bum Young
BY
Jung
Ji Wook
JW
Kim
Hyoung Ja
HJ
Lee
Yong Sup
YS
Choi
Jae Sue
JS
Kim
Sun Yeou
SY
Lee
Kyung-Tae
KT
Ryu
Jong Hoon
JH
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D001362:Avoidance Learning / Q000187:drug effects; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D002366:Cassia / Q000737:chemistry*; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004924:Escape Reaction / Q000187:drug effects; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000150:complications; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018782:Maze Learning / Q000187:drug effects; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D051379:Mice; D008813:Mice, Inbred ICR; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012601:Scopolamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity; D012639:Seeds / Q000737:chemistry*; D013619:Tacrine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D013997:Time Factors
D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D010936:Plant Extracts; D013619:Tacrine; D012601:Scopolamine