Lavandula stoechas (L) a Very Potent Antioxidant Attenuates Dementia in Scopolamine Induced Memory Deficit Mice

Abstract

The objective of the current project was to explore the pharmacotherapeutic role of Lavandula stoechas (L) for the management of dementia. Dementia is considered a global challenge of current century seeking special attention of pharmacologists to explore its best remedies. Methanolic extract of aerial parts of L. stoechas was tested for phytochemical analysis along with free radical scavenging activity. Behavioral studies were performed on scopolamine induced amnesic mice by using elevated plus maze (EPM), light and dark test and hole board paradigms. Biochemical investigations were made after decapitating the mice. Their brains were isolated for biochemical estimation of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH). Phytochemical study ensured the presence of total phenolic contents (285.91 ± 0.75 mg of GAE/g of extract), total flavonoids (134.06 ± 0.63 mg of RE/g of extract), total tannins (149.60 ± 0.93 mg of TAE/g of extract) and free radical scavenging activity (IC50 value = 76.73 μg/ml found by DPPH method). Behavioral studies indicated that animals of GVII showed higher inflexion ratio (0.40 ± 0.03) for EPM, spent most of time (227.17 ± 2.13 s) in dark area of light dark test and had many hole pockings (39.83 ± 1.88) for hole board paradigm. Moreover, biochemical studies revealed that methanolic extract of L. stoechas (800 mg/kg/p.o.) significantly (P < 0.001) reduced brain AChE and MDA levels while improved SOD, CAT, and GSH levels. Thus the findings suggest that L. stoechas stabilizes memory by enhancing cholinergic neurotransmission and by providing defense against oxidative stress in mice brain.

Cognitive Facilitation and Antioxidant Effects of an Essential Oil Mix on Scopolamine-Induced Amnesia in Rats: Molecular Modeling of In Vitro and In Vivo Approaches

“…Supporting evidence suggested that lavender oil (Lavandula stoechas L.) is a very potent antioxidant attenuating dementia in Sco-induced memory deficit in mice brains. The authors also demonstrated that the methanolic extract of L. stoechas reduced brain AChE and MDA levels while improved SOD, CAT, and GSH levels [36]. Additionally, our group reported that the lavender essential oils from L. angustifolia ssp.…”

Biomolecular Evaluation of Lavandula stoechas L. for Nootropic Activity

“…The specimen was preserved in the herbarium of the GCU and was assigned a voucher number: GC.Herb.Bot.3386. The extraction was conducted in methanol, by using simple maceration, as described in our previous study [ 15 ]. Then, fractional extraction was conducted by using different solvents, i.e.…”

“…Biochemical studies were performed to assess the level of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) in the brain homogenates of mice, of all groups, using standard protocols. Detailed procedures of these tests are described in a previously published paper in this series [ 15 ].…”

“…All studies were performed on male Swiss albino mice, which were provided standard living conditions, as described in a previous manuscript [ 15 ], while female albino mice (20–25 g) were used for toxicity studies.…”

“…Keeping in mind the traditional uses of L. stoechas , as a neurotonic and memory enhancer, as part of our studies on the methanolic extract of L. stoechas [ 15 ], our current study was designed to report the active ingredient of L. stoechas aqueous extract responsible for nootropic activity.…”