Menthol causes reduction of Scopolamine induced Glutamatergic neurotoxicity and cognitive deficits

Abstract

Background: Enhancement in the lifespan of human beings in developed and developing countries has resulted in proportionate increase in the number of patients suffering from senile age-associated dementia. Memory impairment during aging is believed to be a consequence of decline in neuronal function and increase in neurodegeneration. Impaired neurotransmission at cholinergic synapses may contribute to the devastating loss of cognitive abilities in Alzheirmer's disease. It is suggested that a selective decrease in acetylcholine level may account for deterioration in learning and memory process, considering the important role for cognitive functions. Nootropic agents like piracetam and anticholinesterase inhibitors are commonly used for improving memory, mood and behaviours. Objective: Menthol, a natural alcohol and found in mint leaves and many essential oils. The present study was undertaken to investigate the impact of menthol on cognitive functions employing long term exteroceptive and interoceptive behavioral model in young and aged male mice. to evaluate learning and memory, Menthol Materials and methods: (100, 200, 400 mg/kg, s.c.) and Piracetam (200mg/kg, i.p.) were administered for 10 days passive avoidance and 11 days for morris water maze test.Brain amino acid level was measured after 10 days of passive avoidance. Whole brain acetylcholinesterase level and antioxidant level estimations were done after 11 days of morris water maze test. Results and conclusion: Lower dose of menthol produced significant improvement in spatial learning and memory by improving whole brain acetylcholine level, antioxidant level and brain amino acid in scopolamine and aged group of mice.

Rosmarinus officinalis and Mentha piperita Oils Supplementation Enhances Memory in a Rat Model of Scopolamine-Induced Alzheimer’s Disease-like Condition

“…Previous research has also revealed the potential effects of 1,8-Cineole and α-Pinene in enhancing cognitive functions and memory process [ 60 , 61 ]. Menthol and menthone possess a greater activity to improving spatial memory and reducing cognitive defects that may be caused by scopolamine, which is obviously more represented in peppermint ( Mentha piperita ) [ 62 ]. The dominant composition of menthol/menthane in peppermint rather than in rosemary may explain the more potential anti-amnesic activity of peppermint oil extract compared with the rosemary of single-oil treatment [ 63 ].…”

Menthol Attenuates Cholinergic Dysfunction and Neurotransmitter Imbalance in Experimental Diabetes

“…These findings suggested that menthol administration improves learning and memory in DE rats. The ameliorative potential of menthol might be attributable to an improvement in acetylcholine in the brain 28 .…”