Tobiloba Olajide

Conference 2023 Presentation

Project title

Neuroprotective Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Cola acuminata in Scopolamine-induced Model of Dementia in Male Wistar Rats

Authors and Affiliations

OLAJIDE T1, AYINLA M.T1, ASUKU A.O2 . OWOYELE B.V1,2

1.Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, PMB 1515, Nigeria
2.Department of Medical Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Development Agency, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background

Dementia is a neurodegenerative disorder that leads to memory impairment and a decline in cognition function. According to the World Alzheimer’s Report, 2021. Dementia has been the 7th leading cause of mortality globally. Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease which is the most common cause of dementia. However, the disease is currently being managed by cholinesterase inhibitors such as Donepezil, galantamine e.t.c. but the adverse effects associated with the use of these drugs facilitate the need to explore medicinal plants – Cola nut leaf (sp. Cola acuminata) as an alternative for the treatment of Neurocognitive disorder.

Methods

This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of aqueous leaf extract of Cola acuminata (ALECA) in scopolamine-induced model of dementia in Wistar rats. Thirty male Wistar rats weighing between (150-210 g) were randomly divided into six groups (I-VI): I: (control, received 0.5ml/kg body weight (b.w) of distilled water, II: received scopolamine only (1mg/kg b.w), III: received Donepezil (2mg/kg b.w) and scopolamine (1mg/kg b.w), IV: received ALECA (50mg/kg b.w) and scopolamine (1mg/kg b.w), V: received ALECA (100mg/kg b.w) and scopolamine (1mg/kg), VI: received ALECA (300mg/kg b.w) and scopolamine (1mg/kg), for seven days. At the end of experimental period the rats were subjected to behavioural tests using Morris water maze, light and dark box. Brain tissues were collected for determination of biochemical parameters (Acetylcholinesterase (AchE),

Results

The result shows that treatment with scopolamine causes a significant increase in escape latency (time taken to locate the hidden platform) and a significant decrease in probing frequency. However, administration of different doses of ALECA prevent memory impairment induced by scopolamine by a significant reduction in the escape latency and a significant increase in probing frequency. Similarly, Scopolamine treatment causes a significant increase in the brain AchE level. But administration of different doses of ALECA causes a significant increase in brain AchE level. However, there was no significant difference in the escape latency, probing frequency and AchE between the ALECA treated groups and donepezil group.

Conclusions

This study concludes that aqueous leaf extract of Cola acuminata has neuroprotective effect in attenuating cognitive impairment in scopolamine-induced rats model of dementia via enhanced cholinergic functions.