Vijaykumar P. Rasal, Pawan Kharade, Rajashaker S. Chavan
Department of Pharmacology, KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, Karnataka, KLE Academy of Higher Education & Research, Belagavi, Karnataka India.
*Address for Corresponding Author
Pawan Kharade
KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, Karnataka, KLE Academy of Higher Education & Research, Belagavi – 590010, Karnataka, India.
Abstract
Background: Memory failure is most common problem in dementia. The brain consists of “n” number of synapses that allow signals to travel across the brain circuits and this helps in creating cellular basis of memories. The functioning of synapses and neurons involved in transmission of acetylcholine is mainly impaired in Alzheimers Disease. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the nootropic effect of Black spruce oil against scopolamine induced amnesia in rats. Materials and Methods: Training of animals was carried out on day fourteen and retention was tested on day fifteen. The animals were treated with Mentat (100mg/kg orally) and black spruce oil (100 & 200mg/kg, orally) till day fourteen. Amnesia was induced using scopolamine (3mg/kg i.p.) on 14th day after acquisition trial. Retention of memory was tested on day fifteen using elevated plus maze, passive shock avoidance and morris water maze. The animals were sacrificed on 15th day for acetylcholinesterase enzyme estimation. Results: Significant (P<0.001) improvement in learning and memory was observed in animals treated with Black spruce oil (200mg/kg) and also amnesia induced by scopolamine (3mg/kg s.c) was found to be reversed. Levels of Acetyl cholinesterase were found to be reduced significantly (P<0.001) in comparison with negative control group i.e. animals exposed to scopolamine. Conclusion: The results indicate beneficial effect of black spruce oil on memory function and this might be due to inhibition of acteylcholinesterase enzyme activity.
Keywords: Memory Performance, Alzheimer’s disease, Black spruce oil, Scopalamine, Acetylcholinesterase
