Neuroprotective Activity of Crataeva nurvala Buch-Ham Stem Bark against Scopolamine- Induced Cognitive Impairment via Antioxidative Activities in Rats

Background: Crataeva nurvala Buch-Ham is a well explored traditional Indian medicinal plant, routinely used as folkloric medicine to treat various ailments in particular urolithiasis and neurodegenerative disorders associated with cognitive dysfunction.
Objectives: The present study was undertaken with the objective to investigate the antioxidant and anti-dementia activities of Crataeva nurvala stem bark extract.
Methods: The antioxidant and anti-dementia activities of Crataeva nurvala extract was carried out using superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) specific activities, total content of reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) level (lipid peroxidation) and Hebb’s-William maze assays respectively in Wistar rats subjected to scopolamine (1 mg/kg i.p.) induced dementia.
Results: Sub-acute exposures (daily, for 7 successive days) of Crataeva nurvala extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly increased antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and CAT), total content of reduced GSH and reduced lipid peroxidation (MDA level) in rat brain homogenates in dose dependent manner, suggesting the antioxidant potential. Moreover, in Hebb’s-William maze test, Crataeva nurvala extract showed significant improvement in transfer latency, suggesting anti-dementia activity.
Conclusion: Taken together, our results suggest combination of antioxidant and anti-dementia activities may be associated with the neuroprotective effect of Crataeva nurvala extract against scopolamine-induced oxidative stress in rat brain.

Author(s): Atanu Bhattacharjee*, Shastry Chakrakodi Shashidhara, Santanu Saha

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