EFFECT OF HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES ON COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT VIA NEUROCHEMICAL MODULATION IN SCOPOLAMINE INDUCED SPRAGUE DAWELY RATS

Hippophae rhamnoides, is known well for its cardioprotective, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant property; hence an effort was taken to evaluate its neuroprotective effect on scopolamine-induced neurochemical impairment and cognitive dysfunction. Male Sprague Dawley rats were induced with 2 mg/kg body weight of scopolamine as a single dose for 14 days, along with test formulation for four weeks and its efficacy was assessed on the cholinergic and other neurotransmitter systems according to standard laboratory method. It was found that the neurotoxin scopolamine elicited marked decrease in the level of neurotransmitters and cognitive function. A significant increase was found in the level of neurotransmitters, ChAT enzyme activity, and active avoidance learning score after the treatment of with test formulation showing values of P<0.05 & P<0.001. The study thus provides evidence for the potential effect of H. rhamnoides in improving the cognitive functions by stimulating the cholinergic system. Hence, it may be useful in the future as an alternative medicine for neurodegenerative disorders especially those of Dementia and Alzheimer’s after further confirmations and clinical trial.