Rhizophora apiculata extracts improved memory function through inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and oxidative stress in scopolamine-induced memory deficits in rats

Objective: This study aims to investigate the neuroprotective, memory enhancement effects and phytochemical profile of Rhizophora apiculata.Materials and Methods: Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of R. apiculata leaves were prepared and screened for their antioxidant potential. In vitro studies were performed to assess the neuroprotective effects of R. apiculata extracts against scopolamine-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY۵Y cells. Further, in vivo, memory-enhancing effects of the extracts were evaluated in a scopolamine-induced amnesia model in rats by measuring brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) levels, lipid peroxidation, and glutathione (GSH) activity. Furthermore, phytochemicals were identified through HR-LCMS analysis, and their binding interactions with the target protein AChE were investigated through in silico studies.Results: Treatment with ethanolic (۱۰۰ µg/ml) and aqueous extracts (۱۰۰ µg/ml) significantly reduced oxidative stress up to ۸۹.۳۸۶±۲.۳۷% in DPPH assay and ۸۴.۱۶۷±۵.۸۰% ABTS assays, respectively. The extracts (۱۰۰ μg/ml) notably increased the viability (۹۷.۴۹%) of SH-SY۵Y neuroblastoma cells against scopolamine-induced neurotoxicity. In vivo, studies revealed that both extracts improved memory function in scopolamine-induced amnesia by inhibiting the AChE activity and enhancing brain GSH levels while reducing lipid peroxidation. HR-LCMS analysis identified ۵۴ distinct phytochemicals, with several compounds showing promising binding affinities like olitorin (-۱۱.۵ kcal) and gambiriin A۳ (-۱۰.۷ kcal) for AChE in in-silico studies.Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, R. apiculata leaves may be considered a promising source of neuroprotective compounds, with potential therapeutic applications for various neurological diseases.

کلیدواژه ها:

Rhizophora apiculata ، Antioxidant ، Scopolamine ، Memory enhancement ، Anticholinesterase ، Neuroprotection