Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Original Research Article | OPEN ACCESS

Lavandula stoechas L alleviates dementia by preventing oxidative damage of cholinergic neurons in mice brain

Aamir Mushtaq^1,2, Rukhsana Anwar¹ , Mobasher Ahmad²

¹Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Allama Iqbal Campus Lahore; ²Gulab Devi Institute of Pharmacy, Gulab Devi Educational Complex, Main Ferozpur Road Lahore, 54000 Pakistan.

For correspondence:- Rukhsana Anwar Email: rukhsanaanwar2003@yahoo.com Tel:+923336295580

Accepted: 28 July 2018 Published: 31 August 2018

Citation: Mushtaq A, Anwar R, Ahmad M. Lavandula stoechas L alleviates dementia by preventing oxidative damage of cholinergic neurons in mice brain. Trop J Pharm Res 2018; 17(8):1539-1547 doi: 10.4314/tjpr.v17i8.11

© 2018 The authors.
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Abstract

Purpose: To ascertain if there is any scientific evidence for the folkloric use of Lavandula stoechas as a nootropic substance for memory-related disorders.

Methods: Aqueous and n-hexane fractions of methanol extract of aerial parts of L. stoechas were used to explore their anti-amnesic activity. Male albino mice weighing 25 - 30 g were organized in ten groups (G-I to G-X) and treated for seven days. On 7th and 8th day, behavioral studies were conducted using elevated plus maze, hole-board and light-dark paradigms. Furthermore, biochemical studies were performed on brain homogenates of mice.

Results: Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values for aqueous and n-hexane fractions of L. stoechas were recorded as 35.14 and 357.42 µg/mL respectively, as compared to the standard, ascorbic acid (51.39 µg/mL). Behavioral test results indicate that the aqueous fraction showed significant (p < 0.001) build-up of memory in mice, compared to n-hexane fraction. Similarly, the aqueous fraction significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the level of acetylcholinesterase and malondialdehyde as well as elevation of natural antioxidants, viz, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione in brain tissues.

Conclusion: The aqueous fraction of L. stoechas is a memory-enhancing agent. Its antioxidant activity prevents the loss of memory by providing defense against neurodegeneration

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