Affiliations: [a] Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Science, Sofia, Bulgaria
| [b] Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| [c] Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| [d] Department of Healthcare, South-West University “Neofit Rilski”, Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria
| [e] Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Biologically Active Substances, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Correspondence:
[*]
Correspondence to: Maria I. Lazarova, Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Science, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Block 23, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria. Tel.: +359 886317811; E-mail: m.lazarova@gmail.com.
Abstract: Background:The neurodegenerative process in Alzheimer’s disease, one of the most common types of dementia worldwide, mostly affects the cholinergic neurotransmitter system and, to a lesser extent, the monoaminergic one. The antioxidant acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and triple monoamine reuptake inhibitory activity of Sideritis scardica (S. scardica) and other Sideritis species has already been reported. Objective:To investigate the effects of S. scardica water extracts on the learning and memory processes, anxiety-like behavior, and locomotor activities in scopolamine (Sco)-induced dementia in mice. Methods:Male Albino IRC mice were used. The plant extract was administered for 11 consecutive days in the presence or absence of Sco (1 mg/kg, i.p). The behavioural performance of the animals was evaluated by passive avoidance, T-maze, and hole-board tests. The effects of extract on AChE activity, brain noradrenalin (NA), and serotonin (Sero) content, and antioxidant status were also monitored. Results:Our experimental data revealed that the S. scardica water extract caused a reduction in degree of memory impairment and anxiety-like behaviour in mice with scopolamine-induced dementia. The extract did not affect changed by the Sco AChE activity but impact reduced brain NA and Sero levels and demonstrated moderate antioxidant activity. In healthy mice we did not confirm the presence of anxiolytic-like and AChE inhibitory effects of the S. scardica water extract. The extract did not change the control Sero brain levels and reduce those of NA. Conclusion:S. scardica water extract demonstrated memory preserving effect in mice with scopolamine-induced dementia and deserve further attention.
