Efficacy study of Prunus amygdalus (almond) nuts in scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats

• Published in: Indian journal of pharmacology Vol. 42; no. 3; pp. 168 - 173
• Main Authors: Kulkarni, Kirti S, Kasture, S. B, Mengi, S. A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Medknow Publications on behalf of Indian Pharmacological Society 01-05-2010; Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd; Medknow Publications
• Subjects: Almond; Alzheimer's disease; Alzheimer′s disease, amnesia, Prunus amygdalus, scopolamine; Amnesia; Care and treatment; Composition; Health aspects; India; amnesia; Alzheimer’s disease; Prunus amygdalus; scopolamine
• ISSN: 0253-7613; 1998-3751
• DOI: 10.4103/0253-7613.66841

Objective : Cognitive disorders such as amnesia, attention deficit and
Alzheimer′s disease are emerging nightmares in the field of
medicine because no exact cure exists for them, as existing nootropic
agents (piractam, tacrine, metrifonate) have several limitations. The
present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Prunus
amygdalus (PA) nuts on cognitive functions, total cholesterol levels
and cholinesterase (ChE) activity in scopolamine-induced amnesia in
rats. Materials and Methods : The paste of PA nuts was administered
orally at three doses (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg) for 7 and 14 consecutive
days to the respective groups of rats. Piracetam (200 mg/kg) was used
as a standard nootropic agent. Learning and memory parameters were
evaluated using elevated plus maze (EPM), passive avoidance and motor
activity paradigms. Brain ChE activity and serum biochemical parameters
like total cholesterol, total triglycerides and glucose were evaluated.
Results : It was observed that PA at the above-mentioned doses after 7
and 14 days of administration in the respective groups significantly
reversed scopolamine (1 mg/kg i.p.)-induced amnesia, as evidenced by a
decrease in the transfer latency in the EPM task and step-down latency
in the passive avoidance task. PA reduced the brain ChE activity in
rats. PA also exhibited a remarkable cholesterol and triglyceride
lowering property and slight increase in glucose levels in the present
study. Conclusion : Because diminished cholinergic transmission and
increase in cholesterol levels appear to be responsible for the
development of amyloid plaques and dementia in Alzheimer patients, PA
may prove to be a useful memory-restorative agent. It would be
worthwhile to explore the potential of this plant in the management of
Alzheimer′s disease.