Fermentedleaves andmixtures ameliorate cognitive deficits in scopolamine-induced dementia rats by enhancing brain antioxidant and cholinergic functions.

Abstract

CONTEXT: Lam. (Moringaceae) and(Curtis) P. Karst. (Ganodermataceae) are two natural resources with established neuroprotective properties. However, whether their combination is safe and has neuroprotective effects against dementia remains unexplored. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition, toxicity profile, and neuroprotective activity of fermentedandmixture (FMG) in scopolamine-induced dementia model rats. METHODS: FMG was produced by fermentation with. A state of cognitive impairment was induced in ratsdaily intraperitoneal administration of scopolamine (4&#x2009;mg/kg) for 28&#x2009;days. Following a two-week treatment period, cognitive function was assessed using the Y-maze. Postmortem analyses included biochemical assays to measure brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and oxidative stress markers, and histological examination of the hippocampus. RESULTS: LC-MS analysis revealed a rich phytochemical profile. The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) was 200&#x2009;mg/kg/day, while the lowest-observed-adverse-effect level (LOAEL) was 600&#x2009;mg/kg/day. Treatment at the 200&#x2009;mg/kg dose significantly reversed memory deficits, restoring spontaneous alternation from 29.1% in scopolamine-treated rats to 82.6% (&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05). This behavioral recovery was correlated with a significant reduction in brain AChE activity, a normalization of lipid peroxidation (TBARS) levels, and the restoration of hippocampal neuronal architecture. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The restorative effects of FMG are mediated by a dual mechanism involving the enhancement of central cholinergic and antioxidant systems. These results suggest that FMG possesses neuroprotective and antioxidant properties and could be a promising candidate for the management of cognitive deficits.