Effect of Leptadenia hastata (Pers.) Decne (Asclepediaceae) on scopolamine-induced memory loss in the white mouse Mus Musculus Swiss (Murideae)

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Leptadenia hastata (Pers.) Decne (Asclepediaceae) is a plant widely used by traditional healers in several African countries to treat oxidative stress, depression, arterial hypertension, headaches and other conditions. This study aims to determine the therapeutic efficacy of Leptadenia hastata (L. hastata) against scopolamine-induced neurotoxicity. Aim of the study: To evaluate the pharmacological effects of L. hastata against scopolamine-induced neurotoxicity in Mus Musculus Swiss white mice. Materials and methods: L. hastata leaf extract was tested on the central nervous system of animals with scopolamine-induced cognitive deficits. Different doses (19; 38 and 76 mg/kg p.o.) of the extract and piracetam (200 mg/kg i.p.) were administered to the animals one hour before scopolamine (1 mg/kg i.p.) for 15 consecutive days of treatment. T-maze and object recognition tests were used for 3 days to assess the animals' behavioral performance. After behavioral testing, all animals were sacrificed by cervical decapitation and the brains harvested for analysis of oxidative stress parameters. Results: Administration of the plant extract resulted in a significant behavioral performance, significantly inhibited the reduction of locomotor significantly inhibited the reduction in locomotor and exploratory abilities in scopolamine-treated animals. The 19 and 38 mg/kg of the extract significantly reduced catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH) and reduced glutathione (GSH) and an increase in Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels induced by scopolamine. L. hastata extract significantly counteracted the increase in cerebral of acetylcholinesterase (AchE) in animals after 15 days of consecutive treatment with scopolamine. Conclusion: Leptadenia hastata, leaf extract has neuroprotective properties that facilitate memorization and correct scopolamine-induced cognitive deficits in white mice. All the results obtained in this article justify the use of L. hastata extract in traditional medicine.