Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by oxidative stress-mediated memory dysfunction and neuronal cell death. This study investigated the effects of an ethanol extract from Bauhinia coccinea (EEBC) on memory impairment and neuronal damage in a memory deficit mouse model. EEBC was administered to ICR mice at doses of 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg daily for 3 weeks. Cognitive impairment was induced via scopolamine (SCO) injection. Brain tissues were analyzed for acetylcholine (ACh) levels, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, neuronal apoptosis, and antioxidant markers. Behavioral tests showed that SCO injection induced memory loss, whereas EEBC significantly ameliorated SCO-mediated memory impairment. EEBC regulated the cholinergic system by decreasing ACh levels and enhancing AChE activity. Nissl staining and immunohistochemistry for NeuN showed that EEBC exerted neuroprotective effects in SCO-injected mice brains. Moreover, EEBC significantly reduced the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling-positive apoptotic cells increased by SCO treatment. EEBC also reversed the SCO-induced changes in apoptosis-related protein expression in brain tissues. Furthermore, EEBC significantly reduced malondialdehyde levels and activated catalase in SCO-administered brains. Quantitative RNA sequencing showed involvement of lipid metabolism in EEBC memory function regulation. Thus, EEBC is a promising candidate for attenuating AD progression as it targets the cholinergic system and neuronal apoptosis.