Cognitive improvement and hippocampal BDNF/GFAP alterations by Schinus molle essential oil in a rat model of scopolamine-induced amnesia

Küçük Resim Yok

Tarih

2026

Dergi Başlığı

Dergi ISSN

Cilt Başlığı

Yayıncı

Elsevier Ireland Ltd

Erişim Hakkı

info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess

Özet

Ethnopharmacological relevance Schinus molle L. (Anacardiaceae) has been traditionally used for conditions related to the nervous system and emotional well-being, often through aromatic preparations. However, its cognition-specific effects have not yet been investigated. Aim of the study To assess the cognitive effects of the fruit-derived essential oil of Schinus molle L. (SMEO), administered via oral and inhalation routes, in a rat model of scopolamine-induced amnesia. Materials and methods SMEO was obtained by hydrodistillation and characterised by GC-MS/GC-FID. Amnesic rats received SMEO for 14 days by inhalation (1% or 3%) or oral gavage (100 or 200 mg/kg). Cognition was assessed by Morris water maze (MWM), passive avoidance (PA), and novel object recognition (NOR) tests; locomotion was measured by activity-meter. Hippocampal BDNF and GFAP immunoreactivity were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Results SMEO was dominated by alpha-phellandrene (48.7%). Scopolamine impaired cognition, whereas SMEO attenuated deficits with efficacy comparable to piracetam. Key behavioural and immunohistochemical findings (main omnibus statistical effects) were as follows: In the MWM, treatment and time effects on escape latency were significant (both p < 0.001), and probe performance improved (p < 0.001). PA retention was restored (p < 0.001) and the NOR index improved (p < 0.001), without locomotor changes (all p > 0.05). Scopolamine reduced hippocampal BDNF immunoreactivity in CA1 and DG (p < 0.01) and CA3 (p < 0.001), which was restored by SMEO via both routes. GFAP immunoreactivity was reduced in CA1/CA3/DG (all p < 0.001) and was rescued selectively after inhalation. Conclusions These findings provide preclinical evidence consistent with an ethnopharmacological rationale for SMEO and support further translational work to clarify its relevance beyond this experimental paradigm.

Açıklama

Anahtar Kelimeler

Bdnf, Cognitive Function, Gfap, Schinus Molle Essential Oil, Scopolamine-Induced Amnesia, Aromatherapy

Kaynak

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

WoS Q Değeri

Q1

Scopus Q Değeri

Q1

Cilt

362

Sayı

Künye