Mespilus germanica leaves flavonoids improve passive avoidance memory and apoptosis in a rat model of amyloid-β neurotoxicity

Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common progressive, neurodegenerative disorder with no preventive or curative therapy until now. Use of natural products as an important source of neuroprotective flavonoids against AD has been considered recently. In this study, the effect of Mespilus germanica leaves (MGL) flavonoids treatment on memory dysfunction and apoptosis in the amyloid beta (Aβ)-treated rat was investigated. Methods: Forty-eight male Wistar rats (220-250g) were divided into 6 groups (n=8): saline, Aβ, treatment (5, 7.5 and 10 mg/kg MGL flavonoids) and positive control group. Step through the passive avoidance test was performed on the 22nd day to examine learning and memory. Immediately afterward, the animals were killed and their brains were removed to measure the levels of cytochrome c in brain homogenate. Results: Our results showed significant improvement in passive avoidance task as flavonoid (10mg/kg) increased step-through latency (P=0.003) and decreased the time spent in dark compartment (P=0.001) significantly. In addition, the levels of cytochrome c which was significantly increased in the Aβ-injected group was reduced remarkably in the flavonoid treatment group (P=0.029). Conclusion: Therefore, MGL flavonoid can improve Aβ1-42 induced memory dysfunction in rats and its effect might be partially due to their role in decreasing apoptosis.