The Effects of Dracocephalum multicaule on the Cognitive Impairment and Hippocampal Neurodegeneration Induced by Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion

Introduction: Cognitive decline induced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is the most common problem during ageing. Most of the synthetic drugs used for cognitive impairment have undesirable side effects in patients. Therefore, in the current research, the effects of Dracocephalum multicaule on cognitive impairment and hippocampal neurodegeneration induced by CCH were investigated. Methods: CCH or sham surgical procedure was carried out in male Wistar rats. After three weeks, the animals were randomly assigned to D. multicaule extract or vehicle administration for 15 days. CCH induction was carried out by the bilateral occlusion of the common carotids. Morris water maze (MWM) and Nissl staining were used to evaluate cognitive function and hippocampal neuron density in rats, respectively. Results: Dracocephalum multicaule administration increased the time spent in the target quadrant in CCH rats during the MWM test (P 0.05). D. multicaule improved hippocampal neuronal cell density in CCH animals (P 0.05). Conclusion: Dracocephalum multicaule can improve spatial memory and hippocampal neuronal injury caused by CCH.