Neuroprotective effects of p-coumaric acid against chemical-induced dementia in mice

Abstract

Introduction

Dementia, a progressive and debilitating neurological disorder, affects millions of people worldwide and remains a significant global health challenge. Traditional plant-based medicines, especially those used in Chinese herbal practices, have shown promise in managing memory-related disorders. One such bioactive compound is p-coumaric acid, a naturally occurring phytoconstituent present in several traditional Chinese medicinal plants, including Hedyotis diffusa, Fagopyrum cymosum, and Viola yedoensis. Known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties, p-coumaric acid was investigated in this study for its potential to mitigate chemically induced dementia in mice.

Methods

A total of 54 Swiss albino mice weighing 25-35 g (either sex) were used in the present study, which were distributed into 9 groups Two interoceptive dementia models were utilized. In model 1, mice received aluminum chloride (5 mg/kg, orally) and D-galactose (60 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) for 90 days. In model 2, dementia was induced by administering L-methionine (750 mg/kg at 09:00 and 15 mg/kg, i.p. at 15:00) over seven days. Treatment groups received either p-coumaric acid at low (100 mg/kg, orally) or high (400 mg/kg, orally) doses, or the standard drug donepezil HCl (2 mg/kg, i.p.). Behavioral performance was assessed using the Morris water maze and elevated plus maze. At the end of the treatment period, brains were harvested for biochemical analyses including AChE, TBARS, SOD, catalase, GSH, nitrite, and TNF-α levels.

Results

p-Coumaric acid significantly improved spatial memory and cognitive function, as evidenced by reduced escape and transfer latency times and increased time spent in the target quadrant. It also restored antioxidant enzyme levels and reduced markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in both models.

Conclusion

Overall, the findings suggest that p-coumaric acid enhances cholinergic transmission, mitigates oxidative damage, and reduces neuroinflammation, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent for dementia management.