Neuroprotective Effect of Bambusa arundinaceae Leaves Extract on Learning and Memory Impairment in Mice: Impact on NR2B, NR1 and GAP Pathways

Background and Objective: Bambusa arundinaceae leaves are widely used for treating numerous diseases in Indian traditional medicine. The current study explored the neuroprotective effect of Bambusa arundinaceae leaves ethanolic extract (EEBA) on memory impairment induced by streptozotocin (STZ) in mice. Materials and Methods: The neuroprotective effect of EEBA (100 and 200 mg kgG1 b.wt., p.o.) was assessed in the Morris Water Maze (MWM) test, Pole Climbing Test (PCT) and in the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) test in comparison with standard piracetam (100 mg kgG1 b.wt., i.p.). The activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were also measured in various mice brain regions. Gene expression was also performed by RT-PCR and western blot test. Results: Treatment with EEBA 200 mg kgG1 showed a significant effect in all behavioral tests that demonstrated neuroprotective activity. EEBA treatment significantly reduced the AChE and MDA levels in mice brain regions, along with a rise in GSH level. RT-PCR results showed Bax and Bak mRNA were down-regulated, while Bcl-2 mRNA and protein were up-regulated in EEBA (200 mg kgG1) group. NR1, NR2B and GAP-43 proteins lead to the reduction of brain cell damage. EEBA 200 mg kgG1 showed a significant effect by shielding against STZ induced brain damage by interacting with these proteins. Conclusion: The effect of EEBA (200 mg kgG1 b.wt.) on behavioral and biochemical parameters was comparable with that observed in piracetam treated rats. These findings indicated that EEBA may exert a neuroprotective effect that may be accredited to inhibiting AChE and regulating the protein expression in the brain as well as its antioxidant mechanisms.