Nootropic effects of synthetic flavonoid derivatives on scopolamine induced memory impairment in mice via cholinesterase inhibition and antioxidant system

Abstract

The synthesized flavonoid derivatives (flavonols and flavones) were subjected for in-vitro anticholinesterase evaluation followed by assessment of in-vivo memory enhancing effects using animal models. The ex-vivo analysis of brain was carried out and portions were subjected foe estimation of biochemical parameters that includes AChE, ACh, SOD and CAT level. Among tested flavonoids, the para substituted chloro containing flavonol (OF2) and flavone (F2) revealed a considerable in-vitro AChE and BuChE % inhibition with an IC50 values. It was observed from the in-vivo results that OF1-OF3 at 12.5 mg/kg b.w has significance over F1-F3 in ameliorating the memory in scopolamine induced amnesic mice in passive avoidance step through and novel object recognitions test. Scopolamine elevated significantly the AChE level, decreased the contents of ACh, SOD and CAT in the brain in amnesic model. The flavonoid derivatives showed significant effects on these changes by decreasing the ex-vivo AChE contents, enhancing the level of ACh, SOD and CAT suggesting their possible role as cholinesterase and antioxidant. These findings suggest that synthetic flavonols and flavones may serve as potential candidates for developing safer and effective nootropic agents.