Smach_2023_J.Ethnopharmacol__117151

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Laurus nobilis L. (Lauraceae family) has been widely used in traditional Tunisian medicine for the treatment of different health problems such as rheumatism and some neurological disorders. AIM: In this study, the essential oil obtained from Laurus nobilis L. species from Tunisia (LEO) was studied for its chemical composition and anti-amnesic activities on memory impairment caused by scopolamine injection in mice. The major compounds of LEO oil, 1,8-cineole and, alpha-terpinyl acetate were docked with AChE (Acetylcholinesterase), using Autodock Vina and Discovery Studio visualizer software. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Morris water maze (MWM) tests and the Y maze were used to assess the anti-amnesic effects of LEO in mice with scopolamine-induced memory impairments. In brain tissues, the levels of biomarkers, enzyme activity, and protein expression related to the cholinergic system were measured. RESULTS: Chronic administration of scopolamine led to a significant decline in cognitive performance in both the Morris Water Maze (MWM) and Y maze tests, accompanied by pronounced oxidative damage and a significant increase in acetylcholinesterase activity compared to the other groups. However, compared to the scopolamine group, treatment with LEO (100 mg/kg) significantly enhanced cognitive function and ameliorated the oxidative damage (p < 0.05 versus scopolamine) CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the beneficial effect of LEO on scopolamine-induced dementia in mice, potentially achieved through the modulation of cholinergic activity and antioxidant properties. The docking analysis of the major compounds, 1,8-cineole and alpha-terpinyl acetate, further substantiates their potential as memory enhancers.