Neuroprotective Role of Esculetin, A Coumarin Derivative Against Aluminium Chloride Induced Cognitive Deficits in Rats

Esculetin, a hydroxycoumarin, has been reported to have neuroprotective action against several neurotoxins. Aluminum, a nonessential element and potent neurotoxin, has been suggested to have a link with the etiology and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this experiment, the possible neuroprotective role of esculetin on aluminium chloride mediated cognitive impairments in rats was investigated. Rats were orally treated with aluminum chloride (100mg/kg/day) and esculetin (25 and 50mg/kg/day) for 42 days. Cognitive functions were analysed by performing several behavioural tests: Passive avoidance test, Morris water maze test, modified elevated plus maze test, radial arm maze, and open field test. The results of the present study indicated that esculetin attenuated aluminum-induced memory deficits in rats. Therapeutic approaches for AD mainly target the inhibition of acetylcholine esterase, thereby preventing the damage of acetyl choline and improving the cholinergic transmission in the CNS. Previous studies demonstrated the potent AChE inhibitory activity of esculetin may be due to the presence of hydroxyl groups (6, 7, or 8 positions) and o-dihydroxyl (catechol) group. Hence, the AChE inhibition property of esculetin may be responsible for its memory enhancing activity.