Evaluation of the Neuroprotective and Cognitive Enhancing Effects of Cucurbita moschata
Muchimapura S, BSc, PhD1,2,3, Thukhummee W, BSc, PhD1,2,3, Wattanathorn J, BSc, PhD1,2,3
Affiliation : 1 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 2 Integrative Complementary Alternative Medicine Research and Development Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 3 Research Institute for Human High Performance and Health Promotion, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Background : To date, the requirement of the neuroprotectant and cognitive enhancer is increasing. However, most of the available
substances in the market still have the limitation efficacy and expensive. Therefore the novel substance which is effective, cheap and
easy to approach is required. Based on the neuroprotection and memory enhancing effects of substances possessing antioxidant
activity, aforementioned effects of Pumpkin or Cucurbita moschata (C. moschata), a plant containing high contents of antioxidant,
has been considered.
Objective : To determine effect of C. moschata on spatial memory neuron density, oxidative stress and AChE activity in hippocampus.
Materials and Methods : Male Wistar rats, weighing 180 to 200 g, were orally given the aqueous extract of C. moschata at doses
of 50, 150 and 450 mg.kg-1 BW for 28 days. The animals were assessed spatial memory using Morris water maze test every 7 days
throughout the study period. At the end of study, the determination of neuron density, oxidative stress and AChE activity in
hippocampus of the experimental were performed.
Results : All doses of extract enhanced memory but decreased MDA level in hippocampus. The decreased AChE activity in hippocampus
was observed only in rats treated with the low and medium doses of extract whereas the elevation of SOD was observed only in the
low dose of extract treated group. No significant change in neuron density was observed in rats treated with the plant extract at all
dosage range used in this study. Our data suggested that the memory enhancing effect of C. moschata extract might be attributed
partly to the decreased oxidative stress and the enhanced cholinergic function.
Conclusion : C. moschata extract is the potential functional food to enhance memory which is cheap and easy to approach. However,
further researches about the underlying mechanism and possible active ingredients are essential.
Keywords : Cucurbita moschata, Memory, Oxidative stress, Acetylcholinesterase
