Ethanol Extracts of Centella asiatica Leaf Improves Memory Performance in Rats after Chronic Stress via Reducing Nitric Oxide and Increasing Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Concentration

Abstract

Background: Centella asiatica is herbaceous plant that has medicinal value to improve learning and memory. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has a significant role in memory formation process, while oxidative stress causes memory impairment. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of ethanol extracts of Centella asiatica leaf on memory performance and serum BDNF (neurotrophins) and Nitric Oxide(NO) concentration of rats following chronic electrical stress. Materials and Methods : Twenty male rats (Sprague Dawley) were divided into four groups: control/aquadest group and groups treated with three different doses (mg/kg) of Centella asiatica :150 (CeA150), 300 (CeA300) and 600 (CeA600). Memory performance was tested using probe test in Morris Water Maze before and after oral administration of ethanol extracts of Centella asiatica leaf followed by electrical stress for 28 days. At the last day of memory exercise following chronic stress, blood sample was taken from periorbital veins of all rats. Concentration of serum BDNF and total NO was assessed using ELISA. Data were analyzed using one way ANOVA. Results: Treatment groups had higher percentage in probe test water maze and serum BDNF concentration after chronic stress. Mean time percentage (%) of probe test in water maze performance for control group, CeA150, CeA300, and CeA600 were 53.33+2.43, 55.78+4.16, 63.33+4.07, and 73.55+3.29 (p<0.05). Mean concentration of serum BDNF (ng/ml) for control group, CeA150, CeA300, and CeA600 were 1.52+0.89, 1.49+0.20, 1.73+0.15, and 2.16+0.20 (p<0.05 vs control group). Control group had higher serum NO concentration compared to all treatments groups. Mean concentration of serum NO (µmol/L) for control group, CeA150, CeA300, and CeA600 were 5.94+0.52, 3.98+0.35, 3.06+0.33, and 2.82+0.21 (p<0.05). Conclusion: Ethanol extracts of Centella asiatica leaf increases memory performance and serum BDNF concentration, and also decreases Nitric Oxide levels in rats after chronic stress.