MODULATORY EFFECT OF ASHANTI PEPPER (PIPER GUINEENSE) SEED-FORTIFIED BREAD ON CHOLINERGIC SYSTEM AND ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES ACTIVITY IN SCOPOLAMINE-INDUCED AMNESIC RATS
Abstract
This study investigates the cognitive-enhancing property of Ashanti pepper-fortified bread in Wistar rats. Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 5). Group 1: normal control; Group 2: scopolamine-induced amnesic rats; Group 3: scopolamine-induced amnesic rats treated with 5 mg/kg Donepezil; Group 4: scopolamine-induced amnesic rats treated with no inclusion (standard sample); Group 5: scopolamine-induced amnesic rat treated with 0.5% Ashanti pepper inclusion and Group 6: scopolamine-induced amnesic rat treated with 1% Ashanti pepper inclusion. The treatment lasted for 21 days. Cognitive dsyfuncttion was induced via intraperitoneal injection of scopolamine (3 mg/kg). The rats were sacrificed and the brain was removed for biochemical analysis. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) level, catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in the brain tissues homogenate was assessed. The results demonstrated that administration of scopolamine significantly (p < 0.05) increase cholinesterase (AChE and BChE) activity and TBARS level, with simultaneous decrease in SOD and catalase activities indicate oxidative stress. However, treatment with Ashanti pepper-fortified bread resulted in decrease in BChE and AChE activities, suggesting a protective effect against cognitive dsyfunction. Also, Ashanti pepper-fortified bread significantly lowered TBARS level and enhanced catalase and SOD activity, an indicative of improved antioxidant status. Findings in this study revealed antioxidant effect of Ashanti pepper-fortified bread and modulation of cholinergic neurotransmission, which could be part of biochemical mechanisms underlying the protective role of Ashanti pepper-fortified bread. Hence, Ashanti pepper-fortified bread could be considered as a natural and dietary regimen in the management of cognitive dsyfunction.
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