Neurobehavioral and Hematological Effects of Zapoteca portoricensis (Jacq.) H.M.Hern Root Ethylacetate Fraction against Scopolamine Induced Cognitive Impairment in Rats

Abstract

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by progressive dementia, neuroinflammation, and the accumulation of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles and extracellular amyloid plaques. Oxidative stress and cholinergic dysfunction are key contributors to cognitive decline in AD. Objective: This study evaluated the neuroprotective and haematological potential of the ethyl acetate fraction of Zapoteca portoricensis roots (ZP-EAF) in scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment and anaemia in Sprague Dawley rats. Methods: Sprague Dawley rats were pre-treated with varying doses of ZP-EAF prior to scopolamine administration. Learning and memory were assessed using the Morris water maze (MWM). Brain levels of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured as markers of cholinergic activity and oxidative stress. Haematological indices, including packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb), and mean cell volume (MCV), were monitored at 7-day intervals for 21 days. Results: Scopolamine significantly increased AChE activity (9.04 ± 0.13 mol/min/g) compared with the normal control (5.84 ± 0.02). Donepezil reversed this effect (6.45 ± 0.23, p < 0.001). ZP-EAF produced a dose-dependent decrease in AChE, with the 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg groups showing supranormal levels of 4.01 ± 0.07 and 3.41 ± 0.26, respectively. Scopolamine also significantly increased MDA levels. While donepezil reduced MDA, ZP-EAF at 100 mg/kg showed superior antioxidant activity by lowering MDA below normal control levels. Higher doses (200 and 400 mg/kg) produced only partial reductions. In the haematological study, ZP-EAF significantly (p < 0.001) increased PCV, RBC, and MCV in a non-dose-dependent manner compared with both the normal and positive controls. Conclusion: ZP-EAF demonstrated neuroprotective effects by enhancing cholinergic activity and reducing oxidative stress, with the 100 mg/kg dose being most effective for antioxidant activity. Additionally, ZP-EAF exhibited significant haematinic potential by improving PCV, RBC, and MCV. These findings suggest that Zapoteca portoricensis may be a promising candidate for the management of cognitive impairment and anaemia.