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