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Mercurius solubilis attenuates scopolamine-induced memory deficits and enhances the motor coordination in mice
Simranjeet Kaur1, Anudeep Kaur1, Gurjit Singh1
1a Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Guru Nanak Dev University , Amritsar , India.
Aim:
The present study was designed to investigate the effect of mercurius solubilis (merc sol) on scopolamine induced memory deficits and motor coordination in mice.
Materials And Methods:
Three different formulations of merc sol (30X, 200M, 1M) were screened for their in vitro antioxidant potential through DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and nitric oxide scavenging activity using response surface methodology. Memory impairment was induced by the administration of scopolamine (1mg/kg i.p.) for 3 days to mice and assessment of memory acquisition and retention was done using Morris water maze test, passive avoidance test, elevated plus maze test, light and dark box test, motor coordination was evaluated using rotarod test and inclined plan test. The involvement of ion channels and nitric oxide pathway in the observed effect of merc sol was elucidated by administration of veratrine (0.125 μg/kg, i.p.), A23187 (20 μg/kg, i.p.), L- arginine (40 mg/kg, i.p.), aminoguanidine (50 mg/kg, i.p.) 30 min prior to merc sol. Acute toxicity studies were performed in accordance with the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) guidelines.
Results:
In vitro studies have revealed merc sol 30 X to have maximum free radical and nitric oxide scavenging activity. Administration of merc sol 30 X to mice significantly reduced scopolamine induced memory deficits and motor incoordination in all the performance tasks. The calcium ionophore, A23187 significantly altered the effect of merc sol in mice. No major signs of toxicity were observed.
Conclusion:
Merc sol has antiamnesic effect in scopolamine induced deficits and motor coordination in mice.
Insights
Mercurius solubilis (merc sol) demonstrated significant improvements in memory and motor coordination in mice. This homeopathic preparation showed potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities, with no observed toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Homeopathic medicine
- Neuropharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Scopolamine is a known inducer of memory deficits and motor incoordination in animal models.
- Investigating the therapeutic potential of homeopathic preparations like Mercurius solubilis (merc sol) is crucial for understanding their effects on cognitive and motor functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of different Mercurius solubilis (merc sol) formulations in mitigating scopolamine-induced memory impairment and motor deficits in mice.
- To assess the in vitro antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties of merc sol.
- To explore the potential involvement of ion channels and the nitric oxide pathway in merc sol's effects.
Main Methods:
- In vitro antioxidant assays (DPPH, nitric oxide scavenging) were performed using response surface methodology.
- Memory deficits were induced by scopolamine (1mg/kg i.p.), and cognitive function was assessed using the Morris water maze, passive avoidance, elevated plus maze, and light/dark box tests.
- Motor coordination was evaluated using the rotarod and inclined plane tests. Mechanistic insights were gained by co-administering ion channel modulators and nitric oxide pathway agents.
Main Results:
- Mercurius solubilis (merc sol) 30X exhibited the highest in vitro free radical and nitric oxide scavenging activity.
- Administration of merc sol 30X significantly reversed scopolamine-induced memory deficits and motor incoordination across all behavioral tests.
- The calcium ionophore A23187 modulated the effects of merc sol, suggesting ion channel involvement. No significant toxicity was observed in acute toxicity studies.
Conclusions:
- Mercurius solubilis (merc sol) possesses significant antiamnesic properties and improves motor coordination in a scopolamine-induced mouse model.
- The findings support the therapeutic potential of merc sol in addressing cognitive and motor impairments.
