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Syringic Acid Converts Poor Learning Mice to Good Learners: Insinuations for Memory Enhancement.
Amina Khatun1,2, Surendra Patra1,2, Susovon Chowdhury1,2
1Biodiversity and Environmental Studies Research Centre, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore City College, West Medinipur, West Bengal, India.
Phytotherapy Research : PTR
|February 13, 2026
Summary
Syringic acid (SA) improves cognitive function in mice by enhancing neuronal plasticity. It boosts memory consolidation by activating the PPARα-PKA-CREB pathway, offering potential for cognitive enhancement therapies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Poor learning is linked to reduced plasticity molecules and CREB activation.
- Understanding molecular pathways is key to improving cognitive function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate syringic acid's (SA) role in enhancing cognitive function.
- To explore SA's effects on neuronal signaling pathways and synaptic plasticity.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies on N2a cells to assess SA's impact on plasticity molecules and PKA.
- In vivo studies using Barnes maze tests in mice (good vs. poor learners).
- Analysis of brain tissue for plasticity markers, calcium influx, CREB, and PPAR-α.
Main Results:
- SA enhanced NMDA/AMPA receptor calcium influx and upregulated plasticity molecules via PKA.
- SA-induced PPAR-α activation further promoted PKA, increasing CREB phosphorylation.
- SA treatment improved learning performance in poor-learning mice by restoring CREB activity and plasticity molecules.
Conclusions:
- Syringic acid enhances neuronal plasticity and cognitive function.
- SA targets the PPARα-PKA-CREB signaling axis for cognitive benefits.
- SA shows potential as a therapeutic agent for cognitive enhancement.
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