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Bacopa-enriched formulation enhances memory and synaptic plasticity in a rat model of vascular dementia
Suleiman Yunusa1, Nur Sabrina Halimi2, Muhammad Hazim Abdullah2
1Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang 11800, Malaysia; Department of Pharmacology, Sa'adu Zungur University, PMB 65 Itas Gadau, Bauchi State, Nigeria.
Behavioural Brain Research
|July 1, 2026
Summary
This study shows a Bacopa-enriched formulation (BEF) improved cognitive function and memory in a rat model of vascular dementia (VD). BEF enhanced neuroplasticity and reduced amyloid-beta, suggesting a novel therapeutic approach for VD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Vascular dementia (VD) is the second leading cause of dementia, particularly in the elderly.
- Current therapeutic strategies for VD are limited due to its complex neuropathology.
- There is a critical need for interventions targeting multiple pathways involved in VD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a Bacopa-enriched formulation (BEF) in a rat model of vascular dementia (VD).
- To investigate the effects of BEF on cognitive performance, neurophysiology, and key biomarkers in the 2-vessel occlusion (2VO) rat model.
Main Methods:
- Male Sprague Dawley rats underwent 2-vessel occlusion (2VO) surgery to model VD.
- Rats were orally administered BEF (50, 150, or 300mg/kg) for 7 days.
- Cognitive function was assessed using passive avoidance task (PAT) and Morris water maze (MWM); hippocampal electrophysiology, amyloid-beta levels, neurotransmitter concentrations (acetylcholine, glutamate), acetylcholinesterase activity, and protein expression (NMDAε2, GluR-1, BDNF) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- BEF significantly improved memory performance in PAT and MWM and restored long-term potentiation (LTP) and basal synaptic transmission.
- Treatment reduced amyloid-beta accumulation and normalized glutamate levels.
- BEF enhanced hippocampal NMDAε2 and BDNF expression, indicating improved neuroplasticity, with minimal impact on the cholinergic system.
Conclusions:
- BEF demonstrates significant memory-enhancing effects in a rat model of VD.
- The therapeutic benefits of BEF are primarily linked to modulating excitatory neurotransmission and enhancing neuroplasticity.
- BEF represents a promising multi-component therapeutic agent for vascular dementia.
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