Evaluating the Role of Punica Granatum and Rosuvastatin in an Experimental Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease is associated with progressive neurological and cognitive decline and is the commonest cause of dementia in 70% population globally. Several natural and synthetic agents are incessantly being explored as potential therapeutic targets for disease modification and treatment to reduce the suffering of the patients as well as to alleviate the huge financial burden on the healthcare system. Punica granatum contains polyphenols and flavonoids which are reported to offer neuroprotection. Statins on the other hand, serve as potent cholesterol lowering agents which target the pathophysiology of the disease. Twenty-four male wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of six rats each. They were fed high fat diet for two months.The rats in the respective groups were given Punica granatum juice, Rosuvastatin, standard treatment comprising of Donepezil and distilled water. The analysis was done at baseline and at the end of the study. Behavioral tests and histopathological analysis depicted marked improvement in cognitive and memory functions in Punica granatum group. Rosuvastatin group however showed improvement which was not as pronounced as achieved by the Punica granatum group. The present study was done to discern the effects of test agents such as Punica granatum and Rosuvastatin in memory deficits associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Marked improvement in dementia was observed in Punica granatum juice group in the High Fat Diet induced model of Alzheimer’s disease. Hence, Punica granatum offers significant neuroprotection as compared to the Rosuvastatin group and its potential can be explored in further studies to consolidate its role in amelioration of the disease progress and its treatment.