Dihydroxytrimethoxyflavone possess memory improvement effects against scopolamine in mice via modulating multiple pathways: In‐silico and in‐vivo evidences

Abstract Background Dementia is a deliberating neurodegenerative disorder which causes impairment of intellectual functions. The USFDA approved drugs has limited efficacy and numerous side effects. Thus, finding newer drugs to manage dementia and cognitive disorders is certainly required. The present study explores the potential of a natural flavone, 5,7‐dihydroxy‐3',4',5'‐trimethoxyflavone (DHF), as memory enhancer drug against scopolamine‐induced cognitive deficit in mice. Methods Animals were treated with DHF (5‐10 mg/kg, p.o.) for 7 days after inducing cognitive impairment by scopolamine (1mg/kg,i.p.). Memory functions (passive shock avoidance task and Morris Water Maze), brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, apoptotic biomarkers and histopathological studies (H&E and congo red staining for beta amyloid) were determined to measure memory improvement effects of DHF. In‐silico (molecular docking) studies were performed to understand the interactions of DHF with key pathological enzymes related to dementia. Results Treatment of scopolamine administered mice with DHF improved scopolamine‐induced cognitive impairment and restore brain biochemical parameters (inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity, enhanced glutathione levels, and reduced TBARS, TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐1β and caspase‐3 levels). Moreover, histopathological studies showed that DHF treatment reduced the neuronal cell death and amyloid depositions in mice brain. Further, molecular docking studies revealed string interactions of DHF with crucial amino acids of AChE and caspase‐3. Conclusion These results suggest that DHF was effective in treating scopolamine induced cognitive deficit by improving cerebral cholinergic dysfunction and reducing brain oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and beta‐amyloid depositions in mice. Thus, DHF could be developed as a potential alternative drug to treat memory disorders.