Neuroprotective Effect ofCucurbita MaximaSeed Oil on Streptozotocin-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction in Mice via Inhibiting Cholinergic System and impacting cerebral flow

Abstract ID 90787 Poster Board 497 Background and Objective: Cucurbita maxima are among the best-known nutritious edible seeds with various therapeutic properties. This investigation aimed to assess the neuroprotective potential of pumpkin seed oil (PSO) in rats. Materials and Methods: Mice with intracerebral streptozotocin (STZ, 0.5 mg/kg)-induced memory deficit were supplemented with pumpkin seed oil (PSO) for 21 days orally at 100 and 200 mg/kg doses. Memory loss, oxidative stress, cholinergic dysfunction, cerebral blood flow (CBF), and brain energy metabolism were used to assess the neuroprotective impact of pumpkin seed oil (PSO). Results: Memory impairment resulted after the treatment of streptozotocin (STZ), which drastically decreased cerebral blood flow (CBF) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels. Pumpkin seed oil (PSO) administration contributed to a dose-dependent restoration of Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced reductions in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) contented in the mouse brain and decreased streptozotocin (STZ)-induced elevated latency time as well as increased transfer latency time. Administration of pumpkin seed oil (PSO) also ameliorated the streptozotocin (STZ)-mediated elevation of malondialdehyde, nitrite, and depleted glutathione levels in brain tissue. Pumpkin seed oil (PSO) attenuated the increased acetylcholinesterase activity and prevented the depletion of Acetylcholine and brain- Neurotrophic factor levels in the mice treated with streptozotocin (STZ). Pumpkin seed oil (PSO) decreased acetylcholinesterase mRNA expression while increasing BDNF expression. Both PSO and STZ had no discernible effect on locomotor activity. The study provided clear evidence that pumpkin seed oil (PSO) not only improved memory impairment caused by Streptozotocin (STZ) but also rectified abnormalities and deficits in oxidative stress, cerebral blood flow (CBF), and brain energy metabolism in mice. Phytochemical analysis of PSO was analyzed by GC-MS. Nine major pharmacologically active volatile compounds were identified using GC-MS analysis,. Neophytadiene, a diterpene compound, has been explored for its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. β-D-glucopyranoside, methyl, N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)dodecanamide, 2-monopalmitoylglycerol TMS ether and 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-,2-[(trimethyl) are also potential neuroprotective compounds with effects. However, the effects of these compounds can be influenced by their concentrations, interactions, and overall composition. Conclusion: Pumpkin seed oil (PSO) can be used as a dietary supplement and adjuvant in formulating functional foods to prevent neurodegenerative disorders. However, further research is needed for its proper application. Keywords: Cucurbita maxima, streptozotocin, memory impairment, Cerebral blood flow, acetylcholinesterase, oxidative stress