Pomegranate Seed Oil Boosts Memory by Reducing Amyloid Plaques and Restoring Neuronal Density in Alzheimer’s Model Rats

Abstract

Background: Pomegranate seed oil possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Alzheimer's disease is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder that results in behavioral and cognitive impairments. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of pomegranate seed oil on memory impairment, neuronal density, and amyloid beta (Aβ) plaque in the hippocampus of rats, both pre- and post-scopolamine administration. Methods: Fifty-six male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to seven groups. Rats received intraperitoneal injections of pomegranate seed oil (0.32 and 0.64 mg/kg) or saline for 14 days, either before or after intraperitoneal infusion of scopolamine (3 mg/kg). Memory function was assessed using the passive avoidance test. Cresyl violet and Congo red staining techniques were employed to evaluate hippocampal neuronal density and Aβ plaques, respectively. Results: Evaluation of memory using the passive avoidance test after scopolamine injection revealed a significant reduction in memory retention. Treatment with pomegranate seed oil at a dose of 0.32 mg/kg improved memory performance both before and after scopolamine injection; however, this improvement was not statistically significant. Scopolamine significantly increased the number of amyloid plaques (P < 0.0001) and significantly decreased the number of neurons in the hippocampus (P < 0.0001) compared to control rats. Pomegranate seed oil at doses of 0.32 and 0.64 mg/kg significantly reduced the density of amyloid plaques (P < 0.0001) and increased the number of neurons in the hippocampus when compared to saline-treated rats. Conclusions: Pomegranate seed oil demonstrated significant neuroprotective and therapeutic effects by enhancing neuronal density and reducing amyloid plaque formation in the hippocampus. Therefore, pomegranate seed oil is suggested as a potential treatment for alleviating symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease.