Protective effect of huperzine A on phenytoin induced cognition impairment: Behavioral and biochemical study

Abstract

Phenytoin, a drug of choice for Epilepsy is also known for its adverse effects. The most common adverse effect due to phenytoin is cognition impairment. Cognition impairment is a serious problem in society as it debars the person's social life. Thus to overcome such a problem demand for a solution arises. Huperzine, sesquiterpene alkaloids having immense neuroprotective properties. Thus in this study, it was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of huperzine on Phenytoin- induced Cognition Impairment. The protective effect of huperzine on phenytoin-induced cognition impairment was evaluated in rats. The effect of Huperzine on phenytoin-induced cognitive impairment was evaluated by behavioral, biochemical, and histopathological studies. The co-administration of huperzine with phenytoin showed significant results. The treatment of Huperzine with phenytoin resulted in significant improvement in learning and memory. The oxidative stress induced by Phenytoin was reversed by huperzine. A significant decrease in cholinesterase activity was also observed. The histopathology showed damaged neuronal cells in periventricular regions and cortex due to phenytoin which was altered by Huperzine. Thus, the present study demonstrates the protective effect of huperzine on phenytoin-induced cognition impairment.