Synergistic Potential of Honey Bee Products with Rivastigmine as Novel Neuropharmacological Approach in Rodent Model of Scopolamine-Induced Dementia

Abstract

The appearance of cognitive decline as a major hallmark of neurological and neurodegenerative disorders make it an intriguing pathophysiological state for which there is an urgent need for the development of effective pharmacotherapy. Decades of research have uncovered a multitude of promising factors that can serve as the starting point for research and development in this domain of research. Depleted cholinergic neurotransmission and oxidative damage are two such causative factors for cognitive impairment associated with neurodegeneration. Approved treatments for neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) provide only symptomatic relief and are known to cause unwanted side effects. Honeybee products are made up of bioactive substances, which have long been known for their medicinal and health-promoting effects. The purpose of the present study was to explore the neuroprotective potential of bee venom and bee propolis separately and in combination with the standard drug rivastigmine as a novel treatment regimen against scopolamine-induced cognitive deficits. Intraperitoneal administration of bee venom (0.5 mg/Kg), propolis (250 mg/Kg, oral) and rivastigmine (0.5 mg/Kg) or their combinations showed improved cognitive functions in scopolamine exposed mice as assessed by passive avoidance test. Administration of honeybee products (venom and propolis) alone and in combination significantly decreased the activity of acetylcholinesterase in the brain of scopolamine treated animals. Bee products either alone or in combination further decreased the lipid peroxidation with a concomitant increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, GPx, GR, and GST) in the brains of the animals treated with scopolamine. The data obtained suggests that the treatment with combination of bee venom and propolis could be developed into a novel and effective therapy against cognitive dementia associated with neurological and neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease