Neuroprotective Effects of Vitamin C and Vitamin E on Oxidative Stress in Rats with Scopolamine-Induced Dementia

Year 2025, Volume: 17 Issue: 2, 1252 - 1260, 07.10.2025

Suleiman A. Muhammad , Asma'u D. Aliyu , Abdulsamad O. Abolaji Amina Jiyah , Ibrahim Bulama , Abdulwasiu Ibrahim , Abdullahi Abbas , Mustapha U. Imam Lawal Bilbis

https://doi.org/10.37212/jcnos.1741523

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes cognitive, behavioural, and personality declines. In the etiology of AD, oxidative stress has a main role. This study was carried out to investigate the neuroprotective effects of vitamins C and E on cognitive function and oxidative stress in rats with scopolamine-induced AD. After seven days of treatment with vitamins C and E, AD was induced in the rats on day eight by the injection of 4 mg/kg body weight of scopolamine. Behavioural outcomes such as anxiety, learning and memory were carried out using an elevated plus-maze, and novel object recognition tasks. Malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidant enzymes, and vitamins were assessed in the brain tissue. Vitamins C and E treatment enhanced memory and behavioural functions in dementia rats when compared with the control group. The results also showed that the vitamin C and vitamin E treated groups had higher brain levels of vitamin C and vitamin E compared to the control group. Furthermore, both treatments reduced the MDA levels compared to the control group. The group that received either of the vitamins indicated higher superoxide dismutase and catalase activities compared to the control group. In conclusion, the results suggest that both vitamins exhibited neuroprotective properties by ameliorating oxidative stress and improving cognitive outcomes in dementia rats.

Keywords

Alzheimer , cognitive function , dementia , oxidative stress , vitamins C and E

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