EP_100. Bunga Kantan alleviates the cognitive impairment in diabetic rat

Wan Amir Nizam Wan Ahmad^1*, Toh Zeny¹, Liza Noordin², Lee Yuen Shin³, Ahmad Tarmizi Che Has³

1. School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia

2. Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia

3. Department of Neurosciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: Wan Amir Nizam Wan Ahmad. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic disorder, is increasingly recognized for its detrimental effects on cognitive function, with over 60% of diabetic individuals experiencing some degree of cognitive impairment.

OBJECTIVE(S): This pilot study investigates the potential neuroprotective effects of Etlingera elatior flower aqueous extract (EEAE), commonly known as bunga kantan, on cognitive deficits in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. EEAE is rich in phenolics, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, which exhibit potent antioxidant and antidiabetic properties.

MATERIALS & METHODS: The study comprised three groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=3 per group): non-diabetic control, diabetic untreated, and diabetic treated with EEAE (1000 mg/kg/day, orally). In vitro antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH assay. Cognitive function was evaluated via the Morris Water Maze (MWM), and brain tissue histology was conducted post-mortem.

RESULTS: EEAE showed moderate antioxidant capacity in the DPPH assay. In vivo, the EEAE-treated group demonstrated significantly improved spatial learning and memory compared to the diabetic group, as indicated by reduced escape latency, increased time in the target quadrant, and less anxiety-like behaviour. Histological analysis revealed reduced neurodegeneration and improved structural integrity in the hippocampus and cortex.

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that EEAE may alleviate diabetes-induced cognitive deficits, potentially through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. However, limitations such as small sample size, variability in STZ response, and short treatment duration warrant further investigation. This study highlights EEAE’s potential as a natural therapeutic agent for cognitive impairment in diabetic conditions.

KEYWORDS: Bunga Kantan, Cognitive Impairment, Diabetic Rat, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory