Naringin ameliorates cognitive impairment streptozotocin/nicotinamide induced type 2 diabetes in Wistar rats

Introduction: Psychomotor slowing and reduced mental flexibility are symptoms of cognitive decline that can occur in type 2 diabetes disease (TD2). Strategies that combine the control of hyperglycaemia with prevention of cognitive decline are desirable. Thus, this study reports the effect of naringin on cognitive deficit in diabetic rats. Methods: TD2 in Wistar rats was induced with nicotinamide/streptozotocin (NA/STZ). Naringin (50 and 100 mg/kg) or glibenclamide (5mg/kg) was administered for 30 days to diabetic rats. Cognitive performance was investigated using the Monis water maze. Serum glucose, lipid profiles, brain tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity were determined. Results: Naringin and glibenclamide significantly reduced the escape latency, increased the time spent in the correct quadrant and number of entries in diabetic rats. Also, naringin reduced blood glucose, serum cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, triglycerides and prevented a decrease in the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, in diabetic rats. Naringin and glibenclamide treated diabetic rats showed a significant low levels of AChE activity and TNF-alpha. Conclusion: Naringin ameliorates diabetes induced cognitive deficit via reduction of inflammation, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidaemia and AChE activity.