BACKGROUND

Diabetes is known to cause cognitive impairments and synaptic dysfunction. This study investigates the effects of (EO), (CT), Vitamin C, and metformin on cognitive function and synaptic density (SYN) in diabetic rats. This work aims to evaluate the impact of various treatments on spatial learning, memory, and SYN in a diabetic rat model.

METHODS

The Morris water maze test was used to assess spatial learning and memory at four time points (Days 1, 3, 14, and 21). SYN was measured using optical density to assess SYN expression. Eight experimental groups were included: Non-diabetic Control, Diabetic Control, Diabetic + EO, Diabetic + CT, Diabetic + Vitamin C, Diabetic + Metformin, Non-diabetic + EO, and Non-diabetic + CT.

RESULTS

On Day 1, the Diabetic Control group exhibited significantly longer latency times, indicating cognitive impairment. Diabetic + EO and Diabetic + CT showed the most significant improvements in cognitive performance compared to other diabetic groups, while Diabetic + Vitamin C and Diabetic + Metformin were less effective. On Day 3, cognitive performance in the diabetic groups improved, but none reached the level of Non-diabetic controls. On Day 14, EO and CT were again the most effective in reducing latency times, followed by Metformin. By Day 21, EO and CT showed significant improvements in cognitive function, with Metformin outperforming Vitamin C. SYN expression was significantly higher in the Non-diabetic + CT and Non-diabetic + EO groups, and these treatments also enhanced SYN expression in diabetic rats, with Metformin showing the greatest improvement.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that EO and CT offer significant therapeutic potential for mitigating cognitive deficits and enhancing SYN in diabetic animals. Although metformin also improved cognitive function and SYN, it exhibited the most robust restorative effects. These findings highlight the potential of herbal treatments like EO and CT for managing cognitive dysfunction in diabetes.