OBJECTIVES: The present research work was designed to evaluate the neuroprotective activity of Citrus pulp powder (CPP) using scopalamine induced Zebrafish model amnesia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study neuroprotective activity was assessed by Novel tank test and Y Maze test.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

Effect of CPP in Novel Tank Test (NTT)

In Novel tank test, the different doses of Citrus pulp powder showed dose dependent increase in the number of entries to the top, time spent in the top, latency to enter the top and total distance travelled whereas decrease in number of entries to bottom and time spent in bottom as compared to scopolamine control group.

Effect of CPP on spatial memory and novelty response in Y-Maze

In Y-Maze test the Citrus pulp powder at doses exhibited dose dependent significant increase in number entries to new arm and total distance travelled in the maze as compared to scopolamine control group. The Citrus pulp powder at different dose showed significant increase in time spent in novel arm compared to scopolamine control.

Effect of CPP on CAT, SOD, MDA and AChE levels in Zebrafish brain homogenate

The different doses of the Citrus pulp powder showed significant increase in the CAT and SOD and significant decrease in AChE and MDA content in brain homogenate of Zebrafish as compared to scopolamine control group.

CONCLUSION:  The results of our study conclude that the Citrus pulp powder could effectively improve memory impairments in a scopolamine induced Zebrafish model of amnesia by enhancing the function of the behavioral response and antioxidant enzymes in the amnesic Zebrafish model.

Key words:  Neuroprotective, Novel tank test, SOD, CAT, Zebrafish.