Neuroprotective effects of Sideritis trojana essential oil in AlCl3-induced amnesic rats

In this study, the effects of Sideritis trojana essential oil on memory, anxiety, and depression were investigated in rats subjected to AlCl3-induced dementia. The major constituents of S. trojana essential oil were analyzed as carvacrol (42.32%), carvone (18.69%), and alpha-pinene (4.54%). Rats were divided into five groups: Control, positive control (donepezil), AlCl3-only applicated, AlCl3 with 40% S. trojana essential oil applicated, and AlCl3 with 80% S. trojana essential oil applicated groups. The essential oil was administered for 30 days, after that, the rats were subjected to behavioral tests. In the forced swimming test, S. trojana essential oil application demonstrated antidepressant-like effects. In the elevated plus maze and open field tests, S. trojana essential oil application exhibited anxiolytic-like effects. Furthermore, the application of S. trojana essential oil ameliorated memory impairment induced by AlCl3 by increasing spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze test. Furthermore, S. trojana essential oil application reduced the level of malondialdehyde and increased catalase activity, demonstrating antioxidant activity. Molecular docking analyses were performed between the major compounds of S. trojana essential oil and the AMPA receptor to evaluate possible mechanisms of action leading to neuroprotection. Carvacrol, carvone, and alpha-pinene were shown to possess strong binding abilities to the AMPA receptor, which may result in allosteric modulation of the receptor. This study demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of S. trojana essential oil in an animal model induced by AlCl3 application, suggesting its potential protective role against central nervous system disorders.