Silymarin, Quercetin and Hesperidin Combination Ameliorates Learning and Memory Deficit in 3 Nitro Propionic Acid Induced Rat Model of Huntington’s Disease

Introduction: Huntington’s disease is considered as the autosomal dominating with progression of neuro-degeneration with decreased cognitive function and behaviour changes. Bioflavonoids promote memory, learning, and cognitive function. The present study aims to summarize the synergistic effect of Silymarin, Quercetin and Hesperidin on ability to in 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) induced rat model of Huntington’s disease (HD). Materials and Methods: Learning and memory deficits were induced in male Wistar rats through intraperitoneal administration of 3-NP. Bodyweight was taken on days 1st, 7th, 14th, and 21st post-treatment. Novel object recognition test (NORT) and elevated plus maze (EPM) were performed on days 21st and 22nd. Animals were sacrificed on day 22 for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) estimation, brain weight assessment, and histopathological study. Results: Administration of 3-NP at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight for 21 days significantly induced learning and memory deficit similar to HD. It reduced body and brain weight, memory retention, and recognition index with enhanced function of acetyl cholinesterase in the brain striatum. Silymarin and Hesperidin as monotherapy significantly restored recognition index and memory loss induced by 3NP due to reduced neuronal damage and apoptosis in the brain striatum, Quercetin and Silymarin restored body weight and relative brain weight because of an increase in muscle weight and reduced brain atrophy. Conclusion: All bioflavonoids restored AChE activity, but their combination was better compared to individual drug effects. The current investigation proved that a combination of Silymarin, Quercetin, and Hesperidin is effective in the restoration of ability to learn and memory because of HD compared to monotherapy.