DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjmcr.2025.v13i11.049

Pages: 2866-2870

Nitric Oxide (NO) has been identified as a key signaling molecule involved in memory functions, and cognitive problems have been associated with its dysregulation. The carotenoid Lutein, which has strong antioxidant capabilities, has demonstrated potential for improving cognitive function. This study used Wistar (Wistar) rats to create a Diazepam-induced memory impairment paradigm in order to look into the possible effects of graded dosages of lutein on brain nitric oxide levels. A total of thirty rats (110-190g) were used for this study. The rats were categorized into six groups after 14 days and were administered their respective substances for 21 days: Group 1: Control, Group 2: Diazepam Only (5mg/kg), Group 3: Diazepam + Lutein (20mg/kg), Group 4: Diazepam + Lutein (40mg/kg), Group 5: Diazepam + Lutein (60mg/kg), Group 6: Diazepam + Donpenzil (Standard Drug). Administration of Diazepam significantly affected working and spatial memory, as manifested by the decreasing Y-maze alternation and increasing escape latency with more errors in the Barnes maze. It also significantly increased the brain NO levels as compared to controls (P < 0.001). Lutein treatment resulted in an inhibitory effect on NO which was dose dependent: the 20mg/kg dose significantly reduced the NO (P < 0.05), the 40mg/kg dose produced a non-significant reduction, and the 60mg/kg dose restored the NO concentrations to the baseline (P > 0.05). In a similar manner, donepezil reduced NO levels significantly as compared to diazepam-only rats (P < 0.01).