Pharmacological Investigation of Carvacrol Against D-Galactose-Induced Cognitive Memory Impairment

Aging is a physiological process involving senescence that declines the normal body functions and adaptability of the body towards metabolic and environmental stress declines and cognitive functions are also compromised. The role of inflammatory mediators are widely studied in cognitive functions in the past but the efficacy of dietary supplements against brain senescence is not well established. In the current study, we determined the neuroprotective potential of carvacrol against D-galactose-induced cognitive impairment. Male mice 25-30 grams were used to determine the anti-aging potential of carvacrol and we also demonstrated the role of p-NF-κB in the aging process. We observed the increased expression of p-NF-κB that further upregulated TNF-α and COX-2 expression. Moreover, we observed marked lipid peroxidation was observed along with a significant reduction in levels of antioxidant markers that lead to senescence in the cortical brain region (decreased percentage of intact neurons). Carvacrol has significantly reversed these detrimental effects caused by D-galactose by declining the expression of p-NF-κB. Our findings suggest that carvacrol has attenuated D-galactose-induced cognitive impairment by inhibiting p-NF-κB.