Depolymerized red pine (Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zucc.) bark extract attenuates scopolamine-induced learning and memory deficits in Sprague–Dawley rats
摘要
Polymeric phenolic compounds often have limited bioavailability. Depolymerization can overcome this limitation and enhance their bioactivity. Red pine bark is rich in tannins and other phenolic compounds, making it a suitable candidate for functional enhancement via hydrogenolytic depolymerization. This study compared the potential of red pine bark extract and its hydrogenolytically depolymerized form to mitigate scopolamine (SCOP)-induced amnesia in rats using behavioral tests (Y-maze, passive avoidance, and Morris water maze). We also assessed long-term potentiation (LTP) in hippocampal slices and oxidative stress in PC-12 cells. Both extracts effectively improved SCOP-induced cognitive decline and reduced oxidative stress. Notably, depolymerized red pine bark extract demonstrated stronger rescue of SCOP-induced LTP suppression through muscarinic receptor-dependent mechanisms. Both extracts similarly alleviated N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-dependent LTP impairment and exhibited no effect under α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxyzolepropionic acid receptor blockade. These findings indicate that hydrogenolytic depolymerization enhances phenolic bioactivity and selectively protects synaptic plasticity relevant to cognitive function.