Evaluation of memory-enhancing effect of flunarizine on active avoidance in experimental model of Alzheimer’s disease through calcium homeostasis

Background: Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic, neurodegenerative disease which involves complications in cognitive functioning leading to dementia. Flunarizine (FLN) is a selective, calcium channel blocker that is widely used in the treatment of migraine. Moreover, it was investigated that it can improve cognitive functioning by regulating calcium homeostasis. Objective: The present study aims to evaluate the memory-enhancing effect of FLN in scopolamine-induced dementia model. Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out on male Swiss-albino mice, where Alzheimer’s type of dementia was induced by the administration of scopolamine. In the current investigation, the mice were divided into six groups and then test animals received FLN at the doses of 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg after dosing with scopolamine at the dose of 3 mg/kg, intraperitoneally for 7 days. Active avoidance was assessed by the use of elevated plus maze, T-maze, and Morris Water Maze test. The biochemical markers assessed were acetylcholinesterase, catalase, and lipoxygenase activity. Results: FLN at the doses of 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg showed significantly increased impedance in learning and memory with all the tests. Conclusion: The current study demonstrates significant memory-enhancing effect of FLN.