The potential of kemukus (Piper cubeba L.f.) seed essential oil nanoemulsion on behavior and biochemical parameters in a rat model of scopolamine-induced Alzheimer’s disease

Piper cubeba L.f. fruit, specifically its seeds, has been used traditionally to strengthen memory. This study aimed to examine the neuroprotective effect of a nanoemulsion of P. cubeba essential oil (NPCEO) in a scopolamine-induced rat model of Alzheimer’s disease. Male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: negative control, normal control, citicoline 200 mg/kg, NPCEO 100 mg/kg, NPCEO 200 mg/kg, and NPCEO 400 mg/kg. The brain was used for biochemical measurements, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-10, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), lipid peroxidase activity, and catalase (CAT) levels. Cognitive performance was examined using water-E maze (WEM), novel object recognition test (NORT), and open field test (OFT) methods. The results showed that NPCEO could reduce neuroinflammation and improve cognitive function impairment caused by scopolamine. In conclusion, P. cubeba could improve cognitive function in scopolamine-treated rats, possibly through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex.