This study aimed to investigate the effect of
astaxanthin (ASX) extracted and ASX
powder from shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) shells on Wistar rats with
Alzheimer's disease, induced by
amyloid-β (1-42)
peptides. In this task, the rats were divided into eight groups: (1) Control, (2)
sham operate, (3) negative control (vehicle) + Aβ1-42, (4) ASX extract+Aβ1-42, (5) commercial ASX + Aβ1-42, (6) ASX
powder + Aβ1-42, (7) blank
powder + Aβ1-42, and (8)
vitamin E + Aβ1-42. All treatments were orally administrated for 30 days. At 14- and 29-days post injection, animals were observed in behavioral tests. On the 31st day, animals were sacrificed; the hippocampus and cortex were collected. Those two brain areas were then homogenized and stored for biochemical and histological analysis. The results showed that the Aβ1-42 infused group significantly reduced cognitive ability and increased
memory loss, as assessed by the Morris water maze test, novel object recognition test, and novel object location test. Moreover, the Aβ1-42 infused group exhibited a deterioration of oxidative markers, including
glutathione peroxidase enzymes (GPx), lipid peroxidation (MDA), products of
protein oxidation, and
superoxide anion in the cortex and the hippocampus. Meanwhile, ASX
powder (10 mg/kg
body weight) showed a significant reduction in cognitive and memory impairments and oxidative stress which is greater than ASX extract in the same dose of compound or
vitamin E (100 mg/kg
body weight). Our study indicates the beneficial properties of ASX in alleviation of cognitive functions and reducing neurodegeneration in Wistar rats induced by
amyloid-β (1-42)
peptides.