Evaluation of Tagetes Erecta (Marigold) Extract (MaQxan™ (20:2)) potency in induced learning and memory deficit by modulating neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity

Abstract

The ancient Indian medical system, Ayurveda, has identified numerous plants with antioxidant properties as beneficial for treating neurological diseases. The active ingredients in herbal plants are utilized to modulate synaptic plasticity and neurodegenerative disorders. Different strategies are used to treat neuronal diseases and their secondary consequences by modifying synaptic plasticity. Because herbal remedies are inexpensive and have fewer adverse effects, they are advantageous. The main strategies for achieving this were to study the phases of in vivo Tagetes Erecta (Marigold) Extract (MaQxan^TM (20:2) administration in rats and, secondly, to study the potency of gene expression alteration on BDNF, TrkB, CREB, CAMKII, NMDA-R, nAChR, mGluR, and MAPK genes in the hippocampus. This study demonstrated that Tagetes Erecta (Marigold) Extract (MaQxan^{TM (}20:2) at medium and high doses (10 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg) modulated the genes for BDNF, TrKB, CAMKII, NMDA-R, nAChR, mGluR, and MAP-K, showing neurotransmitter and synaptic plasticity control efficacy in animal models. Our study advances knowledge of the effects of Tagetes erecta (Marigold) extract (MaQxan^TM (20:2)) on the central nervous system. Our results reveal that MaQxan^TM (20:2) significantly enhances memory retention and synaptic plasticity while maintaining neuronal integrity. Hence, the synaptic plasticity improvement shown by MaQxan^TM (20:2) can be attributed to the expression of plasticity-related proteins within the hippocampus, indicating its potential as a novel intervention for enhancing neurotransmission and cognitive function. These findings suggest that MaQxan^TM (20:2) may serve as an effective therapeutic strategy for improving synaptic plasticity and alleviating depression and stress-related cognitive deficits.