Evaluating the Effect of Gum Arabic (Acacia Senegal) on Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Impairment in Albino Mice: Assessment via the Forced Swim Test

Abstract

Background
Gum Arabic (GA), a natural exudate from Acacia Senegal, is a dietary precursor of butyrate—a short-chain fatty acid with demonstrated neuroprotective and epigenetic regulatory effects. This study investigates GA’s potential antidepressant properties in a murine model of scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment, addressing gaps in understanding its therapeutic role in depression.
Materials and Methods
Thirty albino mice (3–5 weeks old, 27 g average weight) were randomly allocated into six groups (n = 5/group). Groups received either Gum Arabic (GA, 10% ad libitum), piracetam (500 mg/kg/day orally), or tap water for 10 or 14 days. GA solutions were refreshed every 3 days, while piracetam was administered as a crushed tablet suspension. On the final day, mice were injected intraperitoneally with scopolamine hydrobromide (0.4 mg/kg) 45 minutes prior to the Forced Swim Test (FST). The FST was conducted in a glass cylinder (25–26°C water, 15 cm depth) over 6 minutes, with immobility time (seconds, minutes 2–6) recorded digitally and scored blindly.
Results
No significant differences in immobility time were observed between GA-treated and control groups at 10 or 14 days (p > 0.05). Piracetam exhibited a non-significant reduction in immobility with shorter treatment duration (10 days) compared to its 14-day regimen. Both GA and piracetam groups showed lower mean immobility times relative to controls, though statistical significance was not achieved.
Conclusions
GA treatment for 10 consecutive days showed no significant difference compared to the 14-day regimen. In contrast, piracetam’s antidepressant-like effects were more pronounced with shorter treatment duration. Future studies should prioritize prolonged GA administration to evaluate its potential therapeutic benefits.