The Administration Centella asiatica Ethanol Extract Increases AMPAR-GluR1 Expression in CA1 Region Hippocampus Male Wistar Rat

Introduction: Memory decline can occur in early adulthood and could be related to synaptic plasticity impairment that involves some synaptic protein, such as ionotropic glutamate receptor AMPAR-GluR1. Preventive treatment may be conducted to avoid memory decline by consuming some foods or supplements to enhance memory. Centella asiatica (CeA) is an alternative herb known as good for the brain and easy to find in Indonesia. This study is aimed to investigate the effect of CeA ethanol extract in AMPAR-GluR1 expression on the CA1 region of hippocampus normal adult male Wistar rats. Methods: Eighteen male Wistar aged 6 months were divided into three groups randomly. Each group consisted of six rats (n=6); the control group was received aqua dest, and two groups were treated with different doses of CeA: 300 mg/kg BW (CeA300) and 600 mg/kg BW (CeA600). The treatment was administrated orally for twenty-eight consecutive days. The expression of AMPAR-GluR1 in the CA1 hippocampus was assessed using the immunohistochemistry technique. Result: CeA600 group had the highest AMPAR-GluR1 expression (1.70±0.28) among the control group (1.478 ± 0.163) and the CeA300 group (1.642±0.25). Statistical analysis using Post-hoc showed a significant difference between the control and CeA600 groups (p=0.02). Conclusion: Administration of CeA ethanol extract 600 mg/kg BW was needed for maintaining AMPAR-GluR1 protein expression enhancement on CA1 hippocampus region male Wistar rats.