4-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde (
vanillin), contained in a number of species of plant, has been reported to display beneficial effects against
brain injuries. In the present study, the impact of
vanillin on scopolamine‑induced alterations in cognition and the expression of
DNA binding protein inhibitor ID‑1 (ID1), one of the inhibitors of
DNA binding/differentiation
proteins that regulate gene transcription, in the mouse hippocampus. Mice were treated with 1 mg/kg
scopolamine with or without 40 mg/kg
vanillin once daily for 4 weeks. Scopolamine‑induced
cognitive impairment was observed from 1 week and was deemed to be severe 4 weeks following the administration of
scopolamine. However, treatment with
vanillin in scopolamine‑treated mice markedly attenuated
cognitive impairment 4 weeks following treatment with
scopolamine. ID1‑immunoreactive cells were revealed in the hippocampus of vehicle‑treated mice, and were hardly detected 4 weeks following treatment with
scopolamine. However, treatment with
vanillin in scopolamine‑treated mice markedly restored ID1‑immunoreactive cells and expression 4 weeks subsequent to treatment. The results of the present study suggested that
vanillin may be beneficial for
cognitive impairment, by preventing the reduction of ID1 expression which may be associated with
cognitive impairment.