Akebia saponin D attenuates ibotenic acid-induced cognitive deficits and pro-apoptotic response in rats: Involvement of MAPK signal pathway

► Akebia saponin D is a typical saponin component from Dipsacus asper Wall. ► ASD improved memory impairment in the IBO-induced dementia model. ► ASD protected cholinergic system by regulating Ach, AChE and ChAT. ► ASD inhibited neuron apoptosis partly via MAPK signaling pathway.