Science & Research (Feb 2022)
CANNABIDIOL IMPROVES LEARNING AND MEMORY AND EXERTS ANXIOLYTIC EFFECT IN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotomimetic constituent of Cannabis sativa. Experimental evidence indicates that CBD possesses antioxidant, anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of cannabidiol on learning and memory in scopolamine-induced memory impairment and its anxiolytic effect in a model of chronic stress. Materials and methods: Male Wistar rats were used in the experiments (n=8). For studying the anxiolytic effect animals were exposed to a chronic mild stress for 7 weeks. After that period the anxiolytic effect was evaluated using Vogel conflict test. The effect of CBD on learning and memory was examined in a model of memory impairment - scopolamine 1 mg/kg bw was applied intraperitoneally. Memory and learning were evaluated using step-down passive avoidance test. For each of the experiments animals were divided into five groups – control with olive oil, control with olive oil and chronic stress or memory impairment respectively, CBD 2,5; 5 and 10 mg/kg bw. The statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA followed by Tukey’s multiple range test. Results: In Vogel conflic test animals treated with CBD 5 and 10 mg/kg significantly increased number of shock licks compared to the control group exposed to chronic stress. In the step-down passive avoidance test CBD 5 mg/kg bw significantly increased latency time on the short- and long-memory retention test compared to the control group with memory impairment. Conclusion: The results from our study suggest that CBD could improve learning and memory and exerts anxiolytic effect.
