Armaghane Danesh Bimonthly Journal (Dec 2017)
The effect of Ziziphora Tenuior L. Hydro-Alcoholic Extract on Learing and Spatial Memory in Rat Model of Alzheimer\'s Disease by Intraventricular Injection of Streptozotocin
Abstract
Abstract: Background and aim: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases and is closely associated with impaired insulin signaling and glucose metabolism in the brain. Ziziphora tenuior exhibits antidiabetic effects and antioxidant and memory augmenting properties. For this reason, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Ziziphora medicinal plant on the progress of Alzheimer's disease. Methods: In this experimental study, 42 male wistar rats (270 ± 20 gr) were divided in five groups (n = 6): control, sham, Alzheimer, Alzheimer + saline and Alzheimer + Ziziphora (3 groups). For Alzheimer induction, streptozotocin was injected intracerebroventricular (ICV) and after that, rats received Ziziphora daily (100, 150, 200 mg/kgBW) for 21 days. The Morris Water maze was used for studying the spatial learning memory. Data were analyzed by SPSS software and ANOVA and Tukey's post-test. Results: Intraventricular injection of streptozotocin damaged the spatial memory. Pretreatment of Ziziphora (100, 150, 200 mg/kg; 21 days) significantly (p<0.05) improved the reduced spatial memory in Alzheimer's rats. In the learning phase of the Morris water maze test, the rats receiving the extract of Ziziphora in comparison with control group were found the hidden escaped platform in the shorter time and distance. In addition, 5 days after learning, in the recall phase, these rats spent more time in a quarter that placed previously escaped platform. Conclusion: Based on the results, treatment of rats with hydro-alcoholic extract of Ziziphora can help prevent spatial memory loss during Alzheimer's disease. The extract of this plant can be improved cognitive processes through positive effects on neurological function and probably had been a significant role in the prevention and treatment of neurological disorders.
