Logo-jhp
J Herbmed Pharmacol. 2020;9(3): 239-244.
doi: 10.34172/jhp.2020.31

Scopus ID: 85090812665
  Abstract View: 2886
  PDF Download: 1223

Original Article

The effects of aqueous extract of Origanum vulgare on learning and memory in male rats

Ahvan Ghaderi 1 ORCID logo, Seyed Asaad Karimi 1, 2 ORCID logo, Fahimeh Talaei 1 ORCID logo, Siamak Shahidi 1, 2 ORCID logo, Nafiseh Faraji 1 ORCID logo, Alireza Komaki 1, 2* ORCID logo

1 Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
2 Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
*Corresponding Author: *Corresponding author: Alireza Komaki, Email: , komaki@umsha.ac.ir, Email: alirezakomaki@gmail.com

Abstract

Introduction: The effectiveness of antioxidants on learning and memory improvement has been shown, previously. Due to the high level of antioxidants, available in Origanum vulgare, the present experiment aimed to examine the effect of aqueous extract of O. vulgare on passive avoidance learning (PAL) in male Wistar rats.

Methods: This study was performed on 30 male Wistar rats weighing 250 to 290 g. The rats were randomly assigned into five groups (n=6), as follows: the control, sham (saline), and three groups treated with different doses of O. vulgare extract (150, 250, and 350 mg/kg). The saline or extract was administered via daily oral gavage for 14 days. The groups were then subjected to the passive avoidance task, and their behaviors were recorded. The rats’ locomotor activity was also measured using the open field test.

Results: The number of trials to acquisition was significantly lower in the “O. vulgare (350 mg/ kg)” group than the control group. The step-through latency and the time spent in the dark compartment in the retention test, was significantly higher and lower in the “O. vulgare (250 and 350 mg/kg)” groups than the control group, respectively. No significant differences were found in the distances traveled among the experimental groups in the open field test.

Conclusion: Aqueous extract of O. vulgare can enhance learning and memory. The high levels of antioxidants in O. vulgare extract may be responsible for its effectiveness in learning and memory.


Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education:

The results of this study showed that the aqueous extract of Origanum vulgare enhanced learning and memory in rats. Hence, this plant might be useful in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. One of the mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of O. vulgare on learning and memory may be related to its antioxidant properties.

Please cite this paper as: Ghaderi A, Karimi SA, Talaei F, Shahidi S, Faraji N, Komaki A. The effects of aqueous extract of Origanum vulgare on learning and memory in male rats. J Herbmed Pharmacol. 2020;9(3):239-244. doi: 10.34172/jhp.2020.31.

First Name
 
Last Name
 
Email Address
 
Comments
 
Security code


Abstract View: 2887

Your browser does not support the canvas element.


PDF Download: 1223

Your browser does not support the canvas element.

Submitted: 24 Oct 2019
Accepted: 26 Jan 2020
ePublished: 02 May 2020
EndNote EndNote

(Enw Format - Win & Mac)

BibTeX BibTeX

(Bib Format - Win & Mac)

Bookends Bookends

(Ris Format - Mac only)

EasyBib EasyBib

(Ris Format - Win & Mac)

Medlars Medlars

(Txt Format - Win & Mac)

Mendeley Web Mendeley Web
Mendeley Mendeley

(Ris Format - Win & Mac)

Papers Papers

(Ris Format - Win & Mac)

ProCite ProCite

(Ris Format - Win & Mac)

Reference Manager Reference Manager

(Ris Format - Win only)

Refworks Refworks

(Refworks Format - Win & Mac)

Zotero Zotero

(Ris Format - Firefox Plugin)