Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences Journal of Herbmed Pharmacology 2345-5004 8 4 2019 10 01 Protective effects of Astragalus kahiricus root extract on ethanol-induced retrograde memory impairments in mice 295 301 10.15171/jhp.2019.43 EN Basma M. Abdelaziz https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2489-6342 Maged W. Helmy Mohamed A. Katary Mohammad M. Abd-Alhaseeb https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5388-5250 Asser I. Ghoneim Journal Article 10.15171/jhp.2019.43 2019 03 17 2019 06 08 Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that has no definite cure. Currently, there is great interest in using plant-based medicines to treat AD. In the present study, the neuroprotective effects of Astragalus kahiricus root extract were evaluated in a retrograde amnesia model. Methods: Male albino mice were given four training sessions in the Morris water maze for seven consecutive days. Treated groups were administered A. kahiricus (25 or 50 mg/kg, i.p.) before ethanol (3.5 gm/kg, i.p) injection. All animals were given a test session in the Morris water maze apparatus. Acetylcholinesterase activity and the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers were also measured. Results: Memory impairment was observed, after ethanol administration, as increased escape latency time and path length travelled by the animals. On the other hand, A. kahiricus significantly reduced both escape latency time and path length. In addition, the extract demonstrated an inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase activity and total nitrite level. Moreover, A. kahiricus significantly increased the level of reduced glutathione in mice brain. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the potential behavioural and biochemical neuroprotective properties of A. kahiricus root extract, which might further be considered an important candidate for the treatment of AD.