Ameliorating the effect of Zingiber officinale (ginger) hydroethanolic extract on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in adult male rats

Background and aims: The spice Zingiber officinale or ginger possesses antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. In this study we hypothesized that treatment with hydroethanolic extract of ginger (۵۰, ۱۰۰ and ۲۰۰ mg/kg, p.o) would have an effect on the scopolamine-induced memory impairment in rats. Methods: In this experimental study, ۶۴ male Wistar rats were divided into eight groups (۸ rats in each group): normal saline, scopolamine (۱ mg/kg), ginger extract (۵۰, ۱۰۰ and ۲۰۰ mg/kg), or scopolamine (۱ mg/kg) plus ginger extract (۵۰, ۱۰۰ and ۲۰۰ mg/kg). Memory impairment was induced with a single injection of scopolamine (۱ mg/kg, i.p). Cognitive functions were evaluated using passive avoidance learning (PAL) task. Retention test was carried out ۲۴ hours after training, and the latency of entering the dark compartment [step-through latency (STL)] and the total time in the dark compartment (TDC) were recorded. All statistical analysis was carried out at ۵% level of significance using SPSS version ۲۱. The data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test. Results: The time latency in scopolamine-treated group was lower than control (p<۰.۰۰۱). Treatment of the animals by ۱۰۰ and ۲۰۰ mg/kg of ginger extract before the training trial increased the time latency at ۲۴ h after the training trial (p<۰.۰۱). Also, administration of extract at doses of ۱۰۰ and ۲۰۰ mg/kg in scopolamine received groups before retention trials, increased the time latency than the scopolamine only treated groups (p<۰.۰۰۱). Conclusion: The results revealed that the ginger hydroethanolic extract attenuated scopolamine-induced memory impairment.

کلیدواژه ها:

Memory ، Alzheimer ، Ginger ، Scopolamine ، Rat