The effect of Zingiber officinalis L. on learning and memory in rats

A B S T R A C T Background and Objective: According to the importance of learning and memory in the human life and also unavoidable neural degeneration due to aging, finding new compounds (drugs) against this process is valuable. However, there are many recommendations for herbal medicine and constituents which encouraged us to examine a candidate plant Zingiber officinalis for the mentioned purpose. Materials and Methods: Male rats (250-300 g) were divided into control and treatment groups. Treatment groups consist of three subgroups including oral (plant was prescribed to animals mixed in food at a ratio of 6.25%) for 2 weeks, and two groups that received the plant extract at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg (intraperitoneal, IP). In order to investigate the spatial recognition (alternation) behavior and acquisition-recalling (step through latency, STL), the animals were subjected to Y maze and shuttle box tests, respectively. Results: In our study, the difference of the initial latency (IL) in oral treatment groups (8.24±1.21 s) and injection (50 and 100 mg/kg) groups versus control group (14.28±1.45 s) were non-significant. However, step through latency (STL) time difference for oral (18.12±0.8 s) group versus control one (13.28±1.33 s) was significant (p<0.05). Alternation behavior percentage in injection group (100 mg/kg) and oral one was significant versus control animals (p<0.05). Conclusion: Oral and intraperitoneal administration of the Zingiber officinalis could have a significant improving effect on acquisition, retention and recall

Original Article Antioxidant and Antiepileptic Activity of 1-[1-(3-Methoxyphenyl) (Tetralyl)] Piperidine as a New Derivative of Phencyclidine on Pentylentetrazole-Induced Kindling Mice

ABSTRAC

Protective effect of chlorogenic acid in an experimental model of Parkinson’s disease induced by 6-hydroxydopamine in rats

Introdution: Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. Considering the antioxidant and neuroprotective properties of chlorogenic acid, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of this substance in an experimental model of Parkinson's disease. Methods: In this experimental study, Wisar male rats (n = 32) were divided into 4 groups: sham, chlorogenic acid-treated sham, lesion and chlorogenic-acid-treated lesion. The experimental model of Parkinson's disease was made by injecting 12.5 microgram of 6-hydroxydopamine dissolved in a saline-ascorbate solution into the left side of neostriatum. The chlorogenic acid-treated sham and the chlorogenic-acid-treated lesion groups received 10 mg/kg of the drug intraperitoneally daily during a week before stereotaxic surgery and the last injection was given one hour before stereotaxic surgery. In the second week after surgery, the rotational behavior induced by apomorphine injection within one hour and the number of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra compacta was examined and counted. For statistical analysis, one-way ANOVA and Tukey post-host tests were used in Sigmaplot 12. Results: Chlorogenic acid-pretreated lesion group showed significantly lower rotations versus lesion group (p<0.01). In addition, chlorogenic acid-treated lesion group had a higher number of dopaminergic neurons relative to lesion group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Pretreatment with chlorogenic acid reduces motor asymmetry in an experimental model of Parkinson's disease and has also protective effect on nigral dopaminergic neurons

Involvement of Bax and Bcl2 in Neuroprotective Effect of Curcumin in Kainic Acid-Induced Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy in Male Rat

Background & objectives: Temporal lobe epilepsy is associated with neuronal apoptosis. Curcumin has antioxidant and anticonvulsant activities, therefore this study was conducted to assess involvement of Bax and Bcl2 in protective effect of curcumin in epileptic rats. Methods: 28 rats were divided into sham, curcumin-pretreated sham, epileptic (kainate), and curcumin-pretreated epileptic groups. Experimental model of epilepsy was induced by intrahippocampal administration of kainic acid. Rats received curcumin at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Finally, Nissl staining and Bax and Bcl2 immunohistochemistry were conducted on hippocampal sections and data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and unpaired t-test. The p-value less than 0.05was considered statistically significant. Results: Induction of epilepsy was followed by a significant seizure and curcumin pretreatment significantly reduced seizure intensity (p<0.01). In addition, there were no significant differences between the groups in Nissl staining of CA3 area neurons. In addition, Bax positive neurons were observed in CA3 area in kainate group and significantly decreased in curcumin pretreated rats (p<0.05). Meanwhile, Bcl2 positive neurons were also moderately observed in kainate group and curcumin pretreatment significantly increased it (p<0.05). Conclusion: Curcumin pretreatment exhibits anticonvulsant activity in epileptic rats. It also decreases the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax and significantly enhances the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2 and hence could reduce neuronal apoptosis

Effect of acetyl L carnitine on oxidative stress markers in hippocampus of epileptic rat

Background and Aim: Epilepsy is a rather common neurological disorder. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of acetyl L carnitine (ALC) on oxidative stress markers in hippocampus of epileptic rat. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, male rats were divided into sham, epileptic, valproic acid-treated epileptic ones at a dose of 200mg/kg, and 3 ALC-treated epileptic groups at doses of 50 and 100mg/kg for 3 days pre-surgery. Seizure activity was determined in 4 h periods and for measurement of oxidative stress markers, level of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrite, and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined in hippocampal homogenate. The obtained datawas fed into SPSS software (V:16) and for statistical analysis, one-way ANOVA and x2 tests were used. Results: ALC treatment at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg attenuated seizure intensity (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively), level of MDA significantly reduced (P<0.05) following ALC at a dose of 50 mg/kg, but nitrite level and SOD activity did not show significant changes. Conclusion: ALC pretreatment has antiepileptic activity and at a dose of 50 mg/kg can reduce MDA level as an index of lipid peroxidation but it has no appropriate effect on nitrite level and SOD activity

Effects of alcoholic extract of Zingiber officinalis rhizome on acute and chronic inflammation and pain in rats

Introduction: Patients with chronic, painful diseases often seek alternative therapy. The rhizome of Zingiber (Z) officinalis is a common constituent of diets around the world and its extracts have been reported to exhibit several pharmacological activities. We investigated the effects of alcoholic Zingiber oficinalis rhizome extract on two different models of acute and chronic inflammation and pain. Material and Methods: Formalin, xylen and acetic acid were used to induce acute inflammation in paw, ear and peritoneum, respectively. The amount of Evans' blue dye leakage into these tissues was used as an index of acute inflammation . For chronic inflammation, a piece of sterile cotton (30 mg) was impalnated into the groin region for a period of seven days. Following, t he weight of the cotton piece before implantation is subtracted from the weight of the dried piece and used as an index of chronic inflammation. Finally, acute and chronic pain assessment was carried out via the formalin test protocol . Results: In acute inflammation model, the formalin-induced inflammation in paw and peritoneum was significantly (P <0.05) reduced by the extract of Z. oficinalis rhizome at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. Also, the extract at the dose of 400mg/kg significantly (P<0.05) reduced the paw diameter. In chronic inflammation model, the extract at the dose of 200 mg/kg significantly (P< 0.01) dimished inflammation. Finally, both acute and chronic pain significantly (P< 0.05) suppressed by the extract at the dose of 200 mg/kg. Conclusion: Findings of this study indicate that alcoholic extract of Z. oficinalis has anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects. Thus, using the extract of Z. oficinalis could be a potential alternative therapy in ameliorating inflammation and pain in patients suffering from chronic diseases

Anti-nociceptive effect of alcoholic extract of henbane seed on the different phases of estrous cycle of female Rats

Background and Objective: The findings of various research indicated that there are different responses to painful thermal stimulation in male and female Rats. In different estrous phases there are different pain thershold border line due to hormonal reaction. Regarding to anti-nociceptive effect of henbane seed. This study was designed to assess the anti-nociceptive afficacy of alcohole extract of henbane seed in different phases of estroes cycle of female Rates. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study 92 female NMRI strain rats weighing 195-220 grams randomly were divided into three, control, experimental and positive groups. Male Rats (n=8) were chosen as control group. To measure the threshold of acute pain, all animals were exposed to the tail immersion test using 52 degree c water. In the experimental group, alcoholic extract of henbane seed (2000 mg/kg) was injected, intraperitoneally, 25-30 minutes before the tail immersion test. Afterwards, in the all of control and experimental groups of female rats the smear samples were taken to determine the sexual phases. In addition, the analgesic effect of henbane was compared with anti-nociceptive effect of sodium salicylate (300 mg/kg). Results: Injection of alcoholic extract of henbane seed, diminished the tail immersion test-induced acute pain in female rats significantly (P<0.05). also, no significant differences of analgesic effect of henbane extract were seen among various phases of estrous cycle in female rats. There is no significant differences of analgesia between henbane and salicylate-treated groups. Conclusion: This study determined that female rats in different phases of estrous cycle have similar pain thresholds and the alcoholic extract of henbane seed is effective in the relief of pain in the various phases of estrous cycle

Antiepileptic and Antioxidant Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Ferula Assa Foetida Gum on Pentylentetrazole induced Kindling in Male Mice

Introduction: Considering the prevalence of epilepsy and the failure of available treatments for many epileptic patients, finding more effective drugs in the treatment of epilepsy seems necessary. Oxidative stress has a special role in the pathogenesis of epileptic syndrome. Therefore, in the present study, we have examined the anti-epileptic and anti-oxidant properties of the Ferula Assa Foetida gum extract, using the pentylentetrazole (PTZ) kindling method. group which received valproate (100 mg/kg) as anti-convulsant drug, 4-5 & 6- the groups of kindled mice that pretreated with 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg doses of Ferula Assa Foetida gum extract. Methods: Kindling has been induced in all groups, except for the control group via 11 PTZ injections (35 mg /kg ip) every other day for 22 days. In the 24th day, the PTZ challenge dose was injected (75 mg / kg) to all groups except the control group. The intensity of seizures were observed and noted until 30 minutes after PTZ injection. At list, the mice were decapitated and the brains of all the mice were removed.. and their biochemical factors levels including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitric oxide (NO) were determined. Results: Results of this study show that Ferula Assa Foetida gum extract is able to reduce seizure duration and its intensity. In addition, this extract has reduced MDA and NO levels and increased the level of SOD in the brain tissue compared to the PTZ- kindled mice. Discussion: It can be concluded that Ferula Assa Foetida gum extract, in specific doses, is able to show an anti-epileptic effect because of its antioxidant properties, probably acting through an enzyme activity mechanism. In this experimental study, sixty male Albino mice weighing 25-30 g were selected and were randomly divided into 6 groups. 1- the control group, 2- PTZ-kindled mice, 3- positive contro

Antidepressant and anxiolytic activity of Lavandula officinalis aerial parts hydroalcoholic extract in scopolamine-treated rats

Context: Anxiety and depression are common in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Despite some evidence, it is difficult to confirm Lavandula officinalis Chaix ex Vill (Lamiaceae) as an anxiolytic and antidepressant drug. Objective: The effects of L. officinalis extract were studied in scopolamine-induced memory impairment, anxiety and depression-like behaviour. Materials and methods: Male NMRI rats were divided into control, scopolamine alone-treated group received scopolamine (0.1 mg/kg) intraperitoneally (i.p.), daily and 30 min prior to performing behavioural testing on test day, for 12 continuous days and extract pretreated groups received aerial parts hydro alcoholic extract (i.p.) (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg), 30 min before each scopolamine injection. Memory impairment was assessed by Y-maze task, while, elevated plus maze and forced swimming test were used to measure anxiolytic and antidepressive-like activity. Results: Spontaneous alternation percentage in Y maze is reduced by scopolamine (36.42 ± 2.60) (p ≤ 0.001), whereas lavender (200 and 400 mg/kg) enhanced it (83.12 ± 5.20 and 95 ± 11.08, respectively) (p ≤ 0.05). Also, lavender pretreatment in 200 and 400 mg/kg enhanced time spent on the open arms (15.4 ± 3.37 and 32.1 ± 3.46, respectively) (p ≤ 0.001). On the contrary, while immobility time was enhanced by scopolamine (296 ± 4.70), 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg lavender reduced it (193.88 ± 22.42, 73.3 ± 8.25 and 35.2 ± 4.22, respectively) in a dose-dependent manner (p ≤ 0.001). Discussion and conclusion: Lavender extracts improved scopolamine-induced memory impairment and also reduced anxiety and depression-like behaviour in a dose-dependent manner

Effect of withania somnifera on levels of sex hormones in the diabetic male rats

Background: There are evidences regarding the prevalence of dysfunction in sexual function and behavior in diabetic people. Experimental studies revealed a positive effect of withania somnifera on sexual function and behaviors. Objective: In this research, the effect of withania somnifera on sexual function in diabetic male Wistar rats was assessed by measuring the serum levels of testosterone, progesterone, estrogen, FSH and LH. Materials and Methods: Experimental diabetes mellitus type I was induced by intraperitoneal injection of a single dose (60 mg/kg) of streptozotocin (STZ) in Wistar male rats. Oral withania somnifera root was given in pelleted food at ratio of 6.25 % for 4 weeks. The levels of gonadadotropic hormones (LH, FSH), progesterone, estrogen and testosterone in animals ’ serum were determined after 4 weeks in all groups. Results: Withania somnifera root was effective in lowering FSH serum level in somnifera-treated animals compared to controls (p&lt;0.05) in both diabetic and nondiabetic groups, whereas progesterone (p&lt;0.05), testosterone (p&lt;0.05) and LH levels (p&lt;0.001) were significantly higher in non-diabetic treated animals. Oral somnifera root was also able to reverse the reductive effect of diabetes on the progesterone. The estrogen level did not show any significant difference in any of the groups. Conclusion: It is suggested that withania somnifera may have a regulatory effect on diabetes-induced change of the levels of gonadal-hormones, especially progesterone, in male rats. Nevertheless, somnifera is apparently only able to diminish FSH serum level in intact animals