RESUMO
Background and Aim: Many learning and memory abilities decline in several diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia. The present study investigated the effects of alcoholic extract of Morus alba leaves on scopolamine-induced spatial memory impairment in rats
Material and Methods: In this experimental study, forty male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups [n=8]: control group, scopolamine control group, and groups receiving scopolamine plus alcoholic extract of Morus Alba leaves at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day. After 28 days, learning and spatial memory was evaluated by the Morris water maze. Statistical analysis was performed by repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni test
Results: In scopolamine control group, the injection of scopolamine caused learning [P<0.0001] and spatial memory [P<0.05] impairment compared to the control group. Administration of alcoholic extract of Morus alba leaves at the doses of 100 [P<0.05], 200 [P<0.0001], and 400 mg/kg [P<0.0001] improved learning ability in rats. Also, these extracts at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg prevented impairment of spatial memory in rats [P<0.05]
Conclusion: According to the results of this study an alcoholic extract of Morus alba leaves can enhance learning and memory function in rats receiving scopolamine