Inhibitory effect of Thymus vulgaris extract on memory impairment induced by scopolamine in rat

ABSTRACT

Objective: To investigate the effect of Thymus vulgaris (. T. vulgaris) on learning and memory functions in scopolamine-induced memory deficit in rats. Memory enhancing activity in scopolamine-induced amnesic rats was investigated by assessing the Morris water maze and passive avoidance paradigm. Methods: A total of 42 male Wistar rats were divided into 6 equal groups as follow control group received water, scopolamine treated group received scopolamine 1 mg/kg for 15 days, two scopolamine + T. vulgaris treated groups received scopolamine and T. vulgaris extract 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight per day for 15 days, two intact groups received T. vulgaris extract 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight per day for 15 days. Results: Administration of T. vulgaris extract significantly restored memory and learning impairments induced by scopolamine in the passive avoidance test and Morris water maze test. Conclusions: T. vulgaris extract has repairing effects on memory and behavioral disorders produced by scopolamine and may have beneficial effects in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.