Effect of Prunus domestica L. (mirabelle) on learning and memory in mice
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Effect of Prunus domestica L. (mirabelle) on learning and memory in mice
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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Siamak Shahidi, Sara Setareye, Minoo Mahmoodi
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Effect of Prunus domestica L. (mirabelle) on learning and memory in mice
Year: 2013
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study investigates the effect of hydro-alcoholic extract from Prunus domestica L. (mirabelle) on learning and memory capabilities in mice. Recognized for its diverse pharmacological properties, plums are believed to contain high levels of antioxidants and flavonoids, which have been correlated with cognitive enhancement. The research aimed to assess the impact of short-term administration of plum extract on cognitive functions using the passive avoidance task, a classical method for evaluating memory and learning in animal models.
Antioxidant and Cognitive Benefits of Plum Extract
The findings indicated a significant improvement in learning and memory among the mice treated with extracts of plum, particularly at doses of 75 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg. The study measured the number of trials to acquisition and step-through latency (STLr) during the retention test, with results showing that plum extract administration led to reduced trials for shock avoidance and increased retention times. These outcomes suggest that the antioxidant and possibly antidyslipidemic properties of the plum extract contribute to cognitive enhancement. Previous studies have suggested that flavonoids positively influence neurological function, and the results of this research align with findings that fruits rich in such compounds can enhance memory performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract from Prunus domestica demonstrated beneficial effects on cognitive functions in mice. The extract notably improved learning and memory processes, with a marked efficacy at the 75 mg/kg dosage. The study suggests that the positive cognitive effects observed could be attributed to the antioxidant and antidyslipidemic properties of the plum, pointing to its potential as a natural agent for cognitive health improvement. Further research might explore the underlying mechanisms by which these phytochemicals exert their beneficial effects on brain function.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the purpose of the study on Prunus domestica?
The study aimed to evaluate the effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of plum on learning and memory in mice, using a passive avoidance task to measure behavioral changes.
What methods were used in the passive avoidance test?
Mice were presented with light and dark compartments, where they were trained to avoid the dark area after receiving a mild shock to measure their learning and memory performance.
What were the significant findings of the study's results?
The study found that administration of 75 and 100 mg/kg plum extract significantly improved learning and memory in mice, indicated by increased step-through latency and reduced time spent in the dark compartment.
What are the potential benefits of Prunus domestica extracts?
Hydro-alcoholic extracts of plums may provide antioxidant and antidyslipidemic effects, contributing to cognitive improvements and potentially serving as a natural alternative for enhancing memory.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for 鈥淓ffect of Prunus domestica L. (mirabelle) on learning and memory in mice鈥�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Flavonoid:
Flavonoid refers to a diverse group of plant pigments known for their antioxidant properties and potential health benefits. Found in fruits, vegetables, and beverages, they have been studied for their effects on cognitive function, learning, and memory enhancement. Their ability to influence neuronal activity makes them relevant to neurophysiological research.
2) Science (Scientific):
Science denotes the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. In the context of this research, it encompasses the methods and principles used to analyze the effects of substances, such as the hydro-alcoholic extract of Prunus domestica, on learning and memory in laboratory settings.
3) Sara (Shara):
Sara refers to one of the authors of the study, Sara Setareye. As an affiliated researcher from the Islamic Azad University in Hamadan, Iran, she contributed to the investigation into the effects of plum extracts on cognitive function, thereby adding credibility and academic rigor to the research presented.
4) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical indicates naturally occurring compounds in plants that often offer health benefits, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids found in plums. These compounds are critical in understanding how natural substances can influence physiological processes, particularly their neuroprotective effects on learning and memory in the study outlined.
5) Blood:
Blood is the circulating fluid that carries oxygen, nutrients, and waste products throughout the body. In the context of this research, it is significant since blood lipid profile alterations can impact cognitive processes and memory, indicating a relationship between serum lipids and neuronal health as highlighted in the study.
6) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological refers to the study of how drugs interact with biological systems. This term is relevant to the research as it investigates the effects of a plant extract on cognitive processes, contributing to the understanding of natural substances as potential alternatives to traditional pharmacotherapy for cognitive deficits.
7) Activity:
Activity in this research context pertains to the physiological effects of the plum extract on learning and memory. The impact observed in the passive avoidance task underscores the importance of assessing behavioral activity changes as indicators of effectiveness of herbal treatments on cognition.
8) Water:
Water is a fundamental component of biological systems and a key element in many scientific experiments. In the study, the mice were given free access to drinking water, highlighting its role in regulating physiological processes during the experiment of evaluating the cognitive effects of the plum extract.
9) Hand:
Hand typically denotes a method or means of performing a task; however, in this context, it could refer to the researchers鈥� manual efforts in conducting experiments, preparing samples, and administering treatments, emphasizing the notion of human involvement in scientific explorations and the hands-on nature of laboratory work.
10) Post:
Post may refer to the follow-up stages in a research experiment, such as post-treatment assessments of learning and memory. This term underscores the necessity of evaluating outcomes, such as observed effects in retention tests, after administering treatments to assess the efficacy of interventions like the plum extract.
11) Aegle marmelos:
Aegle marmelos, commonly known as bael, is a tropical fruit believed to offer various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It's pertinent in the context of the study due to its mention as a source of potential cognitive-enhancing compounds, contributing to discussions on phytochemicals used in memory improvement.
12) Neurasthenia:
Neurasthenia is a term used to describe a condition associated with fatigue, anxiety, and emotional distress. Its mention indicates the broader implications of cognitive research, as both neurasthenia and cognitive decline can impact mental health, aligning with the study鈥檚 focus on natural alternatives for improving cognitive functions.
13) Alleviation:
Alleviation refers to the reduction or easing of symptoms or conditions. In the study context, it signifies the researchers' aim to assess whether the hydro-alcoholic extract of plum can alleviate learning and memory deficits, showcasing the potential therapeutic avenues available through natural product-based interventions in cognitive health.
14) Discussion:
Discussion encompasses the section of the research where findings are interpreted, analyzed, and contextualized within existing literature. This part of the study is critical for understanding the implications of the results, offering insights into how the observed effects of the plum extract contribute to the overall field of cognitive enhancement.
15) Medicine:
Medicine refers to the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness. In this study, it represents the intersection of natural product research and pharmacology, highlighting the exploration of plant-based extracts as alternative therapeutic options for improving cognitive functions within medical and health frameworks.
16) Drug:
Drug signifies any substance used to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent disease. The study examines the potential of a natural extract as an alternative to synthetic drugs, emphasizing the benefits of exploring plant-based options that may have fewer side effects and address cognitive decline effectively.
17) Cina:
Sina likely refers to the prominent Persian physician Avicenna, also known as Ibn Sina, who made significant contributions to medicine and philosophy. His historical context underlines the enduring relevance of herbal remedies in medical practices, connecting the current investigation of plum extracts with traditional knowledge in cognitive health.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: 鈥�Effect of Prunus domestica L. (mirabelle) on learning and memory in mice鈥�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Neuroprotective Action, Antioxidant, Hydro alcoholic extract, Cognitive deficit, Step through latency, Serum cholesterol level, Cholesterol lowering effect, Passive avoidance task.