Beneficial effect of aqueous root extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra on learning and memory using different behavioral models: An experimental study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

In the traditional system of medicine, the roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Gg) (family: Leguminosae) have been studied for their ability to improve a variety of health ailments.

AIMS:

The present study was designed to investigate the beneficial effects of Gg root extract on learning and memory in 1-month-old male Wistar albino rats. Four doses (75, 150, 225, and 300 mg/kg) of aqueous extract of root of Gg was administered orally for six successive weeks.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The aqueous extracts were evaluated for their effect on spatial learning and memory in rats using the elevated plus maze, Hebb-William maze, and Morris water maze tests which served as the exteroceptive behavioral model. Diazepam-induced amnesia served as the interoceptive behavioral model.

RESULTS:

Results showed that all the doses of aqueous root extract of Gg significantly enhanced the memory; however, in the doses of 150 and 225 mg/kg, it showed a significant (P < 0.01) enhancement in learning and memory. Furthermore, Diazepam-induced amnesia was reversed by the aqueous root extract of Gg (150 and 225 mg/kg, p.o.).

CONCLUSION:

These findings suggest that the memory enhancement effects of Gg may be mediated by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Thus, Gg appears to be a promising drug for improving memory in the management of impaired learning, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders.

• Authors: Kosuri Kalyan Chakravarthi, Ramakrishna Avadhani
• Journal: Journal of natural science, biology, and medicine (J Nat Sci Biol Med) Vol. 4 Issue 2 Pg. 420-5 (Jul 2013) ISSN: 0976-9668 [Print] India
• PMID: 24082744 (Publication Type: Journal Article)