Effects of Amygdalus scoparia Gum on Passive Avoidance Learning and Cortisol Levels in Male Wistar Rat

Abstract

Introduction: Amygdalus scoparia gum is a polysaccharide secreted from the wild almond tree. this gum is traditionally used as an emulsifying agent alongside tragacanth and gum arabic. Historically, it has been prescribed as a medicinal plant for enhancing memory.

Methods: In this experimental study, 32 adults male Wistar rats were used. After weighing, the animals were divided into 4 groups of 8: Control group; They did not receive any medication and all the conditions of this group were similar to the other 3 groups. Sham group; The animals in this group were injected with distilled water intraperitoneally. Experimental groups; Which received the extract at a dose of 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg intraperitoneally for 15 days, respectively. Zodu gum extract was prepared from the wild almond trees of the Arsanjan region without any additives. Using the shuttle box device, the effect of the extract of the gum of the mountain almond plant on passive avoidance learning and measuring the plasma level of the hormone cortisol was evaluated.

Results: The effect of doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg of the gum of the mountain almond plant on the hormone cortisol and the level of passive avoidance learning (STL) was examined, and a significant difference was observed between the experimental and control groups (p < 0.001). Also, this extract increased the recall time in the shuttle box test and increased the level of the hormone cortisol (p < 0.01). The dose of 40 mg/kg was selected as the effective dose.

Conclusion: Passive avoidance learning and the level of the hormone cortisol as an indicator of the level of learning are directly related to the consumption of the gum of the Amygdalus scoparia plant (Zodu), and the gum extract of this plant enhances memory and increases the learning process.

Keywords:

Passive avoidance learning, Zodu (Amygdalus scoparia) gum, male Wistar rat, cortisol

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