The effect of Ziziphora Tenuior L. Hydro-Alcoholic Extract on Learing and Spatial Memory in Rat Model of Alzheimer\'s Disease by Intraventricular Injection of Streptozotocin

Abstract: Background and aim: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases and is closely associated with impaired insulin signaling and glucose metabolism in the brain. Ziziphora tenuior exhibits antidiabetic effects and antioxidant and memory augmenting properties. For this reason, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Ziziphora medicinal plant on the progress of Alzheimer's disease. Methods: In this experimental study, 42 male wistar rats (270 ± 20 gr) were divided in five groups (n = 6): control, sham, Alzheimer, Alzheimer + saline and Alzheimer + Ziziphora (3 groups). For Alzheimer induction, streptozotocin was injected intracerebroventricular (ICV) and after that, rats received Ziziphora daily (100, 150, 200 mg/kgBW) for 21 days. The Morris Water maze was used for studying the spatial learning memory. Data were analyzed by SPSS software and ANOVA and Tukey's post-test. Results: Intraventricular injection of streptozotocin damaged the spatial memory. Pretreatment of Ziziphora (100, 150, 200 mg/kg; 21 days) significantly (p