European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

EFFECTS OF MYRISTICA FRAGRANS (NUTMEG) ON COGNITION AND NICOTINE-INDUCED ANTEROGRADE AMNESIA IN WISTAR RATS

*Olorunfemi O. J. and Okopido I. S.

ABSTRACT

Learning, memory and other cognitive functions are essential for the determination and adaptation of responses. Anterograde amnesia resulting from the disruption of cellular activities, if unchecked may accumulate and hamper the normal daily living of the patient. The effects of Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg) on cognition and nicotine-induced anterograde amnesia in Wistar rats was investigated. 40 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 8 groups of similar weight as follows; Group I (served as the control, received distilled water); Group II (received 0.6mg/kg/day of Nicotine); Group III (received 200 mg/kg body weight (B.W.) of the M. fragrans); Group IV (received 400 mg/kg B.W. of the M. fragrans.); Group V (received 600 mg/kg B.W. of the M. fragrans); Group VI (received 200 mg/kg B.W. of the M. fragrans + Nicotine); Group VII (received 400 mg/kg B.W. of the M. fragrans + Nicotine); Group VIII (received 600 mg/kg B.W. of the M. fragrans + Nicotine). Administration of the treatments lasted for 4 weeks before cognitive parameters were assessed using various cognitive task. Assessment of the effects of the test substances on spatial learning, memory retention, cognitomotor function and motor coordination capabilities were evaluated. The result showed a significant (p<0.05) debilitating effects of nicotine on spatial learning, memory retention, cognitomotor functioning. While, M. fragrans significantly (p<0.05) enhanced learning, memory retention, cognitomotor function, as well as ameliorated (pretreatment with M. fragrans) nicotine-induced anterograde amnesia (cognitive deficit). However, neither the respective doses of M. fragrans nor nicotine had any significant effect on anxiety and motor coordination capabilities of the animals. Conclusively, M. fragrans extract is a viable cognitive enhancement agent, that is capable of boosting or reinforcing cognitive functions, as well as preventing or ameliorating cognitive impairment associated with chronic nicotine exposure.

Keywords: Cognitive function, Cognitive deficit, Amnesia, Anterograde-amnesia.