European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

EFFECT OF (Tigernut) CYPERUS ESCULENTUS TINCTURE ON LEARNING AND MEMORY IN RATS EXPOSED TO MILD STRESS

*Olorunfemi Oluwadare J., Asara Azibalua A. and Baulch Ebibodere K.

ABSTRACT

The effect of Cyperus esculentus tincture on learning and memory and anxiety related behavior was investigated in female wistar rats. Twenty wistar rats weighing (210-240g) was randomly assigned into four group with five rats each. The second group was administered scopolamine, the third group was given 0.5ml/100g of Cyperus esculentus tincture for two weeks while the fourth group was given 1ml/100g of Cyperus esculentus tincture for 2 weeks. The control group was given water and feed ad libitum throughout the experimental period. Learning and memory test was carried out on all the groups using navigation maze, passive avoidance box and Y-maze. Also behavioral test on anxiety was carried out on all the groups using the elevated plus maze. The outcome of this study was statistically analyzed using ANOVA, as the result showed significant difference when compared with the control group. The control group showed normal responses when using the elevated plus maze while the rats given scopolamine and 1ml/100g of Cyperus esculentus showed some anxiety related behaviours. Also the group given Cyperus esculentus especially the 1ml/100g showed positive responses when using the passive avoidance box, navigation maze and Y-maze in contrast to the scopolamine group. In conclusion, Cyperus esculentus poised to enhance learning and memory in female wistar rats.

Keywords: Cyperus esculentus, tincture, Scopolamine, learning, memory, anxiety.