The effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Hyoscyamus niger seeds on learning and short-term memory in Balb/c Mice

Hyoscyamus niger has many different therapeutic effects, such as anti-convulsive and sedative effects. In this study, we tried to evaluate the eventual effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Hyoscyamus niger on spatial learning and memory in mice using Morris water maze task. In this study, 23 mice were randomly divided into one control group and two experimental groups. The control group received normal saline and the experimental groups received hydro-alcoholic extracts of Hyoscyamus niger (1 or 2 mg/kg, i.p.). At first, saline or extracts were injected daily (7 days) and then spatial learning was evaluated for 5 consecutive days. For evaluating short-term memory, two probe-trial experiments were performed. Finally, data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey’s test. Results obtained from day 3 and day 4 of the learning period showed a significant reduction in learning the water maze task in the experimental group (2 mg/kg) compared with the control group (p<0.05). In addition, probe-trial experiments demonstrated that Hyoscyamus niger (1 and 2 mg/kg) prevented formation of short-term memory, while control animals succeeded to make short-term memory. Hydro-alcoholic extract of Hyoscyamus niger decreases the learning of the water maze task and also disturbs short-term memory.