Effects of Salvia leriifolia ethanolic leaf extract on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in passive avoidance test in male rats

Role of medicinal plants on enhancement of memory and improvement of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms has attracted many researchers. Salvia leriifolia has several properties including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety. At this study, effect of ethanolic extract of Salvia leriifolia leaf on scopolamine-induced memory impairment was evaluated. In this experimental study, 48 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups of eight subjects for investigating effect of Salvia leriifolia ethanolic extract on memory in normal rats and effective dose on scopolamine-induced memory impairment: control received saline, extract with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg doses, scopolamine with 1 mg/kg dose, and scopolamine (1 mg/kg) and extract effective dose (200 mg/kg) co-administration. The memory was evaluated by passive avoidance test. The step-through latency (STL) for entering the dark compartment and time spent in dark compartment (TDC) were measured. Intraperitoneal injection of various doses of the extract caused significant difference in mentioned parameters. TDC was reduced in all groups treated by extract (p<0.001) and STL increased in doses of 100 (p<0.05) and 200 mg/Kg (p<0.001) than the control, significantly. Maximum effect on memory was shown in 200 mg/kg dose of extract. The effective dose of extract (200 mg/kg) enhanced memory and improved scopolamine-induced memory impairment. Salvia leriifolia extract has enhancing and improving effects on memory.