Effects of Terpinolene and Physical Activity on Memory and Learning in a Model of Alzheimer's Disease among Rats

Alzheimer's disease is one of the most important neurodegenerative diseases that occur following the production of free radicals and inflammatory factors. Terpinolene has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of terpinolene and physical activity on memory and learning in a model of Alzheimer's rats.

Bilateral injection of AB1-42 was administered to the hippocampus of the male rats to create the model of Alzheimer's disease. The assigned groups included control (-), sham, exercise, control (+), Alzheimer's+distilled water, Alzheimer's+exercise, Alzheimer's+terpinolene (treatment), Alzheimer's+terpinolene (prevention), and Alzheimer's+terpinolene+exercise. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Malondialdehyde (MDA) level, shuttle box behavioral test, as well as neurogenesis and amyloid plaques were assessed in this study. The data were statistically analyzed using oneway ANOVA.

The SOD activity and neurogenesis levels decreased significantly in the control (+) group, compared to control groups of the behavioral test. However, the MDA level and plaque increased significantly (P<0.05). Terpinolene intake and exercise caused a significant increase in neurogenesis, a significant decrease in plaques, and significant changes in biochemical and behavioral parameters (P<0.05).

Based on the results of this study and previous reports on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of terpinolene and exercise, it seems that this combination along with exercise can improve memory complications and disorders.