Effect of sesame oil consumption on the passive avoidance memory of rat offspring during pregnancy

Previous studies have shown that sesame oil affects memory and learning. In the present work, effect of a diet containing 10% sesame oil used during pregnancy was evaluated on short-term passive avoidance learning of offspring rats by Shuttle box.

Female Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups (n = 9 each group). Control group consumed regular diet during pregnancy and the treatment group received a diet containing 10% sesame oil. Male and female offspring were examined on the 30th day of their ages.

Passive avoidance learning of offsprings that their mother received sesame oil during pregnancy was significantly increased in comparison to the control group.

The results show that consumption of a diet containing 10% sesamin oil during pregnancy significantly increases short -term passive avoidance learning of offspring.