Effect of methanolic extract of Triticum aestivum (Wheat grass) on learning and memory in mice

Abstract

Objectives: To study the effects of methanolic extract of Triticum aestivum (META) supplementation on normal
memory function and scopolamine-induced impaired memory in mice. Methods: The gum acacia suspension
of META was administered by gavage at the dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg orally once daily in mice for 30 days
to evaluate memory-enhancing potential on normal and scopolamine-induced impaired memory in albino mice.
Escape latency (EL) in the Morris water maze (MWM) and transfer latency (TL) in the elevated plus maze
(EPM) were recorded respectively. Mice were given four trial sessions per day to locate the platform for 6 days
in the MWM model. Scopolamine 1 mg/kg was injected i.p. on the 30th day to produce memory impairment in
mice. Results: META suspension at the dose of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg showed a significant (P < 0.05) dosedependent
reduction of mean EL and TL as compared to the control group in normal mice. META suspension at
the dose of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg with scopolamine 1 mg/kg showed significant (P < 0.05) dose dependent
reduction of EL and TL as compared to negative control group in impaired memory mice. Mean EL and TL
reduction at the dose of 400 mg/kg was comparable (P > 0.05) to that of the standard nootropic agent Piracetam
at the dose of 200 mg/kg in normal and scopolamine-treated mice. META at the dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg
showed a better memory-enhancing effect in normal mice than in impaired memory mice using MWM and EPM
models. Conclusion: The study revealed that the chronic administration of META exhibited significant learning
and memory-enhancing activity in the normal as well as the scopolamine-treated impaired memory mice.