Pomegranate Seed Extract Improves Memory Deficits from Ischemia
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Improving Active and Passive Avoidance Memories Deficits Due to Permanent Cerebral Ischemia by Pomegranate Seed Extract in Female Rats
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Alireza Sarkaki, Moslem Rezaiei, MohammadKazem Gharib naseri, Maryam Rafieirad
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Improving Active and Passive Avoidance Memories Deficits Due to Permanent Cerebral Ischemia by Pomegranate Seed Extract in Female Rats
Year: 2013
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Cerebral ischemia is a condition resulting from a decrease in blood flow to the brain and can lead to significant neuropsychological impairments. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of pomegranate seed extract (PGSE) in alleviating memory deficits caused by permanent cerebral ischemia in adult female rats. The research explores the impact of two weeks of oral administration of PGSE on both active and passive avoidance memory. The study aims to establish a relationship between PGSE's antioxidant properties and its ability to mitigate cognitive impairments resulting from cerebral ischemia induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (2CCAO).
Antioxidative Properties of Pomegranate Seed Extract
The findings reveal that PGSE treatment significantly improved both active and passive avoidance memories in rats subjected to cerebral ischemia. Following the induction of cerebral hypoxia-ischemia (CHI), memory impairments were notably severe; however, administration of PGSE at doses of 100 mg/kg and higher improved memory evaluations significantly, with the optimal effects observed at 400 mg/kg. No toxicity was reported even at the highest doses, suggesting a favorable safety profile for PGSE. The study emphasizes the importance of antioxidative mechanisms in the brain, particularly how reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to neurodegeneration during ischemic episodes. These mechanisms potentially position PGSE as a beneficial intervention for cognitive deficiencies related to ischemic conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, PGSE demonstrates a promising therapeutic potential for improving memory deficits associated with cerebral ischemia in female rats. The observed enhancements in memory functions are likely linked to the antioxidative and neuroprotective properties of the bioactive compounds within PGSE. Further investigation into the detailed mechanisms by which PGSE exerts its protective effects on cognition is warranted. Overall, this study highlights the potential of utilizing natural extracts like pomegranate seed in addressing neurological impairments following ischemic events.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the aim of the study on pomegranate seed extract?
The study aimed to evaluate the effects of two weeks of oral pomegranate seed extract administration on active and passive avoidance memories after inducing permanent cerebral ischemia in adult female rats using bilateral common carotid artery occlusion.
How were the rats in the study grouped?
Seventy adult female Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups: one sham-operated group, one ischemic group, and four ischemic groups that received varying doses of pomegranate seed extract, with one group receiving a vehicle.
What were the results regarding memory impairment after ischemia?
Both active and passive avoidance memories were significantly impaired in the ischemic rats compared to sham-operated controls, but treatment with pomegranate seed extract significantly improved memory impairments in a dose-dependent manner.
Was any toxicity observed from high doses of pomegranate seed extract?
No toxicity was observed, even with the high dose of pomegranate seed extract at 800 mg/kg for 14 days, suggesting its safety in this experimental setup.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Pomegranate Seed Extract Improves Memory Deficits from Ischemia”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Pomegranate:
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a fruit known for its antioxidant properties and potential health benefits, including its role in improving memory functions in studies involving ischemic conditions. Its beneficial constituents contribute to various health-related studies in science and medicine.
2) Activity:
Activity refers to the physiological and behavioral responses in animals, such as those observed in the study of pomegranate's effects on memory and learning. In the context of research, measuring the activity is crucial for determining the efficacy of substances like pomegranate extract.
3) Animal:
Animal studies, particularly using species such as Wistar rats, are often performed to understand the effects of substances like pomegranate seed extract on learning and memory. Animal models provide insights into human diseases and help gauge the impact of dietary components.
4) Food:
Food, particularly functional foods like pomegranate, plays an essential role in health and disease prevention. Pomegranate is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, making it a subject of interest for studies aimed at exploring dietary impacts on cognitive functions.
5) Sam (Sham):
Sham refers to the control group in scientific studies, where animals undergo similar procedures but without the actual treatment. This helps in contrasting the effects of the treatment, such as the pomegranate extract's impact on cognitive function after ischemia.
6) Death:
Death can be a significant endpoint in cerebral ischemia studies, where researchers evaluate neuronal cell death in the brain. Understanding how pomegranate extract may mitigate cell death contributes to its potential therapeutic applications in neurological diseases.
7) Learning:
Learning is a central theme in the research, as the study investigates how pomegranate seed extract can improve memory and learning capabilities in rats. Tests such as avoiding dark compartments measure learning efficacy.
8) Study (Studying):
The study examines the effects of pomegranate seed extract on memory and learning deficiencies induced by hypoxia-ischemia. Through structured protocols, researchers aim to draw conclusions about the therapeutic potential of pomegranate for cognitive impairments.
9) Disease:
Disease, particularly neurological disorders like ischemic strokes and their associated memory deficits, is the primary focus of this research. Pomegranate is explored as a potential remedy, emphasizing the importance of nutritional interventions in disease management.
10) Cancer:
Cancer, including the potential anti-carcinogenic properties of pomegranate extract, is referenced in the broader context of health benefits. The antioxidant properties of pomegranate are studied concerning their implications in preventing or treating certain types of cancer.
11) Post:
Post refers to the time after an intervention or treatment. Here, it describes the period post-surgery where memory and behavioral functions are assessed in treated rats, indicating the lasting effects of pomegranate administration.
12) Punica granatum:
Punica granatum, the scientific name for pomegranate, is renowned for its health benefits and is specifically examined for its neuroprotective effects in studies related to ischemic brain injuries and cognitive dysfunction.
13) Cage:
Cage refers to the standard housing environment for the rats used in studies, allowing for controlled light, temperature, and feeding conditions. This environment is crucial for reliable measurements of learning and behavior post-treatment.
14) Flavonoid:
Flavonoid compounds found in pomegranate possess antioxidant properties that may contribute to cognitive benefits. Understanding the role of flavonoids in neuroprotection informs dietary recommendations for brain health.
15) Science (Scientific):
Science encompasses the systematic study of pomegranate's effects in lab settings to understand its physiological impacts on health. Research in this area contributes to advancing knowledge in neurology and nutrition.
16) Toxicity:
Toxicity evaluations assess the safety of pomegranate extract when administered to rats. Understanding the absence of toxicity at various doses suggests that pomegranate may be a safe dietary supplement for improving cognitive health.
17) Blood:
Blood flow and its relation to cerebral ischemia are crucial considerations in understanding the pomegranate extract's neuroprotective effects. Maintaining adequate blood circulation is vital for preventing cell death in brain tissue.
18) Fire:
[see source text or glossary: fire]
19) Measurement:
Measurement techniques, such as latency times in avoidance tasks, are vital for assessing the cognitive impact of treatments in animal studies. Accuracy in measurement ensures the reliability of the findings related to memory improvements.
20) Substance:
Substance refers to the pomegranate seed extract in this research context, which is evaluated for its effectiveness in mitigating cognitive impairments induced by ischemia in rat subjects.
21) Training:
Training involves exposing rats to specific tasks to assess learning and memory. This structured training is vital for assessing the efficacy of treatments like pomegranate extract in enhancing cognitive abilities.
22) Table:
[see source text or glossary: table]
23) Line:
[see source text or glossary: line]
24) Hand:
[see source text or glossary: hand]
25) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals, including those in pomegranate, are essential in understanding how dietary compounds can influence health, particularly in relation to inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain.
26) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
Accumulation of oxidative damage is an important aspect studied in the context of brain health. Pomegranate's role in reducing oxidative stress might help in lowering the risk of neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline.
27) Observation:
Observation of behavioral changes in animal models post-treatment is essential for correlating the effects of pomegranate seed extract with cognitive improvements, providing insights into potential therapeutic avenues.
28) Discussion:
Discussion within the study analyzes the implications of the findings, focusing on how pomegranate extract may serve as a functional food for neuroprotection and cognitive enhancement in ischemic environments.
29) Toxicology:
Toxicology assessments in the study determine the safety profile of pomegranate extracts, ensuring that therapeutic doses do not produce adverse effects, thereby supporting its use in cognitive health applications.
30) Depression:
[see source text or glossary: depression]
31) Suffering:
Suffering refers to the distress observed in animals due to induced ischemic conditions. The study aims to find ways through which pomegranate can potentially alleviate this suffering by improving cognitive functions.
32) Entering:
Entering tasks in behavioral studies measure the efficacy of learning and memory in rats; the avoidance protocols specifically test their ability to remember and avoid harmful stimuli post-treatment with pomegranate extract.
33) Quality:
Quality of life considerations stem from cognitive health. Understanding how dietary components like pomegranate can enhance cognitive functions may significantly impact the quality of life, especially after ischemic injuries.
34) Species:
Species refer to the specific type of rats used in the study (Wistar strain), which serve as models for understanding the effects of pomegranate on memory and neurological health.
35) Falling:
Falling incidents during the behavioral tasks are recorded to assess motor and cognitive functions. Pomegranate's effect on reducing such incidents could reflect an improvement in overall neurological health.
36) Chanda (Chamda):
[see source text or glossary: Chanda]
37) Mandal:
[see source text or glossary: Mandal]
38) Indian:
Indian researchers have contributed to the study of pomegranate, emphasizing its potential health benefits based on traditional knowledge and recent scientific findings.
39) Kumar:
[see source text or glossary: Kumar]
40) Mahut:
[see source text or glossary: Mahut]
41) Chang:
[see source text or glossary: Chang]
42) Pandu (Pamdu, Pamde):
[see source text or glossary: Pande]
43) Nagel:
[see source text or glossary: Nagel]
44) Tati:
[see source text or glossary: Taati]
45) Rana:
[see source text or glossary: Rana]
46) Beta:
[see source text or glossary: beta]
47) Chun:
[see source text or glossary: Chun]
48) Wall:
[see source text or glossary: wall]
49) Worm:
[see source text or glossary: worm]
50) Coma:
The study references coma as a state resulting from severe ischemic injuries, highlighting the importance of researching potential treatments like pomegranate extract to mitigate long-term cognitive deficits.
51) Drug:
Drug interactions and potential therapeutic effects of pomegranate as a natural drug are evaluated, considering its constituents that may enhance neuronal health and cognitive functions.
52) Ter:
[see source text or glossary: ther]
53) Qian:
[see source text or glossary: Qian]
54) Embelia ribes:
[see source text or glossary: Embelia ribes]
55) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial properties of pomegranate are mentioned within the context of its various health benefits, suggesting that pomegranate could also play a role in reducing infections, which may indirectly support cognitive health.
56) Performance:
Performance is evaluated through various behavioral tasks to measure the effectiveness of pomegranate treatment on learning and memory, aiming for improvements in cognitive performance post-ischemia.
57) Language:
[see source text or glossary: language]
58) Incision:
Incision relates to the surgical procedures performed on the rats, which are crucial for inducing ischemic conditions and subsequently assessing the effects of treatments like pomegranate extract.
59) Water:
Water availability in the controlled environment for the animals is critical for ensuring their health and well-being during experiments, particularly when measuring cognitive performance in the tasks.
60) Sugar:
[see source text or glossary: sugar]
61) Vaya:
[see source text or glossary: Vaya]
62) Tree:
[see source text or glossary: tree]
63) Hind:
Hind refers to the hind limbs used during mobility assessments in the study. Evaluating movement in the hind limbs can indicate overall neurological health and impact of treatments like pomegranate.
64) Lamp:
The lamp used in behavioral testing environments helps in creating controlled light conditions, significant for tasks testing the avoidance behavior of the rats to measure learning outcomes.
65) Pur:
[see source text or glossary: poor]
66) Male:
Male subjects are referenced in context to previous studies on pomegranate's effects. The research expands to include female rats to compare cognitive responses, emphasizing gender differences in treatment efficacy.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Pomegranate Seed Extract Improves Memory Deficits from Ischemia’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
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Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.
Hi, Pomegranate fruit, Four limbs, Active memory.