Effect of Calendula extract on learning in diabetic rats.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Effect of Calendula officinalis hydroalcoholic extract on passive avoidance learning and memory in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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Shirin Moradkhani, Iraj Salehi, Somayeh Abdolmaleki, Alireza Komaki
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Effect of Calendula officinalis hydroalcoholic extract on passive avoidance learning and memory in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Year: 2015
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Diabetes mellitus is associated with cognitive impairments due to metabolic abnormalities affecting brain function. Medicinal plants have garnered attention for their potential to improve learning and memory impairments, particularly due to their antioxidant properties. This study investigates the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Calendula officinalis (CO), known for its various medicinal benefits, on passive avoidance learning and memory in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The study aims to demonstrate the therapeutic potential of CO in alleviating cognitive deficits linked to diabetes.
Impact of Calendula officinalis on Learning and Memory
The findings indicate that diabetes negatively influences both learning and memory functions, evidenced by decreased step-through latency (STLr) and increased time spent in the dark compartment during retention tests. In contrast, administration of CO extract showed promising results, significantly improving retention performance in diabetic rats. The extract not only mitigated cognitive impairments but also contributed to regulating hyperglycemia and body weight. This suggests that the cognitive-enhancing effects of CO may stem from its antioxidant properties and possible cholinergic activity, positioning it as a potential natural remedy for cognitive dysfunction in diabetic patients.
Conclusion
The research concludes that Calendula officinalis extract effectively improves cognitive function in diabetic rats, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for memory and learning impairments associated with diabetes. With rising interest in phytotherapy, CO offers a promising alternative for managing cognitive deficits linked to this chronic condition, owing to its accessibility and multifaceted health benefits. The study underscores the significance of further exploration into plant-based treatments for diabetes-related complications.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the purpose of the study on Calendula officinalis?
The study aims to examine the effect of Calendula officinalis hydroalcoholic extract on passive avoidance learning and memory in diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin.
How was diabetes induced in the rats used in the study?
Diabetes was induced in the rats using a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin at a dosage of 60 mg/kg.
What were the results of administering Calendula officinalis extract?
Results showed that Calendula officinalis extract improved learning and memory in diabetic rats, reducing hyperglycemia and partially restoring body weight.
What are the potential benefits of Calendula officinalis extract?
The extract may provide antioxidant and anticholinergic effects, helping to mitigate cognitive impairment associated with diabetes and improve memory retention.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Effect of Calendula extract on learning in diabetic rats.��. 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) Science (Scientific):
Science refers to the systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe. In the context of the article, the scientific study of medicinal plants, specifically Calendula officinalis, investigates its effects on learning and memory impairments linked to diabetes. Research in this field enhances understanding of natural remedies and their pharmacological properties.
2) Blood:
Blood is the bodily fluid responsible for transporting nutrients, oxygen, and waste products throughout the body. In the context of diabetes and the study, plasma glucose levels—measured in blood samples—are crucial for understanding the effects of Calendula officinalis extract on diabetic rats, linking metabolic conditions to cognitive impairments.
3) Flavonoid:
Flavonoid is a class of polyphenolic compounds found in many plants, renowned for their antioxidant properties. The research highlights flavonoids in Calendula officinalis as contributors to its neuroprotective effects, potentially mitigating oxidative stress in diabetic rats. Their role in enhancing cognitive functions is significant within herbal medicine studies.
4) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. The article discusses the impact of natural compounds from Calendula officinalis on diabetic-related cognitive impairment. This research contributes to the growing field of herbal medicine, exploring traditional remedies and their clinical relevance in managing modern health issues.
5) Activity:
Activity in this context refers to the biological functions or effects of compounds like those found in Calendula officinalis. The study demonstrates the activity of hydroalcoholic extracts in improving passive avoidance learning and memory in diabetic rats, providing insights into how certain plants may enhance cognitive functions through specific biochemical actions.
6) Inflammation:
Inflammation is the body's response to injury or infection that can lead to tissue damage and chronic diseases. The study notes that anti-inflammatory properties of Calendula officinalis may contribute to its efficacy in alleviating cognitive impairments, suggesting a multifaceted role of this plant in managing diabetic complications associated with oxidative stress.
7) Cancer:
Cancer refers to a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell division and growth. The discussion around Calendula officinalis includes its traditional use in treating various ailments, reflecting its potential anticancer properties, which, while not the primary focus of this study, hints at the broad spectrum of its pharmacological applications.
8) Post:
Post in this research context primarily relates to post-treatment evaluations, specifically after administering the Calendula extract. Evaluating cognitive effects post-treatment—examining retention tests 24 and 48 hours after exposure to conditions—enables researchers to ascertain the extract’s long-lasting impact on learning and memory in diabetic rats.
9) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
Accumulation refers to the build-up of substances, such as metabolites or oxidative derivatives, in the body. In the context of diabetic cognitive dysfunction, the article highlights how the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) contributes to memory impairment, indicating the importance of antioxidants in reversing these detrimental effects.
10) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the section where findings are interpreted and implications are explored. The article's discussion elaborates on the results, linking the cognitive improvements observed in diabetic rats to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Calendula officinalis, providing a deeper understanding of the extract’s potential therapeutic roles.
11) Gulmaghna:
Gulmaghna is a term used in Ayurvedic medicine and refers to the reduction of swollen glands and lumps. Mentioning this illustrates the multifaceted applications of Calendula officinalis in traditional healing practices, showcasing its diverse therapeutic properties beyond cognitive support, potentially enhancing its acceptance in herbal medicine.
12) Knowledge:
Knowledge represents the understanding of medicinal plants and their applications in health care. Through rigorous scientific study, the article expands knowledge about Calendula officinalis, emphasizing its role in traditional and modern medicine, thereby contributing to broader knowledge of diabetes management and cognitive health.
13) Substance:
Substance refers to the physical matter or active compounds derived from plants. In this context, the hydroalcoholic extract of Calendula officinalis is analyzed as a substance impacting cognitive functions in diabetic rats, highlighting the significance of examining specific substances in herbal medicine for therapeutic use.
14) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine originating from India, emphasizing natural healing practices and holistic health. The article’s reference to Ayurvedic uses of Calendula officinalis illustrates its historical context and relevance in contemporary herbal medicine. It demonstrates how traditional knowledge informs modern scientific research.
15) Training:
Training refers to the process involved in conditioning behavior, particularly in the context of the study's passive avoidance test. The training procedure for the rats assesses learning and memory capabilities, emphasizing how training paradigms are crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of treatments like Calendula extract.
16) Granthi (Gramthi):
Granthi signifies the Ayurvedic term related to the reduction of tumors. Mentioning it emphasizes the wide-ranging applications of Calendula officinalis in traditional medicine. Granthi reflects the potential of natural substances in addressing various health issues, reinforcing the need for further research in herbal compounds.
17) Stanya:
Stanya is an Ayurvedic term that correlates with wound healing. The mention of Stanya in the study illustrates the diverse traditional uses of Calendula officinalis, showcasing its multifaceted therapeutic attributes, positivity influencing its consideration in both healing contexts and modern medical applications.
18) Water:
Water in this context likely refers to the medium through which the extract is administered or as part of hydration needs for the rats. It represents the basic requirement for life and health, implicitly emphasizing the importance of proper biological conditions in experimental designs involving live subjects.
19) Diet:
Diet refers to the food and nutrition provided to the experimental rats. In this study, maintaining a regular diet is crucial for ensuring consistent health outcomes while assessing the cognitive effects of Calendula officinalis. This highlights the importance of diet in the overall health and cognitive function of the subjects.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ��Effect of Calendula extract on learning in diabetic rats.��. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Flavonoid, Traditional medicine, Antioxidant activity, Oxidative stress, Body weight, Blood glucose level, Neurodegenerative disease, Streptozotocin induced diabetes, Cholesterol diet, Wistar rat, Aerial part, Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, Calendula officinalis extract, Passive avoidance learning, Experiment duration.