Objectives
- To study the effect of graded doses of Flaxseed on learning and memory
- To study the possible toxic effects.
- To determine the effect of Flax seeds on brain acetyl cholinesterase,
Oxidative stress markers and on brain antioxidant enzyme level.
Method
30 Male Wistar Albino rats were divided into 3 groups of 10 each
Group1-Control group, Group2- Scopolamine group (positive control for learning &memory) Group 3- Scopolamine group pre treated with Flaxseed. Flaxseed was given orally in the graded doses of 20%, 40%,60%,80% in rat chow diet over a period of 40weeks. Scopolamine which induces transient amnesia was given in the dose of 1 mg /kg IP.
Neuro behavioural tests were done using Pole climbing apparatus, Swim test apparatus, elevated plus Maze and Water Maze at the end of 6weeks,10weeks,14weeks,18weeks.22weeks,26weeks,30weeks,36weeks and 40weeks. Animals were sacrificed at the end of study and sent for histopathological examination and biochemical estimations. Euthanasia was done using Sodium pentothal overdose 100-200mg IP. Approval from Institutional Animal Ethical Committee (IAEC) was taken before starting the study.
The data collected were analyzed using ANOVA, test of significance.
Results
Neurobehavioral tests showed significant improvement in learning and memory of the rats and histopathological examination revealed a significant protection of organs like Liver, Kidney and Brain by Flaxseed. The biochemical estimations of this study confirmed the effects of Flaxseed on scopolamine induced oxidative stress.
Conclusion
Flaxseed can be taken as the food supplement of choice to improve learning and memory in Alzheimer’s patients.
Keywords: Linum usitatissimum; Learning; Memory; Scopolamine; Antioxidant.
