The effect of olibanum on the rats with memory deficit induced by scopolamine.

Background: Oxidative stress is an important contributor to Alzheimer's disease. Olibanum has therapeutic effects on various diseases. The effect of Olibanum on memory deficit induced by scopolamine (Sco) was challenged.

Methods: Four groups were considered as (1) control (2) Sco, (3-4) Sco - Olib 100 and 200 mg/kg. Treatment by Olib or vehicle was done for two weeks. The third week was accompanied by the Morris water maze (MWM) and passive avoidance (PA) with Sco injection. On the last day, the brain and hippocampus were used for evaluation of the malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and a total thiol group.

Results: Sco increased the traveled time and distance to reach the hidden platform during five days of learning (p<0.01 - p<0.001) whereas it decreased the traveled time and distance (p<0.05- p<0.01) in the target area during the probe test of MWM. Sco also decreased delay time in the PA test (P<0.05 - P<0.001). Sco also decreased CAT, SOD, and thiol, whereas it, increased MDA in both the cortex and hippocampus (p<0.01 - p<0.001). Olib attenuated the impaired performance of the rats induced by Sco in MWM and PA tests. Olib reversed the increasing effects of Sco on MDA in both cortex and hippocampus and also reversed the attenuating effects of Sco on CAT, SOD, and thiol.

Conclusion: Olib had an inhibitory effect on memory deficit induced by Sco probably through its anti-oxidant property.