<i>Ruta graveolens</i> and rutin, as its major compound: investigating their effect on spatial memory and passive avoidance memory in rats

Abstract

<b>Context:</b> There are numerous pharmacological activities for <i>Ruta graveolens</i> and its bioactive constituent, rutin, on learning and memory.<b>Objective:</b> This study aimed to examine the effect of <i>R. graveolens</i> and rutin on memory in rats.<b>Materials and methods:</b> In this study animals were treated with the hydroalcholic extract of <i>R. graveolens</i> and rutin by IP injection for 10 days. Behavioural and biochemical tests as well as HPLC analysis and antioxidant activity of extract have been evaluated.<b>Results:</b> <i>R. graveolens</i> extract and rutin significantly increased learning and improved spatial memory, as well as secondary latency; moreover, there were significant increases in the serum and brain antioxidant capacity as well as the level of TBARS in serum and brain tissues. Results also showed that <i>R. graveolens</i> has significant DPPH radical scavenging effect (IC₅₀: 159.17 ± 1.56 μg/mL). The HPLC analysis of extract showed that caffeic acid (19.92 ± 0.01), rutin (40.15 ± 0.01), and apigenin (0.84 ± 0.01) mg/g of dry extract are the main components of the extract.<b>Discussion and conclusion:</b> Regarding the effects of <i>R</i>. <i>graveolens</i> extract and rutin on animal brain cells, memory function, and learning, additional studies, including clinical trials, might be beneficial in producing natural supplementary drugs from this herb.