Effectiveness of oral administration of peppermint and coriander extracts on cognition in Scopolamine induced rat model of amnesia

Abstract

Herbs and spices have been shown to be very effective in the management of the neurological disorders. They have neuroprotective actions that prevent the deterioration of the memory and other cognitive functions in the  eurological diseases. Peppermint (menthe x piperita, also known as M. balsamea wild) is a hybrid mint, a cross between water mint and spearmint. Peppermint consists of several medicinal components and research was testified safety of consumption of the peppermint. The study compared the memory boosting and regaining effects of oral administration of peppermint and coriander extracts. 36 male and female Wistar albino rats were assigned into three groups randomly that is control, coriander and peppermint groups, respectively. A control group (n=6) received neither peppermint nor coriander administered (milk was administered). Peppermint group (n=6) received peppermint extract. Coriander group (n=6) received coriander extract. Amnesia rat model was prepared by the administration of as intraperitoneal injection of scopolamine. The R-maze and T-maze tasks was conducted as mentioned in the literature. Mean trials of acquisition is significantly less (P<0.01) in the peppermint group. The number of mean trials of retention is significantly less (P<0.01) in the peppermint group. The mean trials for retention of the coriander group is significantly (P<0.05) less than the peppermint group. The study results support a positive impact of coriander and peppermint on cognition. The study recommends further detailed studies to support the administration of these extracts in the management of neurological diseases that deteriorates cognition.