Effect of Zingiber Officinale (Ginger Rhizomes) Hydroethanolic Extract on Hyoscine-Induced Memory Impairment in Adult Male Rats

Background: The spice Zingiber officinale or ginger possesses antioxidant activity and
neuroprotective effects. In this study we hypothesized that treatment with hydroethanolic
extract of ginger (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o) would effect on the hyoscine-induced memory
impairment in rats.
Methods: In this experimental study 64 male Wistar rats were divided into eight groups (8 rats
in each group): normal saline, hyoscine (1 mg/kg), ginger extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg),
or hyoscine (1 mg/kg) plus ginger extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg). Memory impairment was
induced by a single injection of hyoscine (1 mg/kg, i.p). Cognitive functions were evaluated
using passive avoidance learning (PAL) task. Retention test was carried out 24 h after training,
and the latency of entering the dark compartment [step-through latency (STL)] and the total
time in the dark compartment (TDC) were recorded. All statistical analysis was carried out at
5% level of significance using SPSS version 21. The data were analyzed by ANOVA followed
by Tukey’s test.
Results: The time latency in hyoscine-treated group was lower than control (133.87±14.60
vs. 242.12±10.58; p<0.001, respectively). Treatment of the animals by 100 and 200 mg/kg of
ginger extract before the training trial increased the time latency at 24 h after the training trial
(277±4.67 and 280.37±7.68; p<0.01, respectively). Administration of both 100 and 200 mg/kg
doses of the extract in hyoscine received animal groups before retention trials also increased
the time latency than the hyoscine-treated groups (247.37±7.62 and 271.87±9.11; p<0.001,
respectively).
Conclusion: The results revealed that the ginger hydroethanolic extract attenuated hyoscineinduced