The effects of rutin on memory retrieval in normal rats

Abstract

Introduction

Various synthetic derivatives of natural flavonoids are known to have neuroactive properties.

Objectives

It has been reported that rutin (3, 3’, 4’, 5, 7-pentahydroxy flavone-3-rhamnoglucoside) has several pharmacological properties and it was found to be a neuroprotective agent.

Aims

To investigate the effects of rutin, a flavonoid that is an important dietary constituent of foods and plant-based beverages, on memory retrieval in rats.

Methods

We assessed the effect of rutin on memory retrieval using a step- through passive avoidance task. Control (saline, 0.1 ml/100 g body weight) and rutin (5, 10, and 100 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) one week before the start of training. Three retention tests were performed to assess memory in rats.

Results

Rutin (10 mg/kg) significantly increased the step-through latency of the passive avoidance response compared to the control in the three retention tests of the passive avoidance paradigm. These results indicate that rutin has a potential role in enhancing memory retrieval.

Conclusions

It is possible that rutin acts by several mechanisms, mediating a potential role in memory retrieval in rats. This result supports the potential beneficial effects of rutin as a dietary supplement on memory retrieval in a passive avoidance task.