Ameliorating effects of the Gastrodia elata on scopolamine‐induced amnesia in rats

Abstract

We attempted to investigate the effects of GE on scopolamine‐induced amnesia in rats using water maze test. Wistar rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups. Each group received 100, 500, or 1,000 mg/kg of the GE or cellulose daily for two week. After one week, scopolamine (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered 30 min daily before water maze test. The latency to find the platform was obtained in acquisition trial and working memory task and total time spent in the previous target quadrant was analyzed in probe trial. The control group administered cellulose for 1 week and scopolamine 30 min before water maze test showed significant increases in latency time in both acquisition trial and working memory task and time spent in the previous target quadrant in probe trial. The GE group treated with GE 500 mg/kg for 1 week and scopolamine 30 min before water maze test demonstrated significantly less latency time in acquisition trial compared to the control group. No significant differences were found in latency time in working memory task and total time spent in the previous target quadrant in probe trial. Our results suggest that GE may have ameliorating effects on the scopolamine induced amnesia in rats. Further studies need to be pursued to investigate long‐term effects of GE.