Effect of Tribulus Terrestris on Learning And Memory in Wistar Rats

Objectives: The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of fruits of Tribulus terrestris on learning and memory in rodents. Materials and methods: Thirty wistar rats were divided in 5 groups of 6 rats each. Baseline values for the time taken to reach reward chamber (TRC) in the Hebb William Maze and transfer latency (TL) in the T-maze were recorded on Day 1. Mean of 5 sessions was calculated for each rat. Group I was normal control, group II piracetam standard, group III, IV and V received Tribulus terrestris orally at 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg respectively for 14 days. At the end of 14 days, each rat was tested for TRC and TL and compared with the control group. Results: Group IV showed a significant decrease in TRC when compared to group I in Hebb William Maze (p<0.0001). Group IV also showed a significant decrease in TL when compared to group I in T-maze (p<0.0001). Group III showed a significant decrease in TL when compared to group I in the T-maze (p=0.035), however there was no decrease in TRC in this group. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of fruits of Tribulus terrestris showed a dose dependent beneficial effect in learning and memory models in rats, with 200mg/kg being most beneficial.

Key words: Hebb William Maze, Learning, Memory, T Maze, Tribulus terrestris