PRO-CHOLINERGIC, HYPO-CHOLESTEROLEMIC AND MEMORY IMPROVING EFFECTS OF CLOVE

Abstract

Clove is found to possess useful medicinal properties, such as anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and anti-oxidant. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of Syzygium aromaticum (Clove) on cognitive functions in mice. Clove powder was administered orally along with diet in three doses (400, 800, 1600mg/kg) for seven successive days. 250 Swiss young mice divided in 50 groups and 100 aged mice divided in 20 groups were employed in the present study. The learning and memory parameters were assessed using elevated plus maze, passive avoidance apparatus and Hebb-Williams maze. Clove showed significant improvement in the memory of young and aged animals as reflected by decreased TL as well as TRC and increased SDL values. It also reversed the amnesia caused by ethanol (1.0 g/kg, i.p.) and diazepam (1mg/kg, i.p.). Furthermore, Clove reduced significantly the brain cholinesterase activity in young mice by 50.5 % and aged mice by 21.25 % at the dose of 800 mg/kg. Clove also showed remarkable reduction to the extent of 33% and 66.32 % in the total cholesterol levels of young and aged mice at the dose of 800 mg/kg. Diminished cholinergic transmission and high cholesterol levels appear to be responsible for the development of dementia in Alzheimer patients. Since Clove powder enhanced Ach levels and lowered cholesterol levels in the present study; it appears to be a promising candidate for improving memory. Thus it would be worthwhile to explore the potential of this spice (Clove) clinically in the management of Alzheimer’s disease.