Comparison the Effects of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. Seed and Cordia myxa Fruit Extracts on Diabetes- Induced Memory Impairment in Rats

Introduction: Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Fenugreek) seeds and Cordia myxa fruits have been known as agents with anti-diabetes effects in Iranian traditional medicine. We compared the effects of aqueous extracts of these plants on diabetes-induced cognitive dysfunction. Methods: In our study, rats were equally allocated to 4 groups (n = 12/group) as follows: control; diabetic; diabetic rats treated with T. foenum graecum seeds extract (TE) (870 mg/kg BW); and diabetic rats treated with C. myxa fruit extract (CE) (500 mg/kg BW) for 30 days. Diabetes was induced by alloxan (120 mg/kg BW, ip). Cognitive dysfunction was determined through memory task and passive avoidance learning (PAL). Results: Diabetes resulted in cognitive impairment in PAL and memory task. CE and TE significantly reduced serum blood sugar (P < 0.05) and brain lipid peroxidation (P < 0.001). Moreover, treatment with both extracts prohibited learning and memory deficits in diabetic groups in comparison to the non-treated group; however, there was no significant difference between the groups that were treated with TE or CE. Conclusion: Aqueous extract of fenugreek seeds and C. myxa are effective in preventing diabetesinduced lipid peroxidation and memory loss in animal models of diabetes.