Preventive effect of Rubus fruticosus on learning and memory impairment in an experimental model of diabetic neuropathy in male rats

• Diabetes-induced memory impairment were used as a model in this study in rats.
• Effect of Rubus fruticosus on the learning and memory was observed.
• Diabetes caused impairment in acquisition and retrieval processes in rats.
• Treatment with R. fruticosus improved learning and memory in animals.

Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder that is associated with many complications such as learning and memory deficits. Rubus fruticosus (blackberry) has been extensively used in herbal medicine. In this study we evaluated the effect of R. fruticosus (RF) extract against memory dysfunction on streptozocin (STZ) induced diabetic neuropathy. Diabetes was induced by a single injection of STZ (60 mg/kg i.p). Treatments were begun at the onset of hyperglycemia, followed by treatment with the RF extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o) for 4 weeks. Cognitive functions were evaluated using passive avoidance learning (PAL) task. Retention test was carried out 24 h after training. At the end of experiment, animals were weighted and blood samples were taken for plasma glucose measurement. Diabetes caused impairment in acquisition and retrieval processes of PAL and memory in rats. RF treatment improved learning and memory in non-diabetic rats and reversed learning and memory deficits in diabetic rats. RF administration also partially improved the body weight loss and hyperglycemia of diabetics. These results show that RF administration to rats for 30 days from onset of diabetes alleviated the negative influence of diabetes on learning and memory.

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