Effects of aqueous extract of myrmecodia platytyrea on non-spatial memory in mice using object recognition test / Siti Hasyimah Jusoh

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease that induces memory impairment and dementia in the elderly. Pathologically AD is characterized by increased levels of the amyloid-B (AP) peptide and hyperphosphorylated tau protein (p­ tau). It occurs in part due to oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation, normally associated with aging. OS is caused by unbalanced overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can induce neuronal damage and finally, leading to neuronal death by apoptosis or necrosis. The extract of Myrmecodia platytyrea has been used n traditionally in Asia for treatment of diarrhea, headaches, swelling, and hemorrhoids. Previous studies have shown that the extracts have potent antioxidant activity. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate the effects of Myrmecodia platytyrea oil non-spatial memory in Swiss mice using object recognition test. Mice were force-fed with 500mg/kg of Myrmecodia platytyrea throughout the duration of the study (21 days). D-galactose (150mg/kg) was used as negative control to mimic some characters of cognitive impairment and oxidative damage. The study showed that the group treated with D-galactose + Myrmecodia platytyrea was able to discriminate the novel from familiar objects.