Qom University of Medical Sciences Journal

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Flaxseed has been considered as an important functional food due to its high content of α-linolenic acid, lignans, and fiber. Flaxseed has health benefits, such as in reduction of cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis, neurological disorders, and autoimmunity. In the present study, the effects of flaxseed oil on memory retention, was investigated in adult male rats using passive avoidance learning task.

Methods: In this experimental study, 30 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups. The animals of control group were intact. The experimental rats intraperitonealy received flaxseed oil at doses of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2ml/kg body weight. Twenty-four hours after training, memory retention was evaluated using passive avoidance learning task. The step-through latency and time in dark compartment was measured. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Dunett statistical tests. The level of significance was considered p<0.05.

Results: Post-training treatment with flaxseed oil (at doses of 1.5 and 2ml/kg body weight) significantly increased the step-through latency time and significantly decreased the time in the dark compartment compared to the control group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The results of this study showed that flaxseed oil significantly improves the retention memory process.

Keywords: Linseed oil; Memory; Rats.