Object recognition memory and anti-anxiety potentials of stem-bark extract of <i>Nauclea latifolia</i> (African peach), taurine and vitamin E on Albino rats exposed to water immobilisation stress

Abstract

Memory loss is a typical symptom of generalized anxiety disorder, a condition that affects millions of individuals. Memory loss with anxiety can be quite distressing, but if you can find strategies to address the anxiety, your memory may improve as well. In this study, the effects of Nauclea latifolia extract, taurine and vitamin E supplementation on object identification and stress-induced anxiety in Albino rats exposed to water immobilisation stress were investigated. 24 rats weighing between 100 and 120 grams were employed. The control group (A), received 1ml/kg pure water. Vitamin E was given to Group B at a dosage of 0.2 ml/kg. Group C received 200mg/kg taurine, while Group D received 200mg/kg Nauclea latifolia extract. For three weeks, the administration was completed. The rats were famished for 24 hours before the stress process began. The rats were sedated with chloroform vapour, and then restrained using a hardwood board (25 by 18 cm) with the four limbs fixed sideways, then dipped for two hours in water up to the xiphoid level. During the training phase, the taurine group examined the novel object the most (64.9 percent), followed by the Vitamin E group (63.90 percent), when compared to the Nauclea latifolia (52.75 percent) and the control groups (54.76 percent). The consolidation phase similarly, revealed that, taurine and Vitamin E groups explored the novel object the most (71.52 percent) and (70.05 percent) accordingly. In the anxiety model, Nauclea latifolia, taurine and vitamin E groups showed significant increase in time spent on closed arms. This study has shown that, when rats are treated to water immersion restraint stress, administration of Nauclea latifolia extract, taurine, and vitamin E, may decrease stress-induced anxiety-like behaviours. The significance of this study is that, administration of taurine, vitamin E and Nauclea latifolia extract may prevent stress-induced memory impairment.