Enhancing Spatial Memory Effects of Black Seed, Frankincense, and Ginger Extracts Using Albino Mice

Over the years, there has been an escalating interest in the use of herbal medicine worldwide. The use of traditional medicine has provided valuable formulas on the selection, preparation and application of herbal remedies. In this study, the effects of ginger, frankincense, and black seed methanolic extracts, on hippocampal synaptic transmission, plasticity and spatial memory were investigated using albino mice. Five groups of mice (each n = 8) were used, Group I. control, received 1% Tween 80; Group II, control received gum acacia 5%; Group III, received black seed extract; Group IV, received frankincense extract; Group V, received ginger extract. Group VI, received the mixture extract. Sub-acute administration was applied (1, 5 and 24 hrs before scoring). The levels of glutamate and GABA were measured by using HPLC. Western blot was performed to evaluate synaptic proteins expression. The extract increased the glutamate levels without any changes in GABA levels; it also enhanced the hippocampal long-term potentiation. In addition, extracts effectively enhanced the spatial recognition memory (hippocampal-dependenttask) in mice using Y-maze test. The amelioration of LTP and spatial memory in mice caused by extracts treatment was accompanied by improvement in AMPA -mediated synaptic transmission in the hippocampus. Interestingly, the protein levels of GluR1 AMPA subunit and NR1 NMDA subunit expressions were significantly increased in mice hippocampus. Memory enhancing is combined with increased glutamate level. These results provide a support for the potential therapy of ginger, frankincense, and black seed extracts for enhancing cognition.