Effect of natural antioxidant extracts on mood, memory and learning in adult stressed mice.

Abstract

This study aims to explore the neuroprotective effects of natural plant extracts rich in antioxidants on behavioral and cognitive functions (mood, learning, memory) in adult mice exposed to chronic stress, used as a model to simulate stress-related disorders in humans. Three plants known for their physiological and biochemical properties were selected: Aristolochia clematitis, Rosmarinus officinalis L., and Ephedra alata.Various extracts were prepared and administered at different doses, and the mice were subjected to a chronic stress behavioral model. Behavioral and cognitive performance was assessed through five standardized tests: Open Field Test, Elevated Plus Maze, Forced Swim Test, Morris Water Maze, and Novel Object Recognition Test. Based on the behavioral results obtained in mice , the study revealed a significant variation in the effectiveness of the plant extracts (AC, RO, EA) in alleviating stress-related disorders. Aristolochia clematitis extract at 200 mg/kg (AC200) showed overall superiority, recording the highest values in the Open Field Test (56.3 seconds) and the Elevated Plus Maze (44.5%), indicating notable anxiolytic properties. It also showed performance close to the control group in the Forced Swim Test (63.3 seconds) and Morris Water Maze (3 seconds), supporting its potential role as an antidepressant and spatial memory enhancer. These findings make it one of the most promising extracts, warranting further studies to confirm its efficacy and safety. In contrast, Ephedra alata extract at 100 mg/kg (EA100) showed the weakest performance, with increased anxiety indicators (12 seconds in the Open Field Test).Meanwhile, Rosmarinus officinalis extract at 200 mg/kg (RO200) demonstrated promising anxiolytic activity (53.3 seconds, 36.6%), positioning it as a potential candidate for supporting psychological and cognitive balance.